Dysregulated Mineral Metabolism in AKI

Summary: Dysregulated mineral metabolism is a nearly universal sequalae of acute kidney injury (AKI). Abnormalities in circulating mineral metabolites observed in patients with AKI include hypocalcemia, hyperparathyroidism, hyperphosphatemia, decreased vitamin D metabolite levels, and increased fibroblast growth factor 23 levels. We review the pathophysiology of dysregulated mineral metabolism in AKI with a focus on calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone, and vitamin D metabolites. We discuss how mineral metabolite levels can serve as novel prognostic markers for incident AKI and other related outcomes in various clinical settings. Finally, we discuss how vitamin D metabolites potentially could be used as novel therapeutic agents for AKI prevention and treatment.