Anaesthesia for renal transplant surgery: an update

Impact of Norepinephrine and Dopamine Infusion on Renal Arterial Resistive Index during Pre-Emptive Living Donor Kidney Transplantation: Propensity Score Matching Analysis

Background: Living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) is a crucial treatment for end-stage renal disease, with pre-emptive LDKT (transplantation before dialysis initiation) offering significant benefits in graft function and patient survival. The selection of a vasopressor during LDKT, particularly between norepinephrine and dopamine, and its impact on renal arterial hemodynamics measured using the renal arterial resistive index (RARI) is poorly understood. Methods: This retrospective observational cohort study enrolled 347 eligible pre-emptive LDKT recipients from the Seoul St. Mary's Hospital between January 2019 and June 2023. Utilizing propensity score matching (PSM), the patients were categorized into dopamine and norepinephrine groups to compare the effects of these vasopressors on the intraoperative RARI, postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and hourly urine output. The RARI was measured via the Doppler ultrasonography of the renal hilum and parenchyma post-graft vascular and ureteral anastomoses. Results: The preoperative differences in the recipients' and donors' characteristics were mitigated following PSM. The dopamine group exhibited higher intraoperative RARI values at the renal hilum (0.77 ± 0.11 vs. 0.66 ± 0.13, p < 0.001) and parenchyma (0.71 ± 0.1 vs. 0.6 ± 0.1, p < 0.001) compared to those of the norepinephrine group. However, these differences were not statistically significant on postoperative day 7. The norepinephrine infusion adjusted for the propensity scores was associated with significantly lower odds of an RARI > 0.8 (hilum: OR = 0.214, 95% CI = 0.12-0.382, p < 0.001; parenchyma: OR = 0.1, 95% CI = 0.029-0.348, p < 0.001). The early postoperative outcomes showed a higher eGFR (day 1: 30.0 ± 13.3 vs. 25.1 ± 17.4 mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.004) and hourly urine output (day 1: 41.8 ± 16.9 vs. 36.5 ± 14.4 mL/kg/h, p = 0.002) in the norepinephrine group. Furthermore, the long-term outcomes were comparable between the groups. Conclusions: Norepinephrine infusion during pre-emptive LDKT is associated with more favorable intraoperative renal arterial hemodynamics, as evidenced by a lower RARI and improved early postoperative renal function compared to those of dopamine. These findings suggest a potential preferential role for norepinephrine in optimizing perioperative management and early graft functions in LDKT recipients. Given the retrospective nature of this study, further prospective studies are needed to confirm these observations. Additionally, the study limitations include the potential for unmeasured confounding factors and the inability to determine causality due to its observational design.

Perioperative management of kidney transplantation in China: A national survey in 2021

Perioperative anaesthesia management has an important significance for kidney transplantation; however, the related consensus remains limited. An electronic survey with 44 questions was developed and sent to the chief anaesthesiologist at 115 non-military medical centres performing kidney transplantation in China through WeChat. A response rate of 81.7% was achieved from 94 of 115 non-military medical centres, where 94.4% of kidney transplants (10404 /11026) were completed in 2021. The result showed an overview of perioperative practice for kidney transplantations in China, identify the heterogeneity, and provide evidence for improving perioperative management of kidney transplantation. Some controversial therapy, such as hydroxyethyl starch, are still widely used, while some recommended methods are not widely available. More efforts on fluid management, hemodynamical monitoring, perioperative anaesthetics, and postoperative pain control are needed to improve the outcomes. Evidence-based guidelines for standardizing clinical practice are needed.

Kidney Donor Perspectives on Acute Postoperative Pain Management

This study employed a qualitative descriptive approach to examine living kidney donor's experience of postoperative pain. Thirteen living kidney donors aged 46.5 (±14.4) years participated in this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and transcribed. Transcripts were inductively coded and reviewed for trends, patterns, and insights into donor's experience of postoperative pain. Donors experienced postoperative pain from a variety of sources that hindered recovery and created anxiety and fear in some. Donors managed pain with opioid and non-opioid medications, social support, and ambulation. Donor's past experiences with and expectations about pain, relationships with intended recipients, social support, as well as motivations for and meaning of donation informed their experience of postoperative pain. Prompt pharmacologic intervention for pain, as well as further coaching and education about pain management should be emphasized for nurses caring for living kidney donors. Further study of how donor's motivation might mediate their pain experience is needed.

