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.
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...
The annual World Kidney Day (WKD) campaign for 2026 officially launched today, September 15. This year-long campaign will culminate in a global day of activities on Thursday March 12, 2026. The 2026 campaign carries the powerful message, “Kidney health for all: Caring for people, protecting the planet,” highlighting the vital link between kidney care and...
Trainee and senior registrars, consultants, and associate professors participated in the course ISN Educational Ambassador Saeed Ahmed* recently visited the Khan Research Laboratory Hospital (KRL) in Islamabad, Pakistan, to deliver a comprehensive point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) course for nephrologists with participants from several different institutions and specialties within the country. Professor Ahmed presents at the training...
The ISN Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) develops leadership potential to drive change in global kidney health. Since its launch, it has become a catalyst for early-career nephrologists and researchers to champion advocacy, expand research, and foster innovation in kidney care worldwide. Hurry – apply for the ISN Emerging Leaders Program by September 15! Here are some...
The ISN Foundation Fellowship Course* has recently been updated to better support early-career nephrologists. The course offers a solid grounding in clinical nephrology. The modules can be completed separately and include the following topics: Acute kidney injury Glomerular diseases Dialysis modalities and conservative kidney care management Chronic kidney disease Electrolytes and acid-base disorders Kidney transplantation Hosted at the ISN Academy, it...
Dr. Devarajan (wearing a suit) with the SAT Team at the National Pediatric Nephrology Conclave 2022, supported by the ISN An ISN Sister Renal Centers (SRC) collaboration between Sree Avittam Thirunal (SAT) Hospital in Kerala, India, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC), USA, has played a transformative role in developing pediatric nephrology services at...
From global policy tools to community-driven projects and early-career development, ISN's research initiatives offer meaningful opportunities for all professionals committed to advancing kidney care. Whether you're just starting out or looking to broaden your impact, you can grow, collaborate, and drive real impact through ISN-supported research activities. We invited several contributors to share what...
The ISN invites renal pathologists, nephrologists and trainees from lower-, lower-middle-, and upper-middle-income countries to apply for an ISN Renal Pathology Bursary available for several key educational events in 2026. These bursaries aim to enhance diagnostic expertise, facilitating the early detection of kidney diseases and ultimately improving patient outcomes. Please read the guidelines carefully and submit...
The ISN invites all to participate in the “KDIGO Global Survey on the Utilization and Implementation of KDIGO Guidelines.” Take the survey The survey aims to understand how KDIGO Guidelines are applied in daily practice and where challenges or gaps remain. Your insights will help tailor future guidance to better meet the needs of kidney health...
From the USA to Oceania and Southeast Asia and Latin America, ISN leaders are spotlighting global kidney health throughout July and August. 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 July and August The Columbia Renal...
Building on a strong foundation of collaboration and training in East Africa, including the establishment of an ISN Regional Training Center in Kenya, the ISN is proud to partner on a promising new pilot project aimed at strengthening kidney care capacity in the region. The long-term vision is for this pilot to serve as...
