The impact of timing of maximal crystalloid hydration on early graft function during kidney transplantation

Anaesthesia and intensive care for simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation: A single-centre experience with 12 recipients

Background and Aims:

The perioperative management of patients presenting for simultaneous liver and kidney transplantation (SLKT) is a complex process. We analysed SLKTs performed in our institution to identify preoperative, intraoperative and post-operative challenges encountered in the management.

Methods:

We retrospectively studied the case records of 12 patients who underwent SLKT between 2009 and 2014 and analysed details of pre-operative evaluation and optimisation, intraoperative anaesthetic management and the implications of use of perioperative continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and the post-operative course of these patients.

Results:

Of the total 12 cases, 4 were under 16 years of age. The indications for SLKT were primary hyperoxaluria (5), congenital hepatic fibrosis with polycystic kidney disease (2), ethanol-related end-stage liver disease (ESLD) with hepatorenal syndrome type 1 (1). Four patients had ESLD with end-stage renal disease due to other causes. Six recipients received live donor grafts and 6 patients received cadaveric grafts. Seven patients received intraoperative CRRT. Mean duration of surgery was 12.5 h. Cardiac output monitors used were trans-oesophageal echocardiogram (2), pulmonary artery catheter (1) and pulse contour cardiac output monitor (3). There was 1 sepsis-related mortality on 7^th post-operative day.

Conclusion:

A thorough pre-operative evaluation and optimisation, knowledge and anticipation of potential problems, and meticulous intraoperative fluid management guided by appropriate monitoring and use of CRRT when needed can help in achieving successful outcomes.

Normal saline versus lower-chloride solutions for kidney transplantation

BACKGROUND

The ideal intravenous fluid for kidney transplantation has not been defined, despite the common use of normal saline during the peri-operative period. The high chloride content of normal saline is associated with an increased risk of hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis, which may in turn increase the risk of hyperkalaemia and delayed graft function. Balanced electrolyte solutions have a lower chloride content which may decrease this risk and avoid the need for dialysis due to hyperkalaemia in the immediate post-transplant period. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) addressing this issue have used biochemical outcomes to compare fluids and have been underpowered to address patient-centred outcomes such as delayed graft function.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the effect of lower-chloride solutions versus normal saline on delayed graft function, hyperkalaemia and acid-base status in kidney transplant recipients.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant's Specialised Register to 26 November 2015 through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review.

SELECTION CRITERIA

RCTs of kidney transplant recipients that compared peri-operative intravenous lower-chloride solutions to normal saline were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two independent investigators assessed studies for eligibility and risk of bias. Data from individual studies were extracted using standardised forms and pooled according to a published protocol. Summary estimates of effect were obtained using a random-effects model, and results were expressed as risk ratios (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dichotomous outcomes, and mean difference (MD) and 95% CI for continuous outcomes.

MAIN RESULTS

Six studies (477 participants) were included in the review. All participants were adult kidney transplant recipients and 70% of participants underwent live-donor kidney transplantation. The overall risk of bias was low for selection bias and unclear for remaining domains. There was no difference in the risk of delayed graft function (3 studies, 298 participants: RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.70) or hyperkalaemia (2 studies, 199 participants: RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.04 to 6.10) for participants who received balanced electrolyte solutions compared to normal saline. Intraoperative balanced electrolyte solutions compared to normal saline were associated with higher blood pH (3 studies, 193 participants: MD 0.07, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.09), higher serum bicarbonate (3 studies, 215 participants: MD 3.02 mEq/L, 95% CI 2.00 to 4.05) and lower serum chloride (3 studies, 215 participants: MD -9.93 mmol/L, 95% CI -19.96 to 0.11). There were four cases of graft loss in the normal saline group and one in the balanced electrolyte solution group, and four cases of acute rejection in the normal saline group compared to two cases in the balanced electrolyte solution group.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Balanced electrolyte solutions are associated with less hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis compared to normal saline, however it remains uncertain whether lower-chloride solutions lead to improved graft outcomes compared to normal saline.

Effect of intraoperative transesophageal Doppler-guided fluid therapy versus central venous pressure-guided fluid therapy on renal allograft outcome in patients undergoing living donor renal transplant surgery: a comparative study

PURPOSE

Transesophageal Doppler (TED)-guided intraoperative fluid therapy has shown to noninvasively optimize intravascular volume and reduce postoperative morbidity. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of Doppler-guided intraoperative fluid administration and central venous pressure (CVP)-guided fluid therapy on renal allograft outcome and postoperative complications.