Effect of glycopyrrolate on the postoperative urine output of patients following kidney transplantation: a retrospective observational study

OBJECTIVES

To compare the urine output and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of patients postoperatively administered sugammadex or glycopyrrolate 7 days following kidney transplantation (KT).

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled 134 consecutive patients who underwent KT under general anesthesia. Their urine output and eGFR were recorded every 24 hours between postoperative day (POD) 1 and 7. We used regression analysis to evaluate the relationship between the reversal agent administered and the outcomes of the participants.

RESULTS

The urine output and eGFR of the participants did not differ between the two groups. Multivariate analysis showed that body mass index (BMI) (odds ratio (OR) 1.21; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-1.40), diabetes mellitus (OR 3.14; 95% CI 1.07-9.16), neurovascular disease (OR 7.00; 95% CI 1.61-30.42), and the duration of surgery (OR 1.01; 95% CI 1.00-1.01) were associated with lower urine output on POD 7. In addition, only BMI (OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.09-1.42) was associated with low eGFR on POD 7.

CONCLUSIONS

The urine output and eGFR of patients administered sugammadex or glycopyrrolate following KT did not differ 7 days later. Moreover, glycopyrrolate does not affect urine output or eGFR on POD 7, according to multivariate regression analysis.

Anaesthetic Approach to Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Kidney Transplantation: A Narrative Review

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are designed to reduce medical complications, the length of hospital stays (LoS), and healthcare costs. ERAS is considered safe and effective for kidney transplant (KTx) surgery. KTx recipients are often frail with multiple comorbidities. As these patients follow an extensive diagnostic pathway preoperatively, the ERAS protocol can ideally be implemented at this stage. Small singular changes in a long perioperative pathway can result in significant positive outcomes. We have investigated the current evidence for an ERAS pathway related to anaesthetic considerations in renal transplant surgery for adult recipients.

To compare intraoperative goal directed fluid therapy by trans-oesophageal Doppler vis-à-vis FloTrac™ in patients undergoing living related renal transplantation-a prospective randomised controlled study

Background:

Optimal intra-operative fluid therapy in renal transplantation (RT) is essential to ensure adequate graft function while preventing fluid overload related complications. This RCT was to compare the intraoperative goal directed fluid therapy (GDFT) based either on corrected flow time (CFT), measured by trans oesophageal Doppler (TED) or on the stroke volume variation (SVV), by FloTrac in patients undergoing living donor RT.

Methods:

This prospective, randomised controlled trial (RCT) was done on 60 end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, American Society of Anaesthesiologists(ASA) grade III–IV, age 18 to 65 years of either sex, scheduled for living donor RT under general anaesthesia. They were randomly divided into two groups: TED group (n = 30) and FloTrac™ group (n = 30) and administered GDFT, based upon CFT (TED) and SVV (FloTrac™). The primary outcome was to compare the total fluid and number of fluid boluses administered intraoperatively, while the secondary outcomes were to compare any postoperative complications due to fluid overload and allograft function, assessed by serial serum creatinine levels up to 90 days postoperatively.

Results:

The mean total intra-operative fluid [3991.67 ± 856.32 vs. 3543.33 ± 1131.35, P = 0.089] and the amount of fluid administered per kg body weight per hour [13.32 ± 4.67 vs. 11.82 ± 4.76, P = 0.222] were lesser in the FloTrac compared to TED group, though not statistically significant. However, the postoperative incidence of allograft dysfunction, including rejection (P = 0.743) and acute tubular necrosis (ATN) (P = 0.999), and other complications (P = 0.643) were comparable.

Conclusions:

Both TED and FloTrac devices can be used effectively to guide GDFT in RT, However, lesser total fluid was required in the FloTrac group, which may lead to a lesser number of fluid-related postoperative complications.

Effects of Sugammadex Plus Rocuronium vs Neostigmine Plus Cisatracurium During Renal Transplantation on Graft Function: A Retrospective, Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

Rocuronium can be used in patients with severe renal failure (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min), but the duration of muscle relaxation is longer and results in an increased risk of postoperative residual neuromuscular block. Rocuronium can be antagonized by sugammadex, but the elimination of the complex they make (rocuronium-sugammadex complex) varies according to the renal function. Two case reports/series have reported the use of rocuronium-sugammadex complex during renal transplantation. A recently published retrospective study showed no differences in postoperative creatinine levels in patients receiving kidney transplantation. This retrospective case-control study aims to investigate the effects of rocuronium-sugammadex, used during renal transplantation, on transplanted kidney function.

