Prevalence of Acute Kidney Injury(AKI) Using Rifle Criteria in Patients with Acute Diarrhea

Abstract

Objective: The study will be used to identify the prevalence of AKI in acute diarrhea patients through the RIFLE criteria and the most significant risk factors, such as dehydration and diarrhea duration.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Medicine Department, Bolan Medical Complex Hospital Quetta from August 2025 to October 2025.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in a tertiary care hospital, which used 100 patients diagnosed with acute diarrhea. The criteria used for inclusion were patients aged 18 years and older, with diarrhea not exceeding 7 days. The eligibility criteria included exclusion criteria of pre-existing renal and chronic kidney disease. The following data were collected: patient demographics, clinical history, and laboratory results. Renal functioning was measured with the help of the RIFLE criteria, which evaluated the level of loss of kidney function through the level of urine output and serum creatinine level. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyze statistical data and determine the relationship between variables, such as dehydration, duration of diarrhea, and AKI.

Results: The study included 100 patients, with a mean age of 38.6 years (SD = 15.2). Among the patients, 58% were male and 42% female. The prevalence of AKI based on the RIFLE criteria was as follows: Risk (R): 12% (12 patients) Injury (I): 6% (6 patients) Failure (F): 2% (2 patients)Loss (L): 0.5% (1 patient)End-stage kidney disease (ESKD): None significant association was found between dehydration and AKI severity (p = 0.02), and patients with diarrhea lasting over 72 hours had a higher risk of developing AKI (p = 0.03). Severe dehydration was particularly prevalent among older patients. Mean serum creatinine levels for patients in the "Risk" stage were 1.2mg/dL (p = 0.04), and 1.9 mg/dL for "Injury" patients (p = 0.03).

Conclusion: The paper draws attention to the fact that AKI is very common among patients who have acute diarrhea, dehydration, and protracted diarrhea, which are found to be key risk factors. The RIFLE criteria are used to detect and intervene early, enhancing patient outcomes.