Abstract: The present invention provides a method of attenuating or preventing acute kidney injury occurring in a subject following cardiac surgery involving cardio-pulmonary bypass. The method comprises administration of at least one agent which cause alkalinization of urine to the subject at a level effective to cause alkalinization of the subject's urine. Preferably the agent which cause alkalinization of urine is selected from the group consisting of sodium bicarbonate, lactate, acetate, citrate, tromethamine and combinations thereof and is most preferably sodium bicarbonate.