METHODS

We analyzed 113 medical records of patients undergoing kidney transplantation from January 2015 to December 2018. Forty-seven medical records were excluded because they did not report the administration of one of the following drugs during the transplantation: rocuronium, sugammadex, cisatracurium, neostigmine. The demographics of patients and donors were collected along with the following data: blood urea and creatinine, serum and urinary electrolytes, and diuresis. Marginal, single, or double kidney transplantations; Karpinski scores; and histologic evaluations of transplanted kidney were collected.

RESULTS

We included data from 66 medical reports from January 2015 to December 2018. Blood creatinine levels at 6, 12, and 24 hours were significantly lower in the rocuronium + sugammadex group than in the cisatracurium + neostigmine group (creatinine 6 hours P = .05, creatinine 12 hours P = .038, creatinine 24 hours P = .049). Blood urea levels for 24 hours after transplantation were significantly lower in the rocuronium + sugammadex group than in the cisatracurium + neostigmine group (urea 0 hours P = .025, urea 6 hours P = .011, urea 12 hours P = .03, urea 24 hours P = .011). We found no statistically significant differences in blood sodium, blood potassium, blood calcium, diuresis, urinary sodium, or urinary potassium levels before and after transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective case-control study, the use of rocuronium and sugammadex during renal transplant surgery did not affect relevant kidney recovery outcomes in the first week after transplantation.

Effect of Perioperative Optimization of Arterial Oxygen Content and Perfusion Pressure on the Function of the Transplanted Kidney in the Retrospective Study of Excretory Function and Assessment of New Markers of Kidney Damage: IL-18, Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin, and Clusterin

INTRODUCTION

The concept of anesthesia, in which kidney perfusion is optimized, the use of nephrotoxic drugs is avoided, and general anesthesia with protective and preconditioning properties of the graft is applied, is a key element of the therapeutic strategy in kidney transplantation (KTx).

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A total of 86 patients (mean age: 49.4 ± 14.0 years, 66% men) with end-stage renal disease who underwent KTx between 2012 and 2015 were included in this retrospective study. Our aim was to assess the effect of oxygen content in arterial blood and selected hemodynamic parameters on the graft function and the occurrence of delayed graft failure.

RESULTS

No differences were found in baseline characteristics, indication for transplantation, and surgical technique used among study population. No correlation was found between oxygen delivery exponents and both standard markers of renal function and new biochemical markers (eg, IL-18, clusterin, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin [NGAL]).

DISCUSSION

In our study, hemodynamic parameters measured at scheduled intervals did not exceed the physiological range, which might have been the reason for the lack of correlation between the function of graft and the described hemodynamic conditions. At the same time, in the observed ranges of perfusion pressure during optimization of the oxygen content, no correlations were found with the postoperative function of the transplanted kidney. That observation could be a valuable conclusion for reducing the tendency of maintaining high blood pressure with the abuse of catecholamines, especially vasoconstrictors, and volume therapy, whose negative effect on tissue perfusion is unequivocal.

Association between perioperative normal saline and delayed graft function in deceased-donor kidney transplantation: a retrospective observational study

PURPOSE

Isotonic 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline; NS) solution use is common, but its high chloride content has been shown to contribute to acid-base disturbances and acute kidney injury (AKI). As kidney transplant recipients are at high risk of postoperative AKI and renal replacement therapy, we aimed to evaluate the impact of perioperative NS administration on graft function after kidney transplantation.

METHODS

All adult patients undergoing deceased-donor kidney transplantation between January 2010 and December 2014 at the Rennes University Hospital were included. Logistic regression models were constructed to evaluate the association of hyperchloremia and hyperchloremic acidosis on delayed graft function (DGF), defined as the need for renal replacement therapy within the first week after transplantation.

RESULTS

Three hundred and fifty-nine patients were included, 20% developed DGF. The mean (standard deviation) volume of NS infused in the operating room and in the standard postoperative intensive care unit stay was 4,832 (2,242) mL. In the first 24 postoperative hours, 11% of patients developed hyperchloremia and 11% developed hyperchloremic acidosis. These outcomes were not associated with significantly higher total volumes of NS administration or with DGF. In contrast, multivariable analysis showed that cold ischemia time, donor terminal creatinine, and perioperative NS volume were all independent predictors of DGF.

