Factors associated with major adverse kidney events in patients who underwent veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Factors associated with post-hospitalization dialysis dependence in ECMO patients who required continuous renal replacement therapy

OBJECTIVE

This single center retrospective study aimed to describe the variables associated with outpatient dialysis dependence in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients who needed continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) for acute kidney injury (AKI) during their hospitalization.

METHODS

Retrospective study of patients who required ECMO-CRRT.

RESULTS

Between the years of 2016 and 2022, 202 patients required ECMO-CRRT. One hundred and six patients (52.5%) survived their hospitalization and were followed up for a median of 391 [133, 1005] days. Eighty-one patients (76.5%) recovered kidney function and were dialysis-free before hospital discharge. Twenty-five patients (23.5%) were hemodialysis-dependent after hospitalization. On multivariate regression analysis, hyperlipidemia (odds ratio, OR 6.08 [1.67-22]) and CRRT duration (OR 1.09 [1.03-1.15]) were associated with the need for dialysis post-hospitalization. In this group, 16 patients eventually became dialysis-free, after a median of 49 [34.7, 78.5] days. These patients had a higher median baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR) compared to those who never recovered renal function (93 mL/min/1.73 m2 [82.4, 104.3] vs. 63.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 [37.9, 83], p = .009). Their follow-up GFR was lower compared to those who recovered renal function before hospital discharge; (87 mL/min/1.73 m2 [68.2, 98.9] vs. 99 mL/min/1.73 m2 [79, 118], p = .07).

CONCLUSIONS

AKI requiring CRRT was associated with high mortality in patients receiving ECMO. Nonetheless, most ECMO survivors became dialysis-free before hospital discharge. Variables associated with the need for outpatient dialysis included hyperlipidemia and prolonged need for CRRT during hospitalization.

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.

Kidney Increase Natriuresis but Not Glomerular Filtration Under Veno-venous ECMO, a Retrospective Study

PURPOSE

Acute kidney injury is a frequent complication of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We aim to study the evolution of kidney function in patients presenting severe ARDS and requiring veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO).

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter retrospective study, including adult patients requiring VV ECMO for ARDS. The primary outcome was the evolution of the serum creatinine level after VV ECMO initiation. Secondary outcomes were change in urine output, and urine biochemical parameters after VV ECMO initiation.

RESULTS

One hundred and two patients were included. VV ECMO was initiated after a median of 6 days of mechanical ventilation, mainly for ARDS caused by COVID-19 (73%). Serum creatinine level did not significantly differ after VV ECMO initiation (P = .20). VV ECMO was associated with a significant increase in daily urine output (+6.6 mL/kg/day, [3.8;9.3] P < .001), even after adjustment for potential confounding factors; with an increase in natriuresis. The increase in urine output under VV ECMO was associated with a reduced risk of receiving kidney replacement therapy (OR 0.4 [0.2;0.8], P = .026).

CONCLUSIONS

VV ECMO initiation in severe ARDS is associated with an increase in daily urine output and natriuresis, without change in glomerular filtration rate.

Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Undergoing Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Aims and background

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a mode of extracorporeal therapy to support oxygenation of patients with severe cardiac or respiratory failure. Studies have shown that acute kidney injury (AKI) can worsen the outcome in these patients. This study aims to assess the incidence and outcome of AKI in patients on ECMO support.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study included 64 patients who underwent ECMO for more than 24 hours. Patients who died within 48 hours of initiation of ECMO and patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on maintenance hemodialysis were excluded. Acute kidney injury was diagnosed and categorized according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria.

Results

Of the 64 patients studied, 38 patients (59.38%) developed AKI and 17 patients (44.73%) among them developed AKI within 24 hours of initiation of ECMO. Age, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE-II) score, hypertension, use of nephrotoxic agents, inotropic support, and poor cardiac function were the risk factors associated with the development of AKI. Diabetes mellitus, type of ECMO used, and duration of ECMO were not found to be risk factors for AKI. Renal replacement therapy was initiated in 31 patients (81.58%). The overall mortality in the whole group was 67.19%, while it was 81.58% among the patients with AKI.

Conclusion

Acute kidney injury was found to be an independent risk factor for mortality in patients on ECMO. Early identification of the risk factors for AKI and management may help to improve the survival rate.