METHODS

A prospective nonrandomized active controlled study was conducted on end-stage renal disease patients scheduled for living donor renal transplant surgery. 110 patients received intraoperative fluid guided by corrected flow time (FTc) and variation in stroke volume values obtained by continuous TED monitoring. Data of 104 patients in whom intraoperative fluid administration was guided by CVP values were retrospectively obtained for a control.

RESULTS

The amount of intraoperative fluid given in the study group (12.20 ± 4.24 ml/kg/h) was significantly lower than in the controls (22.21 ± 4.67 ml/kg/h). The amount of colloid used was also significantly less and fewer recipients were seen to require colloid (69 vs 85%). The mean arterial pressures were comparable throughout. CVP reached was 7.18 ± 3.17 mmHg in the study group. It was significantly higher in the controls (13.42 ± 3.12 mmHg). The postoperative graft function and rate of dysfunction were comparable. Side-effects like postoperative dyspnoea (4.8 vs 0%) and tissue edema (9.6 vs 2.7%) were higher in the controls.

CONCLUSIONS

FTc-guided intraoperative fluid therapy achieved the same rate of immediate graft function as CVP-guided fluid therapy but used a significantly less amount of fluid. The incidence of postoperative complications related to fluid overload was also reduced. The use of TED may replace invasive central line insertions in the future.

The effect of remote ischemic postconditioning on graft function in patients undergoing living donor kidney transplantation

BACKGROUND

We evaluated whether remote ischemic postconditioning (RiPoC) could improve initial graft function in living donor kidney transplantation (KT).

METHODS

Patients undergoing living donor KT were randomly assigned to either RiPoC (n=30) or control group (n=30). Immediately after reperfusion in the RiPoC group, three cycles of ischemia and reperfusion, lasting 5 min each, were performed on one upper limb. Renal function was assessed before surgery, 2 hr after surgery, and at 12-hr intervals for 96 hr postsurgery by measuring serum creatinine (sCr) and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Urine output and urine creatinine were assessed until postoperative day 7, and hospital stay and complication rates were compared.

RESULTS

The time for sCr to reach 50% of its preoperative level was significantly shorter in the RiPoC group than in the control group [12 (12-24) hr for RiPoC vs. 24 (21-36) hr for the control, P=0.005]. The number of patients whose sCr was reduced by 50% within 24 hr was significantly greater in the RiPoC group than in the control group [n=26 (87%) in RiPoC vs. n=18 (60%) in control, P=0.020]. However, there were no differences in sCr and eGFR thereafter, the incidence of graft dysfunction or complication rates between groups.

CONCLUSION

In this study, RiPoC appeared to hasten the recovery of graft function within 24 hr but did not affect the graft function thereafter. However, considering most recipients had immediate graft function, further studies with deceased donors or studies powered to detect a smaller difference are needed.

Salvage of grafts with vascular thrombosis during live donor renal allotransplantation: a critical analysis of successful outcome

OBJECTIVES

To report a high-volume institution experience with salvage techniques for vascular accidents during live donor renal allotransplantation.

METHODS

Between March 1976 and January 2011, 2208 recipients underwent live donor renal allotransplantation. A retrospective review of recipients with vascular accidents - renal artery thrombosis and renal vein thrombosis - was carried out. Salvage procedures were recorded and their outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 23 (1%) vascular accidents occurred, including renal artery thrombosis and renal vein thrombosis in 19 (0.8%) and four (0.18%) recipients, respectively. All renal artery thrombosis patients were treated by open revascularization and the graft was salvaged in 12 patients (63%). Two renal vein thrombosis events were resolved by percutaneous catheter-directed thrombolytic therapy. Of the other two allografts, one was salvaged by thrombectomy and revascularization, and the other was lost. On univariable analysis, older recipients (P = 0.003), pretransplant hypertension (P =  0.001), more human leukocyte antigen mismatches (≥3; P = 0.036), shorter ischemia time (≤45 min; P = 0.004) and longer time to diagnosis (>3.5 days; P = 0.013) were significantly associated with non-salvage of the graft after vascular accidents. Nevertheless, none of these variables were significant on the multivariable analysis. Over a median follow up of 35 months, the median (range) serum creatinine was 2 mg/dL (range 0.8-8.8 mg/dL), and 11 (79%) recipients were living with functioning grafts.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the devastating complications, vascular accidents are salvageable and revascularization is crucial for graft salvage. Angiographic percutaneous techniques are viable alternatives for renal vein thrombosis.