CONCLUSION

Perioperative NS infusion volume was associated with DGF in deceased-donor kidney transplant recipients. Conversely, postoperative hyperchloremia and hyperchloremic acidosis were not associated with an increased risk of DGF, suggesting other mechanisms than a chloride effect.

Assessment of Hemoglobin Levels in Patients Qualified for Kidney Transplantation in the Perioperative Period and Its Impact on the Occurrence of Delayed Graft Function

BACKGROUND

Anesthesia in patients undergoing kidney transplantation (KTx) should be aimed at creating optimal hemodynamic conditions for the newly implanted kidney. Changes in of blood count, caused mainly by intraoperative hemodilution, may adversely affect the perioperative course by strengthening the pathologic mechanisms of ischemia-reperfusion syndrome.

METHODS

A total of 86 patients (mean age: 49.4 ± 14.0 years, 66% men) with end-stage renal disease who underwent KTx between 2012 and 2015 were included in this retrospective study. Our aim was to assess the hemoglobin level and the effect of fluctuations caused by the implemented fluid therapy on graft function and the occurrence of delayed graft failure.

RESULTS

There was no difference in baseline characteristics, indication for transplantation, and surgical technique used among study population. Among the whole observation group, no correlation was found between fluid therapy causing hemodilution with a decrease in hemoglobin concentration and the occurrence of delayed graft failure.

CONCLUSIONS

In our observations, we paid special attention to the problem of hemodilution in patients undergoing KTx. It is important to emphasize the importance of proper preparation of the patient for KTx by earlier implementation of anemia therapy, thus preventing exacerbation of anemia in the postoperative period, especially because the perioperative use of blood products is associated with numerous complications and a worse prognosis for the newly implanted kidney.

Perioperative considerations for kidney and pancreas-kidney transplantation

Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice in patients with end-stage renal disease, as it improves survival and quality of life. Living donor kidney transplant prior to pancreas transplantation, or simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation are discussed. Patients usually present comorbidities and extensive preoperative workups are recommended, especially cardiac assessment, though type and frequency of surveillance is not established. Nephroprotective strategies include adequate fluid status and goal-directed therapy. The conventional use of diuretics has not demonstrated a real nephroprotective effect at follow-up. Thromboprophylaxis regimes, especially for the pancreatic graft outcome, are of importance. Notably, transplantation in the obese population has increased in recent decades. Strict preoperative evaluation and pulmonary considerations must be kept in mind. Finally, robotic kidney transplant is a recent approach that presents anesthetic challenges, mainly related to steep Trendelenburg position and fluid restriction.

Comparison of the Effects of Target-Controlled Infusion of Propofol and Sevoflurane as Maintenance of Anesthesia on Hemodynamic Profile in Kidney Transplantation

Background

Target-controlled infusion (TCI) propofol and sevoflurane are common agents for general anesthesia, including for kidney transplantation procedure. This study compared the effect of TCI propofol and sevoflurane on intraoperative hemodynamic profile in kidney transplant patients.

Methods

A single-blinded prospective study was performed in 46 kidney transplant recipients who were randomized into receiving TCI propofol or sevoflurane as anesthetics maintenance. Hemodynamic parameters such as mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac index (CI), stroke volume index (SVI), and systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) were measured at baseline before induction, postintubation, first surgical incision, every 15 minutes after the first incision, reperfusion, and 15 minutes after reperfusion. Data were analyzed using unpaired t-test, paired t-test, and general linear model.

Results

Intraoperative MAP, CI, SVI, and SVRI changes were similar in both groups (p = 0.480, 0.216, 0.086, and 0.054). In comparison to the baseline value, TCI propofol and sevoflurane groups showed significant reductions of MAP at postintubation (p=0.010; p < 0.001) and during the first surgical incision (p=0.009; p < 0.001); significant reduction of CI at postintubation (p=0.003; p < 0.001) and during the first surgical incision (p < 0.001; p < 0.001); significant reduction of SVI at postintubation (p=0.013; p=0.008), during the first surgical incision (p=0.008; p=0.003), and 15 minutes after reperfusion (p=0.010; p=0.005); and significant increasing of SVRI during the first surgical incision (p=0.007; p=0.005). The TCI propofol group showed significantly lower SVRI compared to the sevoflurane group postintubation (p=0.029) and during the first surgical incision (p=0.026).

