Management of Fluid Overload in the Pediatric ICU

Effect of perioperative management on early graft function in living donor paediatric kidney transplantation

BACKGROUND

Paediatric kidney transplantation has an increased risk of surgical and vascular complications, with intensive care monitoring required postoperatively. This study aimed to determine if perioperative management affects early graft function in living donor paediatric kidney transplantation.

METHODS

Clinical data was extracted from the electronic medical record for living donor kidney transplants at two paediatric centres covering the state of New South Wales (NSW), Australia from 2009 to 2021. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 7 days and 1-month post-transplant were calculated as measures of early graft function.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine eligible patients (female n (%) 13 (33%)) with a median (IQR) age of 6 (3-9) years and pre-transplant eGFR of 7 (6-10) mL/min/1.73 m2 were analysed. Mean (SD) central venous pressure (CVP) after revascularisation was 11 (4) mmHg. Intraoperatively, mean volume of fluid administered was 84 (39) mL/kg, and 34 (87%) patients received vasoactive agents. Average systolic blood pressure (BP) in the first 24-h post-transplant was 117 (12) mmHg. Postoperatively, median volume of fluid administered in the first 24 h was 224 (159-313) mL/kg, and 17 (44%) patients received vasoactive agents. Median eGFR 7 days and 1-month post-transplant were 115 (79-148) and 103 (83-115) mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Linear regression analyses demonstrated that after adjusting for age, the average CVP after revascularisation and average systolic BP in the first 24-h post-transplant were not associated with eGFR in the first month post-transplant.

CONCLUSIONS

Targeted intraoperative and postoperative fluid and haemodynamic characteristics were achieved but did not correlate with early graft function.

A systematic review of the evidence supporting post-operative diuretic use following cardiopulmonary bypass in children with Congenital Heart Disease

BACKGROUND

Paediatric cardiac surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass induces substantial physiologic changes that contribute to post-operative morbidity and mortality. Fluid overload and oedema are prevalent complications, routinely treated with diuretics. The optimal diuretic choice, timing of initiation, dose, and interval remain largely unknown.

METHODS

To guide clinical practice and future studies, we used PubMed and EMBASE to systematically review the existing literature of clinical trials involving diuretics following cardiac surgery from 2000 to 2020 in children aged 0-18 years. Studies were assessed by two reviewers to ensure that they met eligibility criteria.

RESULTS

We identified nine studies of 430 children across four medication classes. Five studies were retrospective, and four were prospective, two of which included randomisation. All were single centre. There were five primary endpoints - urine output, acute kidney injury, fluid balance, change in serum bicarbonate level, and required dose of diuretic. Included studies showed early post-operative diuretic resistance, suggesting higher initial doses. Two studies of ethacrynic acid showed increased urine output and lower diuretic requirement compared to furosemide. Children receiving peritoneal dialysis were less likely to develop fluid overload than those receiving furosemide. Chlorothiazide, acetazolamide, and tolvaptan demonstrated potential benefit as adjuncts to traditional diuretic regimens.

CONCLUSIONS

Early diuretic resistance is seen in children following cardiopulmonary bypass. Ethacrynic acid appears superior to furosemide. Adjunct diuretic therapies may provide additional benefit. Study populations were heterogeneous and endpoints varied. Standardised, validated endpoints and pragmatic trial designs may allow investigators to determine the optimal diuretic, timing of initiation, dose, and interval to improve post-operative outcomes.