Mehdi Yarahmadi
1 
, Mohammad Reza Moonesan
1,2* 1 Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
2 Clinical Research Development Unit, Kowsar Educational, Research and Therapeutic Hospital, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a critical complication that can arise in the aftermath of earthquakes, particularly due to crush syndrome, which is the second most frequent cause of mortality in such disasters. The causes of AKI in earthquake victims are multifactorial, including direct renal trauma, hypovolemia, rhabdomyolysis and hemodynamic alterations. Rhabdomyolysis, the breakdown of damaged muscle tissue, is a primary contributor, releasing intracellular components into the bloodstream that can overwhelm the kidneys. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes, or hypertension are more susceptible to AKI. These conditions impair renal function, making the kidneys more vulnerable to additional stressors such as dehydration or rhabdomyolysis.
Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education:
In earthquake-related acute kidney injury (AKI), the pre-existing conditions such as diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, hypertension, and dehydration significantly exacerbate the risk and severity of earthquake-related kidney injury. These conditions impair renal function and reduce the kidney’s ability to handle additional stressors, leading to worse outcomes.
Please cite this paper as: Yarahmadi M, Moonesan MR. Earthquake-related acute kidney shut down; an overview of pre-existing associated factors. J Nephropharmacol. 2025;14(2):e12777. DOI: 10.34172/npj.2025.12777.