Conclusion

Intraoperative hemodynamic profile was similar between the TCI propofol and sevoflurane group during kidney transplant surgery. The TCI propofol group had higher CI and SVI but showed significantly lower SVRI as compared to the sevoflurane group. The incidence of postanesthesia agitation, postoperative outcome, and complication were not significantly different between the two groups.

Abdominal Organ Transplantation: Noteworthy Literature in 2018

A PubMed search revealed 1382 articles on pancreatic transplantation, 781 on intestinal transplantation, more than 7200 on kidney transplantation, and more than 5500 on liver transplantation published between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2018. After narrowing the list down to human studies, 436 pancreatic, 302 intestinal, 1920 liver, and more than 2000 kidney transplantation studies were screened for inclusion in this review.

Perioperative management of adult cadaveric and live donor renal transplantation in the UK: a survey of national practice

Background

There is a limited evidence base and no national consensus regarding the perioperative management of patients undergoing renal transplantation. We developed an electronic survey to capture an overview of renal transplant perioperative practice across UK renal transplant centres and determine the need for future guidelines on patient management.

Methods

A 29-question survey was developed to encompass the entire renal transplant perioperative pathway and input was sought from clinicians with expertise in renal transplant surgery, anaesthesia, nephrology and intensive care. The survey was sent to lead renal anaesthetists at each of the 23 transplant centres across the UK.

Results

A 96% response rate was achieved with 22 out of 23 centres returning complete responses. There was limited evidence of guideline-based approaches to preoperative workup. Questions regarding intraoperative fluid management, blood pressure targets, vasopressor administration and central venous pressure (CVP) monitoring identified a broad range of practice. Of note, the routine use of goal-directed fluid therapy based on cardiac output estimation was reported in six (27.3%) centres, while nine centres (40.9%) continue to target a specific CVP intraoperatively. In all, 12 (54.5%) centres perform transversus abdominis plane blocks with fentanyl-based patient-controlled analgesia as the most common mode of postoperative analgesia. A single centre reported a renal transplant-specific Enhanced Recovery after Surgery programme for cadaveric organ recipients.

Conclusions

This questionnaire highlighted a high degree of heterogeneity in current UK practice as regards the perioperative management of renal transplant recipients. Development of evidence-based national consensus guidelines to standardize the perioperative care of these patients is recommended in order to improve patient outcomes and focus areas of future research.

Myocardial remodeling after kidney transplantation: a case report

Background

Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most common manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is often the most serious organ complication and the cause of premature death of such a patient. Most of other organs and systems can be also affected. A typical complication is a cardiovascular involvement leading to the development of heart failure. According to current therapeutic standards, kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice in patients with renal failure in course of LN. On the contrary, a kidney transplantation in a patient with an additional heart disease poses a serious clinical challenge.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 49-year-old woman with renal and heart failure following a long-term SLE prepared for kidney transplantation. During the SLE course, the function of the heart and kidneys gradually deteriorated. The patient required the initiation of renal replacement therapy and was dialyzed until a kidney transplantation for 4 years. In the preparation of the patient for the surgical procedure, due to the extremely low ejection fraction, it was decided to include cardioprotective treatment with Levosimendan. The postoperative period was not straightforward but successful. In the monthly and five-month follow-up, a continuous improvement of heart function with normal renal function was noted.

Conclusions

Kidney transplantation in patients with lupus suffering from heart failure requires the involvement of a team of specialists. Patients with extremely low ejection fraction in the perioperative period should undergo careful hemodynamic supervision in the intensive care unit. Cardioprotective and thus nephroprotective Levosimendan therapy together with optimal fluid and hemodynamic therapy in the peri-transplant period may be a bridge for heart remodeling after kidney transplantation.

Issues of Immunological and Hemodynamic Monitoring Before and During Kidney Transplantation in Sensitized Heart Transplant Recipient

Previously transplanted highly sensitized patients experience problems with subsequent transplantation. It is also difficult to provide optimal hemodynamic conditions during successive kidney transplantation in heart transplant recipients.

PATIENT AND METHODS

We present a case of a 56-year old patient with end-stage renal failure after heart transplantation performed 21 years ago and hemodialyzed using arteriovenous fistula. The patient had 69% panel-reactive antibodies, had been on the active waiting list since 2013, and presented 335 positive crossmatches with deceased donors. He also positively crossmatched with a potential living donor. Detailed examination of anti-HLA antibodies revealed the absence of IgG donor-specific antibodies and negative crossmatch with dithiothreitol-treated serum. The transplantation from his wife was performed with positive crossmatch after 4 plasma exchanges and thymoglobulin induction. Because sympathetic and parasympathetic denervation of the transplanted heart and the presence of arteriovenous fistula induced volume overload of the right heart, we used central venous pressure (CVP) and the PiCCO2 for postsurgical assessment of cardiac output.

