This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and mortality in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) compared to those without AKI. The study included 13 cohort studies, which were selected from electronic databases, web search engines, and bibliographies. The pooled incidence of CKD and ESRD was 25.8 per 100 person-years and 8.6 per 100 person-years, respectively. Patients with AKI had a significantly higher risk of developing CKD (pooled adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 8.8, 95% CI 3.1-25.5), ESRD (pooled adjusted HR 3.1, 95% CI 1.9-5.0), and mortality (pooled adjusted HR 2.0, 95% CI 1.3-3.1) compared to those without AKI. The relationship between AKI and CKD or ESRD was graded, with a higher risk associated with more severe AKI. Baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and pre-existing proteinuria modified the risk of CKD and ESRD, respectively. AKI was also independently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and congestive heart failure but not with hospitalization for stroke or all-cause hospitalizations. Meta-regression did not identify any study-level factors associated with the risk of CKD or ESRD. The findings suggest that AKI is an independent risk factor for CKD, ESRD, and other adverse outcomes.This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and mortality in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) compared to those without AKI. The study included 13 cohort studies, which were selected from electronic databases, web search engines, and bibliographies. The pooled incidence of CKD and ESRD was 25.8 per 100 person-years and 8.6 per 100 person-years, respectively. Patients with AKI had a significantly higher risk of developing CKD (pooled adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 8.8, 95% CI 3.1-25.5), ESRD (pooled adjusted HR 3.1, 95% CI 1.9-5.0), and mortality (pooled adjusted HR 2.0, 95% CI 1.3-3.1) compared to those without AKI. The relationship between AKI and CKD or ESRD was graded, with a higher risk associated with more severe AKI. Baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and pre-existing proteinuria modified the risk of CKD and ESRD, respectively. AKI was also independently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and congestive heart failure but not with hospitalization for stroke or all-cause hospitalizations. Meta-regression did not identify any study-level factors associated with the risk of CKD or ESRD. The findings suggest that AKI is an independent risk factor for CKD, ESRD, and other adverse outcomes.