Pregnancy-related acute kidney injury (PR-AKI) is an underdiagnosed yet serious public health obstetric complication with high risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Several studies have varied reports as to its incidence since there is no validated diagnostic criteria. As of date, there is a lack in published studies on the prevalence and clinical profiles of PR-AKI in the Philippines.

To determine the prevalence of PR-AKI and investigate their clinical profiles and outcomes in a tertiary hospital.

This single-center, cross-sectional, retrospective study included all admitted patients with PR-AKI from January 2019 to December 2021. Prevalence was determined and clinical data and outcomes were obtained and analyzed through review of electronic records.

A total of 49 out of 1374 patients had PR-AKI with a prevalence of 3.57% while prevalence of AKI with underlying CKD was 0.22%. The mean age was at 30 ± 6 years and most were primigravid (51.02%). Most of the patients affected had no pre-existing comorbidities (57.14%) and no known maternal comorbidities (59.18%) prior to the admission. The top causes of PR-AKI were pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (53.06%), blood loss (24.48%) and sepsis/septic shock (22.45%) mostly occurring during the third trimester (69.39%). The mean highest creatinine level was at 1.99 ± 2.01 mg/dL. Only 18.37% had oliguria while hemodialysis was done in only 6.12%. ICU admission rates were at 26.53%. Intrauterine fetal demise was seen in 12.24% of cases. PR-AKI had a 6.12% mortality rate. However, most were discharged with normal creatinine (89.8%).

R-AKI is a serious complication with significant burden even in previously healthy individuals. Prompt diagnosis is essential for a more favorable maternal and fetal outcome as well as improvement of kidney function to baseline.