Comparison of the effects of normal saline versus Plasmalyte on acid-base balance during living donor kidney transplantation using the Stewart and base excess methods

BACKGROUND

Ischemia-reperfusion injury is an inevitable consequence of kidney transplantation, leading to metabolic acidosis. This study compared the effects of normal saline (NS) and Plasmalyte on acid-base balance and electrolytes during living donor kidney transplantation using the Stewart and base excess (BE) methods.

METHODS

Patients were randomized to an NS group (n = 30) or a Plasmalyte group (n = 30). Arterial blood samples were collected for acid-base analysis after induction of anesthesia (T0), prior to clamping the iliac vein (T1), 10 minutes after reperfusion of the donated kidney (T2), and at the end of surgery (T3). In addition serum creatinine and 24-hour urine output were recorded on postoperative days 1,2, and 7. Over the first postoperative 7 days we recorded episodes of graft failure requiring dialysis.

RESULTS

Compared with the Plasmalyte group, the NS group showed significantly lower values of pH, BE, and effective strong ion differences during the postreperfusion period (T2 and T3). Chloride-related values (chloride [Cl(-)], free-water corrected Cl(-), BEcl) were significantly higher at T1, T2, and T3, indicating hyperchloremic rather than dilutional metabolic acidosis. Early postoperative graft functions in terms of serum creatinine, urine output, and graft failure requiring dialysis were not significantly different between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Both NS and Plamalyte can be used safely during uncomplicated living donor kidney transplantation. However, Plasmalyte more stably maintains acid-base and electrolyte balance compared with NS especially during the postreperfusion period.

Anaesthesia for autotransplantation after extracorporeal nephron sparing surgery for bilateral giant renal angiomyolipoma

Extracorporeal ‘work bench surgery’ with subsequent autotransplantation is a challenge from both anaesthetic and surgical point of view when performed bilaterally or in a solitary kidney. A 28-year-old female with bilateral giant angiomyolipoma of kidneys was taken up for renal autotransplantation. Patient had a huge tumour, which was the largest reported exophytic tumour to be excised by this technique. Both kidneys were operated at an interval of 1 month, under combined general and epidural anaesthesia. Anaesthetic challenges faced during the procedure were maintenance of adequate perfusion of the grafted kidneys, containment of massive blood loss and coagulopathy during the perioperative period. Patient recovered in due course with functioning autotransplanted kidney. A careful pre-operative preparation with intraoperative maintenance of adequate blood volume and blood pressure is the key for graft survival.

Fluid management for the prevention and attenuation of acute kidney injury

In patients with acute kidney injury (AKI), optimization of systemic haemodynamics is central to the clinical management. However, considerable debate exists regarding the efficacy, nature, extent and duration of fluid resuscitation, particularly when the patient has undergone major surgery or is in septic shock. Crucially, volume resuscitation might be required to maintain or restore cardiac output. However, resultant fluid accumulation and tissue oedema can substantially contribute to ongoing organ dysfunction and, particularly in patients developing AKI, serious clinical consequences. In this Review, we discuss the conflict between the desire to achieve adequate resuscitation of shock and the need to mitigate the harmful effects of fluid overload. In patients with AKI, limiting and resolving fluid overload might prompt earlier use of renal replacement therapy. However, rapid or early excessive fluid removal with diuretics or extracorporeal therapy might lead to hypovolaemia and recurrent renal injury. Optimal management might involve a period of guided fluid resuscitation, followed by management of an even fluid balance and, finally, an appropriate rate of fluid removal. To obtain best clinical outcomes, serial fluid status assessment and careful definition of cardiovascular and renal targets will be required during fluid resuscitation and removal.

Do intraoperative hemodynamic factors of the recipient influence renal graft function?

PURPOSE

To assess the importance of intraoperative management of recipient hemodynamics for immediate versus delayed graft function.

