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The authors highlight the side effects of hydroxyethyl starch (HES), an artificial colloid solution used in treating hypovolemia. Topics covered include link of HES in the increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI), trials showing increased risk of bleeding with the use of HES as compared with crystalloid solutions in patients with sepsis, and increased mortality with HES in critically ill patients.

Objectives: To explore the relationship between timing of continuous renal replacement therapy commencement and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury. The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality at 28 and 90 days. Design: Nested observational cohort study using data from the Randomized Evaluation of Normal Versus Augmented Level Replacement Therapy Study. Setting: Twenty-three ICUs in Australia and New Zealand. Patients: Four hundred thirty-nine critically ill patients with acute kidney injury Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, End-stage kidney disease-injury (RIFLE-I) criteria. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: The time between RIFLE-I acute kidney injury and randomization in the Randomized Evaluation of Normal Versus Augmented Level Replacement Therapy Study (proxy for continuous renal replacement therapy commencement) was the variable of interest. All baseline variables in the Randomized Evaluation of Normal Versus Augmented Level Replacement Therapy Study were assessed. Multivariable Cox, logistic, and linear regression models were used to assess the independent relationship of time of onset of RIFLE-I acute kidney injury and randomization and patient outcomes. The median time between RIFLE-I acute kidney injury and continuous renal replacement therapy commencement was 17.6 hours (interquartile range, 7.1-46 hr). Based on four groups of continuous renal replacement therapy commencement ([group 1; reference]: <7.1, [group 2]: ⩾ 7.1 to < 17.6, [group 3]: ⩾ 17.6 to < 46.0, [group 4]: ⩾ 46.0hr), earlier commencement of continuous renal replacement therapy was not associated with a significantly lower risk of death at 28 days (hazard ratio for group 2: 1.06, 95% Cl: 0.62-1.81; p = 0.83; hazard ratio for group 3: 1.23, 95% Cl: 0.71-2.12; p = 0.46; hazard ratio for group 4: 1.33, 95% Cl: 0.77- 2.31 ;p = 0.31). Similar findings were observed for death at 90 days. Conclusions: In a subgroup of participants of the Randomized Evaluation of Normal Versus Augmented Level Replacement Therapy Study, earlier commencement of continuous renal replacement therapy relative to RIFLE-I acute kidney injury was not significantly associated with improved survival. Additional studies with larger sample sizes and broader commencement times are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: It is controversial whether all critically ill patients with risk, injury, failure, loss, and end-stage renal failure (RIFLE) F class acute kidney injury (AKI) should receive renal replacement therapy (RRT). We reviewed the outcome of open heart surgery patients with severe RIFLE-F AKI who did not receive RRT. Materials and Methods: We identified all patients with AKI after cardiac surgery over 4 years and obtained baseline characteristics, intraoperative details, and in-hospital outcomes. We analyzed physiologic and biochemical features at RRT initiation or at peak creatinine if no RRT was provided. Results: We reviewed 1504 patients. Of these, 137 (9.1%) developed postoperative AKI with 71 meeting RIFLE-F criteria and 23 (32.4% of RIFLE-F cases) not receiving RRT. Compared with RRT-treated RIFLE-F patients, “no-RRT” patients had lower Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III scores, less intra-aortic balloon pump requirements, shorter intensive care stay, and a trend toward lower mortality. At peak RIFLE score, their urinary output, arterial pH, and Pao 2/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio were all significantly higher. Their serum creatinine was also higher (304 vs 262 μmol/L; P = .02). Only 3 RIFLE-F no-RRT patients died in-hospital. Detailed review of cause and mode of death was consistent with non–RRT-preventable deaths. In contrast, 27 patients with RIFLE-R or RIFLE-I class received RRT. Compared with RRT-treated RIFLE-F patients, such RIFLE-R or RIFLE-I treated patients had a more severe presentation and higher mortality (51.8% vs 29.2%; P = .02). Conclusions: After cardiac surgery, RRT was typically applied to patients with the most severe clinical presentation irrespective of creatinine levels. A RIFLE score–based trigger for RRT is unlikely to improve patient survival. