Acute kidney injury: act quickly, find support
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a sudden decline in kidney function that needs prompt medical attention. For people living with cirrhosis, advanced liver disease, or transplant-related concerns, infection, bleeding, dehydration, and other illnesses can raise the risk. The Liver Hope Foundation offers clear education and compassionate support for patients and caregivers in Henderson, Nevada, and beyond. We do not diagnose or treat AKI. If AKI is suspected or symptoms are worsening, contact your medical or transplant team promptly or seek urgent care.
How we can help with acute kidney injury
Facing a sudden health change can feel overwhelming. Our nonprofit helps people affected by liver disease and their caregivers understand the urgency of AKI, prepare for conversations with care teams, and connect with appropriate resources. Foundation support never replaces emergency or clinician-led care.
Plain-language education
Learn why AKI can be especially serious with liver disease or transplant-related concerns, what may increase risk, and why prompt communication with a clinician matters.
Questions for your care team
We help patients and caregivers prepare practical questions for liver, kidney, and transplant-care teams, so they can take part in informed conversations.
Resource connections
Find guidance toward appropriate clinical, transplant, and community resources while you navigate next steps with the people who know your care best.
Know when urgent care cannot wait
AKI can develop quickly. With cirrhosis or advanced liver disease, a sudden kidney decline can occur during dehydration, infection, bleeding, or another acute illness. Contact your medical or transplant team promptly if you are worried about worsening symptoms, reduced urine output, new confusion, severe weakness, swelling, vomiting, fever, or inability to keep fluids down. Seek urgent or emergency care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms. Do not wait for a response from the Foundation in an emergency.
Understanding AKI and liver disease
AKI means the kidneys are suddenly not working as well as they should. People with advanced liver disease, especially cirrhosis with ascites, can be more vulnerable. One serious complication is hepatorenal syndrome–acute kidney injury (HRS-AKI), a distinct form of kidney dysfunction in advanced cirrhosis that requires urgent clinician-led evaluation because its causes, outlook, and treatment differ from other forms of AKI. Your liver, kidney, or transplant team is the right source for diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Support for patients and caregivers
The Liver Hope Foundation is here to bring practical guidance and hope during a frightening complication. We can explain information in plain language, help you organize questions and concerns, and point you toward appropriate clinical, transplant, and community support. We do not provide emergency care, prescribe medication, diagnose AKI, or sell AKI treatments. For suspected AKI or worsening symptoms, contact your medical or transplant team promptly or seek urgent care.
