Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Acute on chronic kidney disease in cats: Etiology, clinical and clinicopathologic findings, prognostic markers, and outcome.
- Journal:
- Journal of veterinary internal medicine
- Year:
- 2020
- Authors:
- Chen, Hilla et al.
- Affiliation:
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
This study looked at 100 cats with a condition called acute on chronic kidney disease, which means their long-standing kidney problems suddenly got worse. Many of these cats showed signs like not eating (85%), being very tired (60%), losing weight (39%), and vomiting (27%). The reasons for their worsening condition varied, with some having blockages or infections, but in many cases, the cause was unknown. Cats that survived their hospital stay tended to stay longer in the hospital, and those with higher levels of certain blood markers had a worse chance of recovery. Overall, while many cats could be discharged, their long-term outlook remained uncertain, with survivors living an average of about 66 days after leaving the hospital.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute decompensation of CKD (ACKD) are common in cats. OBJECTIVES: To characterize the etiology, clinical and clinicopathologic findings, and the short- and long-term prognosis of feline ACKD. ANIMALS: One hundred cats with ACKD. METHODS: Retrospective study, search of medical records for cats with ACKD. RESULTS: Common clinical signs included anorexia (85%), lethargy (60%), weight loss (39%), and vomiting (27%). Suspected etiologies included ureteral obstruction (11%), renal ischemia (9%), pyelonephritis (8%), others (6%), or unknown (66%). Hospitalization duration was longer in survivors versus nonsurvivors (median = 7 days, range = 2-26 versus median = 3 days, range = 2-20, respectively, P < .001). The survival rate to discharge was 58%. Age, serum creatinine, urea, and phosphorous concentrations were higher and venous blood pH was lower in nonsurvivors. However, only serum phosphorus remained associated with the short-term outcome in the multivariable model (P = .02; 95% confidence interval = 1.03-1.39). Survivors had a median survival time of 66 days after discharge. Serum creatinine concentrations at presentation as well as at discharge were associated with long-term survival (P < .002 for both). CONCLUSIONS: The short-term prognosis of ACKD is comparable to acute kidney injury, while the long-term prognosis is guarded.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32445217/