Clinical significance

The occurrence of AKI among patients on ECMO support increases the risk of mortality significantly. Hence, measures to prevent AKI, as well as early detection and appropriate management of AKI, would improve patient outcomes.

How to cite this article

Surjit A, Prasannan B, Abraham J, Balagopal A, Unni VA. Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Undergoing Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(1):26-29.

Impact of renal complications on outcome in adult patients with acute fulminant myocarditis receiving venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: an analysis of nationwide CSECLS database in China

BACKGROUND

Limited data are available on renal complications in patients with acute fulminant myocarditis (AFM) receiving venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) support in China. To evaluate the impact of renal complications on outcomes in adult patients with AFM supported with VA-ECMO.

METHODS

Data were extracted from Chinese Society of ExtraCorporeal Life Support (CSECLS) Registry database. Adult patients who were diagnosed with AFM receiving VA-ECMO support in the database were included. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality in patients with AFM supported with VA-ECMO. Logistic regression model was used to examine the impact of renal complications on 30-day mortality by adjusting confounders.

RESULTS

A total of 202 patients were included. The median age was 38 years (IQR 29-48) and males (n = 103) represented 51.0% of the total accounted patients. The median ECMO duration was 142.9 h (IQR 112.1-188.8 h). 178 (88.1%) patients weaned from ECMO and 156 (71.9%) patients survived. 94(46.5%) patients developed renal complications while on ECMO course. Patients with renal complications had higher 30-day mortality (40.7% (37 of 94) vs 8.3% (9 of 108), P < 0.001) compared with those without. The development of renal complications was related to a 3.12-fold increase risk of 30-day mortality (adjusted OR 3.120, 95%CI 1.002-6.577, P = 0.049). Increasing age (adjusted OR1.025, 95% CI 1.008-1.298, P = 0.040) and higher SOFA score (adjusted OR 1.162, 95%CI 1.012-1.334, P = 0.034) were independent risk factors of renal complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrated that patients with AFM receiving VA-ECMO at high risk of developing renal complications. Advancing age and higher SOFA score was associated with increased risk of developing renal complications. The onset of renal complications was significantly associated with 30-day mortality.

Independent risk factors of acute kidney injury among patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

OBJECTIVE

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most frequent complications in patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors of AKI in patients undergoing ECMO support.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study which included 84 patients treated with ECMO support at intensive care unit in the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from June 2019 to December 2020. AKI was defined as per the standard definition proposed by the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome (KDIGO). Independent risk factors for AKI were evaluated through multivariable logistic regression analysis with stepwise backward approach.

RESULTS

Among the 84 adult patients, 53.6% presented AKI within 48 h after initiation of ECMO support. Three independent risk factors of AKI were identified. The final logistic regression model included: left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) before ECMO initiation (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.70-0.90), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score before ECMO initiation (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.16-1.71), and serum lactate at 24 h after ECMO initiation (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.09-1.47). The area under receiver operating characteristics of the model was 0.879.

CONCLUSION

Severity of underlying disease, cardiac dysfunction before ECMO initiation and the blood lactate level at 24 h after ECMO initiation were independent risk factors of AKI in patients who received ECMO support.

Higher Rates of Dialysis and Subsequent Mortality in the New Allocation Era for Heart Transplants

BACKGROUND

In 2018, a United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) policy change increased prioritization of patients bridged with temporary mechanical circulatory support devices, such as venoarterial ECMO, for cardiac transplantation. Considering increased waitlist acuity, we sought to characterize whether this was associated with an increased risk for development of postoperative acute renal failure requiring dialysis (AKI-D) and risk of death after transplantation.

METHODS

Dialysis-naive adults receiving single-organ heart transplant between November 2009 and February 2020 were stratified by receipt of AKI-D. Era 1 and era 2 were defined by the periods of UNOS allocation before and after policy change, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine risk factors for AKI-D. Rates of AKI-D were compared by propensity score-matched cohorts. Survival was compared by Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 20 698 patients were included. Venoarterial ECMO use significantly increased in era 2 (5.6% vs 0.58%; P < .01). Overall prevalence of AKI-D was greater in era 2 (13.5% vs 10.2%; P < .01). Use of preoperative ECMO, intra-aortic balloon pump, and ventilators and longer ischemia times were identified as independent risk factors for development of AKI-D. Five- and 10-year survival rates were significantly decreased for patients with AKI-D. There was no short-term survival difference of patients with AKI-D between era 2 and the more contemporary era 1.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients in whom AKI-D develops after transplantation have significantly worse short- and long-term outcomes. Preoperative use of ECMO, preoperative ventilator support, and longer ischemia times are risk factors for development of AKI-D, and their prevalence has increased since the allocation policy change.

