Succinylcholine-induced hyperkalemia in patients with renal failure: an old question revisited

Sugammadex for Reversal of Neuromuscular Blockade in a Patient With Renal Failure

Residual neuromuscular blockade following the use of non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) can lead to postoperative respiratory complications, including oxygen desaturation, atelectasis, and pneumonia. Sugammadex rapidly reverses steroidal NMBAs by encapsulating them in a highly stable water-soluble complex. This NMBA-sugammadex complex then undergoes renal elimination. In patients with renal insufficiency or failure, concern has been expressed regarding the elimination of the NMBA-sugammadex complex. We present a 19-year-old patient with renal failure who received sugammadex for reversal of neuromuscular blockade. The use of sugammadex in patients with renal dysfunction is discussed and safety concerns are reviewed.

Renal effects of general anesthesia from old to recent studies

Various types of anesthesia are being utilized to maintain physiologically secured surgical conditions. Nearly all categories of general anesthesia are characterized by various perioperative and postoperative complications. These shortcomings are important aspects that need to be considered by the anesthesiologist and surgeon before administration of these compounds. The renal effects of anesthesia play an important role in understanding possible systemic changes due to the fact that the kidney has a direct or indirect impact on nearly all the systems of the body. Various studies have been conducted to find out changes in renal parameters and its systemic effects upon administration of the anesthesia and its postoperative repercussions. Besides that, the impaired renal function might have an impact on the excretion of anesthetic metabolites, which can lead to long-term dysfunction. Patients with a previous history of disease ought to be brought under consideration because these chemicals can ameliorate pre-existent symptoms. This review is intended to discuss the early and latest studies based on the effects of general anesthesia on the renal system.

Anaesthetic consideration during laparoscopic bilateral simultaneous nephrectomy

STUDY OBJECTIVE:

To assess outcome from anaesthesia during laparoscopic bilateral simultaneous nephrectomy.

DESIGN:

Retrospective study.

MEASUREMENTS:

Preoperative Hb%, serum potassium, coagulation profile electrocardiography (ECG) changes, 2D Echography, x-ray chest, haemodynamic changes, end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO₂), fluid management and postoperative analgesia.

RESULTS:

The mean age was 24.75 ± 14.35 years. The mean duration of surgery was 120 ± 80 minutes. The Hb%, serum creatinine and serum potassium were 9.4 ± 1.04%, 6.79 ± 4.91 meq/L and 3.61 ± 0.51 meq/L, respectively. Pulse rate mean blood pressure and EtCO₂ were recorded after creation of pneumoperitoneum and at 15, 30, 45 and after exsufflation of pneumoperitoneum. After pneumoperitoneum, there was increase in pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and EtCO₂. After 30 minutes and throughout the surgery, these variables remained stable. Four patients required nitroglycerine infusion for intraoperative hypertention. Only one patient required packed cell volume (PCV) transfusion and total intravenous fluid was 1 ± 0.5 L. At the time of exsufflation, there was decrease in pulse rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and EtCO₂.

CONCLUSION:

Because of advancement in anaesthetic agents and muscle relaxant, there is safe outcome from anaesthesia during laparoscopic bilateral simultaneous nephrectomy.

Life-threatening hyperkalemia in a patient with normal renal function

With media focus on benefits from reducing sodium intake, there is increased popularity of salt substitutes, typically potassium chloride. While viewed by the public as a healthy alternative to standard table salt, less appreciated is the severe risk with certain comorbidities and medications. We report the case of an elderly female with chronically high salt substitute intake, normal renal function, diabetes, hypertension treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and beta blockade, who developed life-threatening hyperkalemia after a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. We describe the pathophysiology of the disruption in potassium homeostasis and emphasize the importance of dietary history and educating high-risk patients to avoid salt substitutes.

Hyperkalemia in dialysis patients

Serious hyperkalemia is common in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and accounts for considerable morbidity and death. Mechanisms of extrarenal disposal of potassium (gastrointestinal excretion and cellular uptake) play a crucial role in the defense against hyperkalemia in this population. In this article we review extrarenal potassium homeostasis and its alteration in patients with ESRD. We pay particular attention to the factors that influence the movement of potassium across cell membranes. With that background we discuss the emergency treatment of hyperkalemia in patients with ESRD. We conclude with a review of strategies to reduce the risk of hyperkalemia in this population of patients.