Acute kidney injury (AKI) represents a major global health problem and is strongly associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recent conceptual frameworks describe a continuum between AKI, acute kidney disease (AKD), and CKD, highlighting the critical importance of the intermediate AKD phase occurring between 7 and 90 days after an acute insult. Despite increasing recognition of this transition period, structured post-discharge follow-up strategies remain inconsistent and inadequately studied. This study evaluates the impact of a structured post-AKI clinical follow-up program on renal recovery and long-term CKD progression among patients diagnosed with AKD. Using a prospective cohort design, patients recovering from AKI were enrolled into either a structured nephrology follow-up program or standard care. Renal function trajectories, recurrent AKI events, and CKD progression were evaluated over a 12-month period. Results demonstrate that structured follow-up significantly improves renal recovery rates, reduces recurrent kidney injury, and lowers progression to CKD. These findings highlight the importance of early post-AKI monitoring and provide evidence supporting structured clinical pathways for AKD management.