Factors associated with acute kidney injury in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: retrospective cohort

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors associated with acute kidney injury in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

METHOD

Retrospective cohort study conducted in an adult Intensive Care Unit with patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation from 2012 to 2021. The research used the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes as criteria for definition and classification of acute kidney injury. A multiple logistic regression model was developed to analyze the associated factors.

RESULTS

The sample was composed of 122 individuals, of these, 98 developed acute kidney injury (80.3%). In multiple regression, the associated factors found were vasopressin use, Nursing Activities Score, and glomerular filtration rate.

CONCLUSION

The use of vasopressin, the Nursing Activities Score, and the glomerular filtration rate were considered as factors related to the development of acute kidney injury in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Hemodynamic Effect of Pulsatile on Blood Flow Distribution with VA ECMO: A Numerical Study

The pulsatile properties of arterial flow and pressure have been thought to be important. Nevertheless, a gap still exists in the hemodynamic effect of pulsatile flow in improving blood flow distribution of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) supported by the circulatory system. The finite-element models, consisting of the aorta, VA ECMO, and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) are proposed for fluid-structure interaction calculation of the mechanical response. Group A is cardiogenic shock with 1.5 L/min of cardiac output. Group B is cardiogenic shock with VA ECMO. Group C is added to IABP based on Group B. The sum of the blood flow of cardiac output and VA ECMO remains constant at 4.5 L/min in Group B and Group C. With the recovery of the left ventricular, the flow of VA ECMO declines, and the effective blood of IABP increases. IABP plays the function of balancing blood flow between left arteria femoralis and right arteria femoralis compared with VA ECMO only. The difference of the equivalent energy pressure (dEEP) is crossed at 2.0 L/min to 1.5 L/min of VA ECMO. PPI’ (the revised pulse pressure index) with IABP is twice as much as without IABP. The intersection with two opposing blood generates the region of the aortic arch for the VA ECMO (Group B). In contrast to the VA ECMO, the blood intersection appears from the descending aorta to the renal artery with VA ECMO and IABP. The maximum time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) of the renal artery is a significant difference with or not IABP (VA ECMO: 2.02 vs. 1.98 vs. 2.37 vs. 2.61 vs. 2.86 Pa; VA ECMO and IABP: 8.02 vs. 6.99 vs. 6.62 vs. 6.30 vs. 5.83 Pa). In conclusion, with the recovery of the left ventricle, the flow of VA ECMO declines and the effective blood of IABP increases. The difference between the equivalent energy pressure (EEP) and the surplus hemodynamic energy (SHE) indicates the loss of pulsation from the left ventricular to VA ECMO. 2.0 L/min to 1.5 L/min of VA ECMO showing a similar hemodynamic energy loss with the weak influence of IABP.

Determinants of Major Adverse Kidney Events in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Survivors

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End-stage Renal Disease and Long-term Survival Among Survivors of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

We aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of newly diagnosed end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring renal-replacement therapy (RRT) among survivors of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and determine whether newly diagnosed ESRD is associated with poorer long-term survival outcomes. All adult patients who underwent ECMO between 2005 and 2018 were included, and ECMO survivors were those who survived more than 365 days after ECMO support. ECMO survivors with a history of pre-ECMO RRT were excluded. A total of 5,898 ECMO survivors were included in the analysis. At the 1-year post-ECMO follow-up, 447 patients (7.6%) were newly diagnosed with ESRD requiring RRT. Preexisting renal disease (odds ratio [OR]: 2.83), increased duration of continuous RRT during hospitalization (OR: 1.16), the cardiovascular group (vs. respiratory group; OR: 1.78), and the postcardiac arrest group (vs. respiratory group; OR: 2.52) were associated with newly diagnosed ESRD. Moreover, patients with newly diagnosed ESRD were associated with a 1.56-fold higher risk of 3-year all-cause mortality than those in the control group (hazard ratio: 1.56). At the 1-year post-ECMO follow-up, 7.6% of ECMO survivors were newly diagnosed with ESRD requiring RRT. Moreover, post-ECMO ESRD was associated with poorer long-term survival among ECMO survivors.

