Acute kidney injury is an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in a general medical ward: A retrospective study from a tertiary care centre in Indi1

Abstract

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication among hospitalized patients and is associated with increased morbidity, prolonged hospital stay, and mortality. Data from general medical wards in Indian tertiary care settings remain limited.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of AKI and evaluate whether AKI independently predicts in-hospital mortality among patients admitted to a general medical ward.
Methods: A retrospective observational study was carried out at a tertiary care facility. Fifty adult patients who were admitted between January and March of 2026 had their medical records examined. Serum creatinine trends were used to define AKI in accordance with KDIGO guidelines. Data on outcomes, clinical, laboratory, and demographics were gathered. The chi-square test, Student’s t-test, and multivariate logistic regression were among the statistical tests used.
Results: AKI occurred in 34 (68%) of the 50 patients. The average age was 58.6 ± 14.2 years. Patients with AKI had a considerably greater mortality rate than those without (26.5% vs. 12.5%, p=0.041). Hospital stays were greater for patients with AKI (8.6 ± 3.1 vs. 5.1 ± 2.4 days, p=0.003). The most frequent precipitating factor (41.2%) was sepsis. AKI continued to be an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality on multivariate analysis (adjusted OR 3.42, 95% CI 1.12–10.48, p=0.028).
Conclusion: AKI is common in general medical wards and independently predicts in-hospital mortality. Early identification and timely intervention may improve outcomes.