Prevention of Acute Renal Failure: Role of Vaso-Active Drugs, Mannitol and Diuretics

Kidney protection in thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm surgery

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of both open and endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA). Its definition varies across difference studies, some standardized definitions (RIFLE, AKIN, KDIGO) have been proposed but still not uniformly employed in published papers. Acute kidney injury is multifactorial and is associated with increased in-hospital mortality, long-term mortality and late renal function decline. In addition, AKI is also associated with perioperative spinal cord ischemia. No specific pharmacological strategy has received a strong recommendation with high level of evidence as a protective measure. Fenoldopam, methylprednisolone or mannitol use to prevent AKI is commonly employed, but not supported by literature data. Avoiding nephrotoxic drugs and maintaining an adequate MAP, during and after the procedure plays a key role in preserving kidney function. During open TAAA surgery, renal arteries may be reimplanted using different techniques. The choice of the best option must be tailored to the patient, to reduce ischemic time and guarantee long-term patency. Current experience suggests that cold crystalloid solutions are the best substrates in preventing ischemia-reperfusion injury. Renal perfusion using Custodiol^® (Dr Franz-Kohler Chemie GmbH; Bensheim, Germany) 4 °C, even if currently considered off-label, represents an encouraging organ protection tool. In endovascular TAAA repair, techniques such as fusion imaging, use of diluted contrast, and CO<inf>2</inf> subtraction angiography have the potential to reduce postoperative AKI. Visceral vessels patency is closely related to the anatomy. Therefore, accurate endograft design according to these characteristics is crucial for long-term preservation of renal function.

Fluids for Prevention and Management of Acute Kidney Injury

Fluids are the only known method of attenuating renal injury. Furthermore, whether for hydration, resuscitation or renal replacement therapy, fluid prescriptions must be tailored to the fluid and electrolyte, cardiovascular status and residual renal function of the patient. Different fluids have significantly different effects both on volume expansion as well as on the electrolyte and acid-base balance; while controversial, different fluids may even influence renal function differently. This systematic review focuses on fluids for prevention and management of acute kidney injury. We have reviewed the available evidence and have made recommendations for clinical practice and future studies.

Higher diastolic blood pressure at admission and antiedema therapy is associated with acute kidney injury in acute ischemic stroke patients

Antiedema therapy with mannitol and furosemide is widely used for prevention and management of cerebral edema, elevated intracranial pressure, and cerebral hernia. There are some reports about mannitol and furosemide as risk factors of acute kidney injury (AKI). We investigated the risk factors for AKI including antiedema therapy in acute ischemic stroke patients. The subjects were 129 patients with acute ischemic stroke including 56 females and 73 males with a mean age 68.16±12.29 years. Patients were divided into two groups: patients with AKI and without AKI according to Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria. All patients had undergone cranial, carotid, and vertebral artery evaluation with magnetic resonance imaging. The number of patients with AKI was 14 (10.9%). Subjects experiencing atrial fibrillation (P=0.043) and higher diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (P=0.032) treated with mannitol (P=0.019) and furosemide (P=0.019) disclosed significant association with AKI. Regression analysis revealed that higher DBP (P=0.029) and management with mannitol (P=0.044) were the risk factors for AKI. Higher DBP at admission is the most important risk factor for AKI. However antiedema therapy should be used carefully in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Serum creatinine levels or estimated glomerular filtration rate should be watched frequently to prevent AKI.

Pharmacological treatment of sepsis

The incidence of sepsis, the combination of a systemic inflammatory response syndrome and documented infection, is as high as up to 95 cases per 100,000 people per year. The understanding of the pathophysiology of sepsis has much increased over the last 20 years. However, sepsis combined with shock is still associated with a high mortality rate varying from 35 to 55%. Causative treatment, source control and antibiotics started as soon as possible, are the cornerstone of therapy in combination with symptomatic treatment in the ICU. The pharmacological interventions, including fluid resuscitation, vasoactive drugs and adjunctive drugs such as steroids, activated protein C are discussed. The possible beneficial role of strict glucose control is also addressed. Since many drug intervention studies were negative, lessons should be learned from earlier experiences for future trials. Source control and level of intensive care should be eliminated as confounders.

Clinical efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin for patients with MPO-ANCA-associated rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis

BACKGROUND

To determine whether intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) can control disease activity in patients with myeloperoxidase-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA)-associated rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN).

METHODS

Twelve patients with serologically and histologically confirmed MPO-ANCA-associated RPGN (7 men, 5 women; mean age 71 +/- 3 years) received IVIg (400 mg/kg/day) alone for 5 days. The effects of IVIg were evaluated by white blood cell counts, serum C-reactive protein levels, Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score, rate of change in reciprocal creatinine (1/Cre), and plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels after IVIg administration. Corticosteroids with or without cyclophosphamide were commenced after IVIg.

RESULTS

After IVIg treatment, a significant decrease was observed in white blood cell count (p < 0.05), C-reactive protein values (p < 0.001), and Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (p < 0.001) concomitant with the amelioration of systemic symptoms. The rate of change in 1/Cre significantly improved (p < 0.05). Plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels that were significantly elevated in patients before IVIg compared with normal controls (p < 0.0001), rapidly declined after IVIg with a significant reduction (p < 0.05). Three months post-treatment with IVIg, all patients showed improvement of disease without serious infectious complications.

CONCLUSION

IVIg is a potential component of remission induction therapy for patients with MPO-ANCA-associated RPGN.