METHODS

The retrospective study of 1966 consecutive renal transplants performed in our department between June 1980 and December 2009 analyzed several perioperative hemodynamic factors: central venous pressure (CVP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) as well as volumes of fluids, fresh frozen plasma (FFP), albumin, and whole blood transfusions. We examined their influence on renal graft function parameters: immediate diuresis, serum creatinine levels, acute rejection, chronic transplant dysfunction, and graft survival.

RESULTS

Mean CVP was 9.23 ± 2.65 mm Hg and its variations showed no impact on graft function. We verified a twofold greater risk of chronic allograft dysfunction among patients with CVP ≥ 11 mm Hg (P < .001). Mean MAP was 93.74 ± 13.6 mm Hg; graft survivals among subjects with MAP ≥ 93 mm Hg were greater than those of patients with MAP < 93 mm Hg (P = .04). On average, 2303.6 ± 957.4 mL of saline solutions were infused during surgery. Patients who received whole blood transfusions (48%) showed a greater incidence of acute rejection episodes (ARE) (P = .049) and chronic graft dysfunction (P < .001). Patients who received FFP (55.7%), showed a higher incidence of ARE (P < .001). Only 4.6% of patients (n = 91) received human albumin with a lower incidence of ARE (P = .045) and chronic graft dysfunction (P = .024). Logistic binary regression analysis revealed that plasma administration was an independent risk factor for ARE (P < .001) and chronic dysfunction (P = .028). Volume administration (≥ 2500 mL) was also an independent risk factor for chronic allograft dysfunction (P = .016). Using Cox regression, we verified volume administration ≥ 2500 mL to be the only independent risk factor for graft failure (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

MAP ≥ 93 mm Hg and perioperative fluid administration <2500 mL were associated with greater graft survival. Albumin infusion seemed to be a protective factor, while CVP ≥ 11 mm Hg, whole blood, and FFP transfusions were associated with higher rates of ARE and chronic graft dysfunction.

Effects of tight versus non tight control of metabolic acidosis on early renal function after kidney transplantation

Background

Recently, several studies have been conducted to determine the optimal strategy for intra-operative fluid replacement therapy in renal transplantation surgery. Since infusion of sodium bicarbonate as a buffer seems to be safer than other buffer compounds (lactate, gluconate, acetate)that indirectly convert into it within the liver, We hypothesized tight control of metabolic acidosis by infusion of sodium bicarbonate may improve early post-operative renal function in renal transplant recipients.

Methods

120 patients were randomly divided into two equal groups. In group A, bicarbonate was infused intra-operatively according to Base Excess (BE) measurements to achieve the normal values of BE (−5 to +5 mEq/L). In group B, infusion of bicarbonate was allowed only in case of severe metabolic acidosis (BE ≤ −15 mEq/L or bicarbonate ≤ 10 mEq/L or PH ≤ 7.15). Minute ventilation was adjusted to keep PaCO₂ within the normal range. Primary end-point was sampling of serum creatinine level in first, second, third and seventh post-operative days for statistical comparison between groups. Secondary objectives were comparison of cumulative urine volumes in the first 24 h of post-operative period and serum BUN levels which were obtained in first, second, third and seventh post-operative days.

Results

In group A, all of consecutive serum creatinine levels were significantly lower in comparison with group B. With regard to secondary outcomes, no significant difference between groups was observed.

Conclusion

Intra-operative tight control of metabolic acidosis by infusion of Sodium Bicarbonate in renal transplant recipients may improve early post-operative renal function.

Delayed graft function in the kidney transplant

Acute kidney injury occurs with kidney transplantation and too frequently progresses to the clinical diagnosis of delayed graft function (DGF). Poor kidney function in the first week of graft life is detrimental to the longevity of the allograft. Challenges to understand the root cause of DGF include several pathologic contributors derived from the donor (ischemic injury, inflammatory signaling) and recipient (reperfusion injury, the innate immune response and the adaptive immune response). Progressive demand for renal allografts has generated new organ categories that continue to carry high risk for DGF for deceased donor organ transplantation. New therapies seek to subdue the inflammatory response in organs with high likelihood to benefit from intervention. Future success in suppressing the development of DGF will require a concerted effort to anticipate and treat tissue injury throughout the arc of the transplantation process.