Lessons Learned From Large Animal Models of Trauma-Induced AKI

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a relatively common complication of trauma and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in clinical studies. Given logistical and cost constraints, the majority of animal research on trauma-induced AKI is done in small animal models. However, large animal models have significant advantages from a scientific standpoint compared to small animal models because their size and anatomy are more analogous to humans. This review discusses a variety of trauma models in dogs, sheep, pigs, and nonhuman primates and the impact on AKI in several settings: hemorrhagic shock, ischemia-reperfusion injury, rhabdomyolysis, extracorporeal therapies, burns, and polytrauma.