Impact of total body weight on acute kidney injury in patients with gram-negative bacteremia

Background: The impact of total body weight (TBW) on the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) associated with gram-negative bacteremia has not been previously evaluated. Methods: The cohort included 323 patients >/ = 18 years old with gram-negative bacteremia (1/1/2008–8/31/2011) who received >/ = 48 hours of antibiotics. We compared the incidence of AKI in patients with a TBW </ = 80kg vs. >80kg with a multivariable stepwise logistic regression adjusting for age >/ = 70 years, baseline serum creatinine of > 2.0 mg/dl, and receipt of a vasopressor. AKI was defined as an increase of 0.5 mg/dL or a > 50% increase from baseline for at least two consecutive days. Results: The cohort was 62% TBW </ = 80kg and 38% TBW >80kg. TBW >80kg patients had higher risk of AKI (24% vs. 9%, p < 0.001), which was significant in the multivariable analysis (OR 3.41, 95% CI 1.73–6.73). A baseline serum creatinine of > 2.0 mg/dl and vasopressor use were also independently associated with AKI. Conclusions: TBW >80kg was associated with the development of AKI. However, the mechanism for this association is not clear.