Change in right ventricular systolic function after continuous renal replacement therapy initiation and renal recovery

Heterogeneity in the definition of major adverse kidney events: a scoping review

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with persistent renal dysfunction, the receipt of dialysis, dialysis dependence, and mortality. Accordingly, the concept of major adverse kidney events (MAKE) has been adopted as an endpoint for assessing the impact of AKI. However, applied criteria or observation periods for operationalizing MAKE appear to vary across studies. To evaluate this heterogeneity for MAKE evaluation, we performed a systematic scoping review of studies that employed MAKE as an AKI endpoint. Four major academic databases were searched, and we identified 122 studies with increasing numbers over time. We found marked heterogeneity in applied criteria and observation periods for MAKE across these studies, with some even lacking a description of criteria. Moreover, 13 different observation periods were employed, with 30 days and 90 days as the most common. Persistent renal dysfunction was evaluated by estimated glomerular filtration rate (34%) or serum creatinine concentration (48%); however, 37 different definitions for this component were employed in terms of parameters, cut-off criteria, and assessment periods. The definition for the dialysis component also showed significant heterogeneity regarding assessment periods and duration of dialysis requirement (chronic vs temporary). Finally, MAKE rates could vary by 7% [interquartile range: 1.7-16.7%] with different observation periods or by 36.4% with different dialysis component definitions. Our findings revealed marked heterogeneity in MAKE definitions, particularly regarding component assessment and observation periods. Dedicated discussion is needed to establish uniform and acceptable standards to operationalize MAKE in terms of selection and applied criteria of components, observation period, and reporting criteria for future trials on AKI and related conditions.

Echocardiographic parameters and hemodynamic instability at the initiation of continuous kidney replacement therapy

OBJECTIVE

Investigate the association of echocardiographic parameters with hemodynamic instability after initiating continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT) in a cohort of intensive care unit (ICU) patients requiring CKRT.

METHODS

Historical cohort study of consecutive adults admitted to the ICU at a tertiary care hospital from December 2006 through November 2015 who underwent CKRT and had an echocardiogram done within seven days before CKRT initiation. The primary outcome was hypotension within one hour of CKRT initiation.

RESULTS

We included 980 patients, 804 (82%) with acute kidney injury (AKI) and 176 (18%) with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Median patient age was 63 (± 14) years, and median Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score on the day of CKRT initiation was 12 (IQR 10-14). Multivariable analysis showed that Left (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.04-3.86), and Right (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.04-2.25) moderate and severe ventricular enlargement, Vasoactive-Inotropic Score (VIS) one hour before CKRT initiation (OR 1.18 per 10 units increase, 95% CI 1.09-1.28) and high bicarbonate fluid replacement (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.01-6.2) were associated with hypotension after CKRT initiation.

CONCLUSION

Right and left ventricular enlargement are risk factors associated with hypotension after CKRT initiation.

Perioperative right ventricular function and dysfunction in adult cardiac surgery-focused review (part 2-management of right ventricular failure)

The single most important factor in improving outcomes in right ventricular (RV) failure is anticipating and recognizing it. Once established, a vicious circle of systemic hypotension, and RV ischemia and dilation, occurs, leading to cardiogenic shock, multi-organ failure, and death. RV dysfunction and failure theoretically can occur in three settings-increase in the pre-load; increase in after load; and decrease in contractility. For patients deemed low risk for the development of RV failure, when it occurs, the correction of underlying cause is the most important and effective treatment strategy. Therapy of RV failure must focus on improving the RV coronary perfusion, lowering pulmonary vascular resistance, and optimizing the pre-load. Pre-load and after-load optimization, ventilator adjustments, and improving the contractility of RV by inotropes are the first line of therapy and should be initiated early to prevent multi-organ damage. Mechanical assist device implantation or circulatory support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may be needed in refractory cases.