RESULTS

Monitoring, like CVP and other static exponents of preload obtained by PICCO (extravascular lung water, global end-diastolic volume index) as well as the dynamic parameters obtained by PiCCO2 (pulse pressure variation, stroke volume variation), was not sensitive enough to describe recipient volume status. The immediate graft function was observed, and after 11 months satisfactory estimated glomerular filtration rate is noted with the absence of donor-specific antibodies.

CONCLUSION

The history of heart transplantation with existing arteriovenous fistula makes clinical tools such as continuous cardiac output monitoring and CVP parameter inadequate for describing the hemodynamic situation. The high level of panel-reactive antibodies and positive crossmatch possibly caused by IgM antibodies do not have to withdraw the recipient from kidney transplantation.

Cardiac output-based fluid optimization for kidney transplant recipients: a proof-of-concept trial

PURPOSE

Intravenous fluid management for deceased donor kidney transplantation is an important, modifiable risk factor for delayed graft function (DGF). The primary objective of this study was to determine if goal-directed fluid therapy using esophageal Doppler monitoring (EDM) to optimize stroke volume (SV) would alter the amount of fluid given.

METHODS

This randomized, proof-of-concept trial enrolled 50 deceased donor renal transplant recipients. Data collected included patient characteristics, fluid administration, hemodynamics, and complications. The EDM was used to optimize SV in the EDM group. In the control group, fluid management followed the current standard of practice. The groups were compared for the primary outcome of total intraoperative fluid administered.

RESULTS

There was no difference in the mean (standard deviation) volume of intraoperative fluid administered to the 24 control and 26 EDM patients [2,307 (750) mL vs 2,675 (842) mL, respectively; mean difference, 368 mL; 95% confidence interval (CI), - 87 to + 823; P = 0.11]. The incidence of complications in the control and EDM groups was similar (15/24 vs 17/26, respectively; P = 0.99), as was the incidence of delayed graft failure (8/24 vs 11/26, respectively; P = 0.36).

CONCLUSIONS

Goal-directed fluid therapy did not alter the volume of fluid administered or the incidence of complications. This proof-of-concept trial provides needed data for conducting a larger trial to determine the influence of fluid therapy on the incidence in DGF in deceased donor kidney transplantation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02512731). Registered 31 July 2015.

Evaluation of Subclinical Fluid Overload Using Lung Ultrasound and Estimated Plasma Volume in the Postoperative Period Following Kidney Transplantation

AIM

B-lines count measured with lung ultrasound (LUS) quantifies extravascular lung water and is validated in the setting of acute cardiac failure or chronic dialysis. Patients are often kept in moderately overhydrated states during the early postoperative period following kidney transplantation (KT). We described congestion changes during the early postoperative period following KT and the feasibility of LUS in this setting.

METHODS

LUS (28 scanning-points method) and inferior vena cava (IVC) measurements were routinely performed in 36 patients after KT. Estimated plasma volume (ePV) was calculated from hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.

RESULTS

No patient had >15 B-lines during the hospital stay. B-lines slightly increased until Day 4 after KT (Day 1, 1.7 ± 1.7; Day 4, 2.5 ± 2.5) and decreased up to Day 10 (1.4 ± 2.2; P vs Day 4 <.05). More B-lines were observed in patients aged older than 60 (P = .01 at Day 4) whereas IVC diameter and ePV were similar. In patients older than 60, B-lines had weak correlation with body weight variation (r = 0.64; P < .05), IVC diameters (r = 0.59 at Day 4 and r = 0.58 at Day 10; P < .05) but a strong correlation with ePV (r = 0.93 at Day 14; P < .05). B-line changes from Day 1 to Day 10 correlated with IVC diameter changes (r = 0.62; P < .05).

CONCLUSION

LUS identifies subtle congestion changes during the early postoperative period following KT. The hyperhydration strategy usually followed during this period does not result in overt pulmonary congestion as assessed by LUS, even in older recipients.

