Bojan et al. Critical Care (2016) 20:171 DOI 10.1186/s13054-016-1350-1

RESEARCH

Open Access

Structural equation modelling exploration of the key pathophysiological processes involved in cardiac surgery-related acute kidney injury in infants Mirela Bojan1*, Maria Constanza Basto Duarte2, Natalia Ermak3, Vanessa Lopez-Lopez1, Agnès Mogenet4 and Marc Froissart5

Abstract Background: Uncertainties about the pathophysiological processes resulting in cardiac surgery-related acute kidney injury (AKI) in infants concern the relative impact of the most prominent risk factors, the clinical relevance of changes in glomerular filtration rate vs tubular injury, and the usefulness of available diagnostic tools. Structural equation modelling could allow for the assessment of these complex relationships. Methods: A structural model was specified using data from a prospective observational cohort of 200 patients 50 % increase in serum creatinine was smaller, with a path coefficient of 0.443 (95 % CI 0.273–0.596), and was intermediate for oliguria, defined as urine output