The purpose of the study is to investigate whether preventive measures for newly hospitalized ventricular assist device (VAD) patients will reduce the Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) occurrence rate, progression and associated complications
Participants will be in the study for the first 7 days of hospitalization. The study investigators will access the electronic medical record daily from admission day 1 through admission day 7 in order to provide clinical recommendations in an effort to minimize AKI risk as per routine practice.
If the patient is discharged prior to day 7 the study, intervention will be terminated on day of discharge.
The investigators will review the participant's medical record up to one year after surgery.
This study will not include any experimental laboratory tests or experimental medication.
The clinical recommendations will regard the following:
1. Avoidance of potentially nephrotoxic medications (e.g. NSAIDs, intravascular contrast, nephrotoxic antimicrobials)
2. Optimizing volume status (avoidance of volume overload or depletion)
3. Optimizing electrolytes and acid-base status
4. Optimizing hemodynamics (Mean arterial BP\>65mmHg)
5. Assessment of kidney function with serum creatinine and/or cystatin C None of the suggestions will be experimental. All suggestions will be based on standard nephrology practice.
The investigators plan to compare the results of the current study with those in in the years of 2012-2017 (1/7/2012- 1/7/2017) via retrospective chart review