Variation in Frequency of Intraoperative Arterial, Central Venous and Pulmonary Artery Catheter Placement During Kidney Transplantation: An Analysis of Invasive Monitoring Trends

The rapidly increasing number of kidney transplantations warrants assessment of anesthesia care in this patient population. We explored the frequency of arterial catheter (AC), central venous catheter (CVC) and pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) placement during kidney transplantation in the USA using data from the National Anesthesia Clinical Outcomes Registry (NACOR) and assessed the between-facility variation in the frequency of catheter placement. We defined cases of kidney transplantation using Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Clinical Classification Software. Placement of AC, CVC and PAC was defined by respective Current Procedural Terminology codes. The frequency of vascular catheter placement across facility types was compared using Pearson χ2 test. We identified 10,580 cases of kidney transplantation performed in 100 facilities from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2014. Placement of an AC was reported in 1700 (16.1%), CVC in 2580 (24.4%) and PAC in 50 (0.5%) of cases. The frequency of placement of specific types of catheters was statistically different across facility types (p < 0.001). Within individual facilities that reported at least 50 cases of kidney transplantation, the percentages of cases performed with AC, CVC and PAC ranged from 0% to 86%, 0% to 90% and 0% to 3%, respectively. Considerable between-facility variation in the frequency of AC, CVC and PAC placement during kidney transplantation raises concerns about the need for better practice standardization. Excess invasive monitoring may represent a safety risk as well as unnecessary additional cost. If kidney transplantation can be safely performed without an AC, CVC or PAC in most patients, facilities with above-average catheter placement rates may have an opportunity for measurable reduction in catheter-related perioperative complications. Optimizing perioperative monitoring is an important component of ensuring high functioning, high-value medical systems.

The Effect of Intraoperative Alkali Treatment on Recovery from Atracurium-Induced Neuromuscular Blockade in Renal Transplantation: A Randomized Trial

Background

Intraoperative care and anesthesia method in patients undergoing allograft renal transplantation surgery are very necessary. Acid-base imbalance can alter neuromuscular blockade and recovery time.

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of acid-base balance on atracurium blockade in renal transplantation.

Methods

In this randomized-controlled trial, 31 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing renal transplantation were randomly assigned into two equal groups. The case group received intravenous sodium bicarbonate based on base excess in the first ABG sample, while the control group received sterile water for injection during the interval between anesthesia and beginning of surgery. Arterial blood gas (ABG) sample was drawn first prior to surgery and again at declamping time. Train-of-four (TOF) was measured before anesthesia and repeatedly after declamping time until acceptable recovery (TOF 3 of 4). The time of achieving TOF 3 was recorded and compared between the groups.

Results

There was no significant difference in blood pH between the groups in the first evaluation (P = 0.649). The pH and base excess (BE) in the case group significantly increased after the intervention. There was a significant decrease in after-surgery measurement of pH in the control group (P = 0.011). The mean time to achieve TOF = 3 was 23.75 ± 5.32 and 41.80 ± 5.2 minutes after declamping in the case and control groups, respectively. Patients in the sodium bicarbonate group achieved TOF = 3 significantly faster than the control group.

Conclusions

Based on our results, intraoperative alkali and acid-base imbalance treatment can reduce neuromuscular blockade and recovery time, and it can be regarded as a potential casual factor to enhance transplantation outcome.

The New Kidney Donor Allocation System and Implications for Anesthesiologists

Given potential disparity and limited allocation of deceased donor kidneys for transplantation, a new federal kidney allocation system was implemented in 2014. Donor organ function and estimated recipient survival in this system has implications for perioperative management of kidney transplant recipients. Early analysis suggests that many of the anticipated goals are being attained. For anesthesiologists, implications of increased dialysis duration and burdens of end-stage renal disease include increased cardiopulmonary disease, challenging fluid, hemodynamic management, and central vein access. With no recent evidence to guide anesthesia care within this new system, we describe the kidney allocation system, summarize initial data, and briefly review organ systems of interest to anesthesiologists. As additional invasive and echocardiographic monitoring may be indicated, one consideration may be development of a dedicated anesthesiology team experienced in management and monitoring of complex patients, in a similar manner as has been done for liver transplant recipients.

Intraoperative hemodynamic factors predicting early postoperative renal function in pediatric kidney transplantation

BACKGROUND

The anesthetic management of kidney transplantation in children remains somewhat empirical. The goal of the present study was to investigate intraoperative hemodynamic factors affecting posttransplantation kidney function.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of data from patients undergoing kidney transplantation in our pediatric teaching hospital from 2000 to 2014. Data collected included: donor and recipient demographic data, recipient comorbidities, fluids administered intraoperatively, and intraoperative blood pressure and central venous pressure. The main outcome of the study was the creatinine clearance at day 1 corrected to a body surface area of 1.73 m². Analysis was performed using Classification Tree Analysis with 10-fold cross-validation.

