Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the sudden onset of kidney failure or kidney damage that happens within a few hours or days.
AKI causes a build-up of waste products in the blood making it hard for the kidneys to keep the right balance of fluid in the body.
AKI can affect other organs such as the brain, heart, and lungs. Acute kidney injury is common in older patients and who are in intensive care units.
Across the kidney care community, there are individuals whose work consistently sets standards — advancing research, strengthening education, and leading clinical innovation. These are people whose expertise is trusted, whose leadership shapes practice, and whose contributions extend well beyond their own institutions. Formal recognition does not always keep pace with the scale or reach of this...
A recent Kidney International® editorial showcases the ISN-Global Kidney Health Atlas (ISN-GKHA) Interactive Map, an open-access tool that enables clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and advocates to identify gaps and target areas where kidney care improvements are most needed. Read the full paper in Kidney International® Consolidating data from the 2019 and 2023 ISN-GKHA surveys, the map: Compares kidney care capacity between countries and regions Tracks trends and measures progress over time Visualizes key indicators like workforce, infrastructure, and policies Provides evidence to guide research, advocacy, and policy initiatives Explore...
Visual featured in the KIR editorial on its 10th anniversary To mark 10 years of the ISN Journal Kidney International Reports® (KIR), we spoke with Editor-in-Chief Jai Radhakrishnan and Deputy Editor Sumit Mohan about the journal’s origins, defining moments, and how its mission has evolved over the past decade. Explore all ISN Journals Creating a home for...
Delegates and faculty at the ISN Primer Course in Glomerular Diseases in Taipei, Taiwan The latest edition of the ISN Primer Course in Glomerular Diseases took place in Taipei, Taiwan, as a pre-congress course at the 23rd Asian Pacific Congress of Nephrology in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of Taiwan Society of Nephrology, bringing together 99 delegates from 15 countries, along with faculty and representatives from supporting partners. The course provided clinicians with up-to-date guidance on diagnosing, interpreting, and managing the...
The ISN congratulates four kidney care centers in ISN’s Oceania and South-East Asia (OSEA) region that have earned ISN Regional Training Center (RTC) status: Thailand: Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University Philippines: National Kidney and Transplant Institute Malaysia: Hospital Tuanku Ja'afar Seremban Fiji: Colonial War Memorial Hospital These centers now serve as regional hubs where ISN Grants intersect, providing nephrologists with opportunities to access training, mentorship, and global networks that ultimately...
Across the ISN’s research groups and committees, this year has been defined by one theme: Turning global collaboration into real-world impact. From uncovering the drivers of chronic kidney disease of unknown origin (CKDu) to strengthening renal registries and shaping the next wave of clinical trials, these groups have been steadily building momentum — work...
This year, the ISN Continuing Medical Education (CME) Program continued to bring kidney care education closer to the professionals who need it most. From regional conferences to hands-on workshops, the program supported nine events in 2025, each confirming the same story: When nephrologists gain practical, context-driven skills, their confidence grows — and that confidence...
Kidney care challenges vary from region to region, but the drive to find solutions is universal. WCN'26 joint sessions bring together global partners to present diverse experiences and practical insights to advance best practices in kidney care and improve patient outcomes, no matter where they live. Explore WCN’26 joint sessions Discover a selection of standout sessions...
Across all 10 ISN regions, hundreds of early-career nephrologists have chosen the ISN as their global professional home. ISN Trainee memberships offer one year of free membership followed by three years at a reduced price so that early-career kidney care professionals globally can access career-building opportunities and a collaborative network of peers. Choose the membership option...
The ISN “Are Your Kidneys Healthy?” quiz is now available in Swahili! These quick and informative questions, offered in 32 languages, help individuals assess their risk of kidney disease and take proactive steps for kidney health. If you would like to contribute by translating the quiz into another language, please contact Romane at rblondel@theisn.org.
ISN leaders are spotlighting global kidney health in the Middle East in November and in North and East Asia, Western Europe, and South Asia throughout December, and celebrating two 2025 ISN Pioneer Award winners. By sharing research, building partnerships, and amplifying regional voices, these engagements help advance the global conversation on equitable kidney care. November 19th Congress of Asian Society of Transplantation (CAST 2025) November 26-29, 2025 Zahra, Kuwait November 28, Time TBD (Arabian Standard Time) A highlight...
Kidney International® APOL1 kidney disease: Conclusions from a Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Controversies Conference APOL1 genetic variants increase the risk of progressive chronic kidney disease among people of African ancestry. A 2024 KDIGO Controversies Conference reviewed current evidence and debated terminology, testing, and management approaches. Participants agreed on using the term “APOL1 kidney disease,” but found...
From improving transplant outcomes to advancing clinical nephrology in local hospitals, the latest ISN Fellows, Interventional Nephrology (IN) Scholars, and Clinical Research Program grantees are already poised to make a difference in their communities. Through hands-on training, education, and innovative research, these professionals will gain the skills to strengthen worldwide kidney care where it’s...
By bringing together experts from diverse regions and disciplines, the WCN’26 Scientific Program Working Group (SPWG) ensures that the World Congress of Nephrology (WCN) delivers scientific content that is of the highest quality and globally representative. We spoke with Sydney Tang, WCN’26 SPWG chair, to explore the many facets of next year’s scientific program,...
Throughout November, ISN leaders are bringing global kidney health into focus through participation in the USA, Romania, and Russia, and by honoring two 2025 ISN Pioneer Award winners. Whether sharing the latest research, building partnerships, or amplifying regional voices, these engagements help elevate the global conversation on equitable kidney care. Where to find the ISN...
The ISN is pleased to announce that the next ISN Frontiers Meeting will take place from September 5-7, 2026, in Dalian, China, co-organized with the Chinese Society of Nephrology (CSN)-Chinese Medical Association (CMA). Learn more and save the date This two-day global meeting will bring together leading experts, researchers, and clinicians to explore advances across four...
A new cohort of trainees has been accepted into the program and will receive guidance from members of the inaugural cohort, now serving as faculty alongside senior mentors. The ISN Train-the-Trainer program in pregnancy and kidney diseases, led by Shilpa Jesudason (Australia) and Michelle Hladunewich (Canada), aims to build a robust network of professionals...
How is climate change threatening kidney health? Winston Fung talks to Vivekanand Jha, Maryvonne Hourmant, and Letizia De Chiara to explore how kidney health is put at risk when access to medication and healthcare is disrupted due to extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and emerging infections. Listen to the episode They emphasize that early detection and...
People living with kidney disease and their families face difficult choices and uncertainty, highlighting the need for clear, compassionate guidance about treatment options. To support them, the ISN has developed an open-access video series to help patients and families understand supportive care, make informed choices, and access person-centered care throughout their kidney journey. Explore the...
ISN leaders are spotlighting global kidney health throughout October. Whether sharing the latest research, building partnerships, or amplifying regional voices, these engagements help elevate the global conversation on equitable kidney care. Where to find the ISN this October October 7-10 10th Annual Congress of the SFNDT Touraine, France At the congress of the Société Francophone de Néphrologie, Dialyse...
