BackgroundThe most common cause of revision arthroplasty is prosthetic joint infection (PJI). Chronic PJI is commonly treated with two-stage exchange arthroplasty involving the placement of antibiotic-laden cement spacers (ACS) in the first stage, often containing nephrotoxic antibiotics. These patients often have significant comorbidity burdens and have higher rates of acute kidney injury (AKI). This systematic review aims to assess the current literature to identify (1) AKI incidence, (2) associated risk factors, and (3) antibiotic concentration thresholds in ACS that increase AKI risk following first-stage revision arthroplasty.MethodsAn electronic search was performed of the PubMed database of all studies involving patients undergoing ACS placement for chronic PJI. Studies assessing AKI rates and risk factors were screened by two authors independently. Data synthesis was performed when possible. Significant heterogeneity prevented meta-analysis.ResultsEight observational studies consisting of 540 knee PJIs and 943 hip PJIs met inclusion criteria. There were 309 (21%) cases involving AKI. The most commonly reported risk factors included perfusion-related factors (lower preoperative hemoglobin, transfusion requirement, or hypovolemia), older age, increased comorbidity burden, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug consumption. Only two studies found increased risk with greater ACS antibiotic concentration (> 4 g vancomycin and > 4.8 g tobramycin per spacer in one study, > 3.6 g of vancomycin per batch or > 3.6 g of aminoglycosides per batch in the other); however, these were reported from univariate analyses not accounting for other potential risk factors.DiscussionPatients undergoing ACS placement for chronic PJI are at an increased risk for AKI. Understanding the risk factors may lead to better multidisciplinary care and safer outcomes for chronic PJI patients.Level of evidence III.