AKIutslag

AKIutslag is a term occasionally used to describe a skin eruption observed in people with acute kidney injury (AKI). The term combines AKI with the Scandinavian word utslag for eruption or rash and is not widely adopted outside a limited number of case reports and regional publications.

Definition and presentation are not uniform. In reported cases, AKIutslag refers to dermatologic manifestations that occur during an AKI episode and may range from mild erythema to more conspicuous lesions. Some accounts describe itching (pruritus) or vesicular lesions, but the clinical picture is heterogeneous.

Etiology and pathophysiology are not well understood. Possible factors include adverse reactions to drugs used in AKI treatment, accumulation of toxins, and systemic inflammatory responses associated with critical illness. Because AKI patients often receive multiple medications, distinguishing AKIutslag from a drug eruption or infectious rash can be difficult.

Diagnosis relies on clinical correlation: onset with AKI, exclusion of alternative causes, and observation of improvement with management of the kidney injury or drug changes. Skin biopsy may be employed in uncertain cases to aid diagnosis.

Management emphasizes treating the underlying AKI, reviewing medications, and providing standard dermatologic care (for example, moisturizers or topical steroids as appropriate). In many cases, the eruption resolves as renal function improves or after the withdrawal of the causative agent.

Prognosis varies and depends on the course of AKI and the ability to identify and modify contributing factors.

See also: acute kidney injury; drug eruption; uremic pruritus.