Evidence of the syndrome of rapid onset end-stage renal disease (SORO-ESRD) in the acute kidney injury (AKI) literature--preventable causes of AKI and SORO-ESRD--a call for re-engineering of nephrology practice paradigms.

INTRODUCTION: We described the previously unrecognized syndrome of rapid-onset end-stage renal disease (SORO-ESRD) in 2010, in the journal Renal Failure, as distinct from the classic CKD-ESRD progression of a methodical, linear, time-dependent and predictable progression from CKD through CKD stages I-V, ending in ESRD requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT). It remains unclear to what extent this syndrome may have been identified in the past without acknowledging its uniqueness.

METHODS: We reviewed AKI reports and ascertained cases of SORO-ESRD as defined by patients with a priori stable kidney function who subsequently exhibited unanticipated and irreversible ESRD requiring RRT following new AKI episodes.

RESULTS: Fifteen AKI reports demonstrating SORO-ESRD were analyzed. The reports span most regions of the world. The 15 studies with 20 to 1095 AKI patients each, mean age 39-65 years, published between 1975 and 2010, demonstrated SORO-ESRD rates from 1% to 85% of the AKI series. AKI was caused by hypovolemia/hypotension, infections/sepsis and exposure to nephrotoxics especially radiocontrast, NSAIDs, aminoglycosides and RAAS blocking agents, ACEIs and ARBs.

DISCUSSION: Irreversible ESRD following AKI, consistent with our recent description of a new and unrecognized syndrome has been sporadically reported in the AKI literature, without a clear mandate as a syndrome, potentially distinct from the classic ESRD. The contribution of SORO-ESRD to the global ESRD pandemic, the impact of SORO-ESRD on AV-Fistula planning, any differential behavior of SORO-ESRD versus classic ESRD in terms of mortality outcomes and any predisposing factors to SORO-ESRD as advanced age and nephrotoxic exposure all call for serious research study.