Accidental and iatrogenic causes of acute kidney injury.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Ingestions and iatrogenic administration of drugs are all too common causes of acute kidney injury. This review will discuss these preventable causes of acute kidney injury.

RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies have examined the pathophysiology of acute kidney injury by several commonly used drugs. These studies have shown that drugs and toxins can cause acute kidney injury by altering renal hemodynamics, direct tubular injury or causing renal tubular obstruction.

SUMMARY: Knowledge of the drugs that cause acute kidney injury and how this injury is manifested can lead to improved diagnosis and treatment with the ultimate goal of prevention.