[Biomarkers in acute kidney injury: an update]. / Biomarqueurs dans l'insuffisance rénale aiguë.

Acute kidney injury is associated with higher risk of chronic kidney disease or death. Diagnosis is based on increased serum creatinin, most often several days after the initial renal injury. Several novel biomarkers are being studied and validated in clinical settings. Cystatin C, NGAL, KIM-1, IL-18 or L-FABP are the most promising. Their elevation in serum or urine is specifically associated with kidney injury. They seem also to predict mortality and the need of dialysis. In the near future, these biomarkers could affect the way we treat patients with acute kidney injury, as well as their evolution. However, the real challenge will be in using the best combination of biomarkers and in the correct interpretation of their results.