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The following is a summary of “Predictive value of renal vascular resistance index and serum biomarkers for sepsis-associated acute kidney injury: a retrospective study,” published in the April 2025 issue of BMC Nephrology by Huang et al. 

Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) is a critical condition requiring early detection and intervention. Identifying predictive markers is essential for improving patient outcomes. 

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the predictive value of renal vascular resistance index and serum biomarkers in sepsis-associated AKI.  

They separated 108 patients diagnosed with sepsis into 2 groups—AKI and non-AKI—based on kidney disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters were collected, including renal resistive index, serum biomarkers, disease severity scores, and clinical outcomes. Statistical analyses, including t-tests, correlation analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and joint model construction, were conducted to evaluate predictive values. 

The results showed that the AKI group had higher APACHE II and SOFA scores compared to the non-AKI group. Renal resistive index, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin were elevated in the AKI group. Correlation analysis revealed significant associations between renal vascular resistance index, serum biomarkers, and clinical severity scores. ROC analysis showed moderate diagnostic performance for Renal Resistive Index (AUC = 0.667), C-reactive Protein (CRP, AUC = 0.665), Platelet Count (AUC = 0.666), and Prothrombin Time (AUC = 0.669). A joint predictive model demonstrated robust accuracy with an AUC of 0.780. 

Investigators highlighted the potential of integrating renal vascular parameters and serum biomarkers for clinical risk stratification and early intervention in sepsis-associated AKI. 

Source: bmcnephrol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12882-025-04131-1