Acute kidney injury in ECMO patients

This article is one of ten reviews selected from the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine 2021. Other selected articles can be found online at  https://www.biomedcentral.com/collections/annualupdate2021 . Further information about the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine is available from  https://link.springer.com/bookseries/8901 .

Mode of Death after Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Introduction: Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) might be a lifesaving therapy for patients with cardiac arrest and no return of spontaneous circulation during advanced life support. However, even with ECPR, mortality of these severely sick patients is high. Little is known on the exact mode of death in these patients. Methods: Retrospective registry analysis of all consecutive patients undergoing ECPR between May 2011 and May 2020 at a single center. Mode of death was judged by two researchers. Results: A total of 274 ECPR cases were included (age 60.0 years, 47.1% shockable initial rhythm, median time-to-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) 53.8min, hospital survival 25.9%). The 71 survivors had shorter time-to-ECMO durations (46.0 ± 27.9 vs. 56.6 ± 28.8min, p < 0.01), lower initial lactate levels (7.9 ± 4.5 vs. 11.6 ± 8.4 mg/dL, p < 0.01), higher PREDICT-6h (41.7 ± 17.0% vs. 25.3 ± 19.0%, p < 0.01), and SAVE (0.4 ± 4.8 vs. −0.8 ± 4.4, p < 0.01) scores. Most common mode of death in 203 deceased patients was therapy resistant shock in 105/203 (51.7%) and anoxic brain injury in 69/203 (34.0%). Comparing patients deceased with shock to those with cerebral damage, patients with shock were significantly older (63.2 ± 11.5 vs. 54.3 ± 16.5 years, p < 0.01), more frequently resuscitated in-hospital (64.4% vs. 29.9%, p < 0.01) and had shorter time-to-ECMO durations (52.3 ± 26.8 vs. 69.3 ± 29.1min p < 0.01). Conclusions: Most patients after ECPR decease due to refractory shock. Older patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest might be prone to development of refractory shock. Only a minority die from cerebral damage. Research should focus on preventing post-CPR shock and treating the shock in these patients.

Risk Factors of Acute Kidney Injury in ECMO Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most common complications in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), but there is no systematic analysis regarding its risk factors. This meta-analysis aims to determine the risk factors of AKI in adult patients with ECMO treatment.

METHODS

Two authors independently carried out a systemic literature search using PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase until April 20, 2020 (inclusive) to enroll 12 studies reporting the necessary clinical characteristics. The Gender (male), age, APACHE II score, SOFA score, cancer, diabetes mellitus (DM), intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), postcardiotomy, and ECMO supporting duration were pooled for further analysis by STATA.

RESULTS

Adult patients receiving ECMO who develop AKI and severe AKI incidents are usually older or have a higher APACHE II scores; in addition, severe AKI is related to higher SOFA scores, DM, and longer duration of ECMO support.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with these clinical characteristics should be paid more attention during ECMO. There remains a need for additional studies to validate these conclusions and to detect additional AKI risk factors for ECMO patients.

Acute Kidney Injury and Kidney Damage in COVID-19 Patients

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. This disease, which is quickly spreading worldwide, has high potential for infection and causes rapid progression of lung lesions, resulting in a high mortality rate. This study aimed to investigate the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on renal function in patients with COVID-19.

METHODS

From February 21 to April 24, 2020, 66 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 at Chungnam National University Hospital were analyzed; all patients underwent routine urinalysis and were tested for serum creatinine, urine protein to creatinine ratio (PCR), and urine albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR).

RESULTS

Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurred in 3 (4.5%) of the 66 patients, and 1 patient with AKI stage 3 underwent hemodialysis. Upon follow-up, all 3 patients recovered normal renal function. Compared with patients with mild COVID-19, AKI (n = 3) occurred in patients with severe COVID-19, of whom both urine PCR and ACR were markedly increased.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of AKI was not high in COVID-19 patients. The lower mortality rate in SARS-CoV-2 infection compared with previous Middle East respiratory syndrome and SARS-CoV infections is thought to be associated with a low incidence of dysfunction in organs other than the lungs.