RESULTS

One hundred and two patients were included. The following predictors of increased postoperative creatinine clearance at day 1 were identified: decreasing recipient weight, mean blood pressure-to-weight ratio 10 minutes after reperfusion, reduced cold ischemia duration, and increased intraoperative albumin infusion. Increased creatinine clearance was observed when mean blood pressure-to-weight ratio 10 minutes after reperfusion was ≥4.3 in patients weighing 13-21 kg and ≥2.5 in those ≥22 kg. Overall, the model explained 64% (and at cross-validation 60%) of creatinine clearance variability at day 1.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative hemodynamics during kidney transplantation should be optimized in order to increase mean blood pressure according to values indicated by our analyses. Cold ischemia duration should be shortened as far as possible.

Risk factors and outcomes associated with a higher use of inotropes in kidney transplant recipients

Preservation of adequate perfusion pressures to the graft is a main focus of intraoperative management during kidney transplantation. We undertook this study to investigate the incidence of the higher use of inotropes in kidney transplant recipients and identify the patient outcomes and preoperative and intraoperative variables related to this.We retrospectively analyzed 1053 patients who underwent kidney transplantation at Asan Medical Center between January 2006 and February 2012, stratified by their inotropic score ([dopamine] + [dobutamine] + [epinephrine × 100] + [norepinephrine × 100]) <7 versus ≥7, wherein all doses are expressed as μg/kg/min. We evaluated preoperative characteristics, hemodynamic parameters, and intraoperative variables as well as postoperative outcomes, such as length of hospital stay and 1-year rejection and mortality rate.Receiver-operating characteristic analysis was performed to determine inotropic score to predict 1-year mortality. An inotropic score of 7 had the best combined sensitivity and specificity. An inotropic score ≥7 (137 patients, 13.0%) was significantly more prevalent in older patients, those with polycystic kidney disease, and at a 2nd transplant. Anesthesia time, the amounts of crystalloid and 5% albumin infused, and the need for red blood cell transfusion were significantly higher in the inotropic score ≥7 group. The patients with a higher use of inotropes required longer postoperative hospital stay and experienced a >2-fold higher rejection within the 1st year and a 4-fold higher 1-year mortality rate.A higher use of inotropes in kidney transplant recipients is more prevalent in older patients, those with a 2nd transplant and in patients with polycystic kidney disease as their primary renal disease. The postoperative hospital stay, rejection within the 1st year, and 1-year mortality rate are increased in patients with an inotropic score ≥7.

Influence of hemodynamics and intra-operative hydration on biochemical outcome of renal transplant recipients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Early graft function is crucial for successful kidney transplantation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of intra-operative central venous pressure (CVP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) on early graft function and biochemical outcome.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study carried out on patients undergoing renal transplant only from live-related donors between March 2011 and May 2013. We mainly divided the patients into two groups based on CVP and mean MAP. One group had CVP more than 12 and other with CVP <12 mmHg at the time of declamping. Further one group was with mean MAP >100 mmHg and other with mean MAP of <100 mmHg. The graft outcome of genetically related and genetically unrelated donors was also evaluated in early postoperative period. The trend in fall of serum creatinine was studied during the first five post-operative days. The effect of age, dry weight, sex, relation with donor and intraoperative factors like MAP and CVP on early graft function were analysed. Correlation analysis, analysis of variance test (ANOVA) and multivariate analysis technique were used in this study for statistical computation.

RESULTS

The mean CVP at the time of declamping was 13.91 mmHg. The minimum CVP was 6 mmHg in one patient who had ischemic heart disease with low ejection fraction. All 5 days mean serum creatinine values were comparable in two groups on 1(st), 2(nd), 3(rd) and 4(th) postoperative days. The mean MAP at the time of declamping was 111.22 mmHg. Mean MAP varied from a minimum of 95 mmHg to maximum of 131 mmHg. There was no significant difference in two groups on 1(st), 2(nd), 3(rd), 4(th) and 5(th) postoperative days.

CONCLUSION

A CVP around 12 mmHg and mean MAP >95 mmHg with good perioperative fluid hydration is associated with good early graft function.

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.