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: We aim to evaluate the incidence and outcome of acute kidney injury (AKI) among critically ill adult patients with H1N1 2009 infection. Design and patients: From a prospectively collected influenza A (H1N1) 2009 bi-national, we identified 671 adult patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) from June 1 to August 31, 2009. Of these, 628 (93.6%) had admission and/or peak serum creatinine values during ICU stay. We defined AKI according to the creatinine criteria of the RIFLE classification. Results: Of 628 adult patients, 211 [33.6%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 29.8-37.4%] had AKI: 41 (6.5%) risk, 56 (8.9%) injury and 114 (18.2%) failure. Of all 211 AKI patients, 76 [36.0% (29.4-42.6%)] died in hospital (36.6% in risk, 25.0% in injury and 41.3% in failure group) compared with 33 of 408 (8.1%) patients without AKI. Among the 33 AKI patients treated with renal replacement therapy, 13 died (39.4%). Mechanical ventilation [odds ratio (OR) 3.62 (2.07-6.34)], any severe co-morbidity (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.15-3.71), age (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03 per 1 year increase), and AKI (OR 6.69, 95% CI 4.25-10.55) were independently associated with hospital mortality. Conclusions: Acute kidney injury appears common in H1N1 2009 infected patients and is independently associated with an increased risk of hospital mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on a study of the value of novel and conventional serum biomarkers in predicting acute kidney injury (AKI) among adult cardiac surgical patients. It examined concentrations of plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) serum cystatin C, creatinine, and urea of 100 cardiac surgical patients. It showed that plasma NGAL and serum cystatin C were conventional biomarkers which are good in identifying patients who developed AKI after cardiac surgery.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of early short-term, isovolaemic haemofiltration at 45 ml/kg/h on physiological and clinical outcomes in patients with septic shock.Design: Retrospective study before and after a change of unit protocol (study period 8 years).Setting: Intensive care unit of metropolitan hospital.Patients: Eighty patients with septic shock.Interventions: Introduction of a new septic shock protocol based on early isovolaemic haemofiltration (EIHF). In the pre-EIHF period (before), 40 patients received conventional supportive therapy. In the post-EIHF period (after), 40 patients received EIHF at 45 ml/kg/h of plasma-water exchange over 6 h followed by conventional continuous venovenous haemofiltration (CVVH). Anticoagulation policy remained unchanged.Measurements and Main Results: The two groups were comparable for age, gender and baseline APACHE II score. Delivered haemofiltration dose was above 85% of prescription in all patients. PaO2/FiO2 ratio increased from 117+/-59 to 240+/-50 in EIHF, while it changed from 125+/-55 to 160+/-50 in the control group (p<0.05). In EIHF patients, mean arterial pressure increased (95+/-10 vs 60+/-12 mmHg; p<0.05), and norepinephrine dose decreased (0.20+/-2 vs 0.02+/-0.2 microg/kg/min; p<0.05). Among EIHF patients, 28 (70%) were successfully weaned from the ventilator compared with 15 (37%) in the control group (p<0.01). Similarly, 28-day survival was 55% compared with 27.5% (p<0.05). Length of stay in the ICU was 9+/-5 days compared with 16+/-4 days (p<0.002).Conclusions: In patients with septic shock, EIHF was associated with improved gas exchange, haemodynamics, greater likelihood of successful weaning and greater 28-day survival compared with conventional therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The optimal time to initiate renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury is controversial. We investigated the effect of such earlier versus later initiation of renal replacement therapy on the primary outcome of 28-day mortality and other patient-centered secondary outcomes.Design: We searched MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, and Cochrane databases to July 17, 2020, and included randomized controlled trials comparing earlier versus later renal replacement therapy.Setting: Multiple centers involved in eight trials.Patients: Total of 4,588 trial participants.Intervention: Two independents investigators screened and extracted data using a predefined form. We selected randomized controlled trials in critically ill adult patients with acute kidney injury and compared of earlier versus later initiation of renal replacement therapy regardless of modality.Measurements and Main Results: Overall, 28-day mortality was similar between earlier and later renal replacement therapy initiation (38.43% vs 38.06%, respectively; risk ratio, 1.01; [95% CI, 0.94-1.09]; I2 = 0%). Earlier renal replacement therapy, however, shortened hospital length of stay (mean difference, -2.14 d; [95% CI, -4.13 to -0.14]) and ICU length of stay (mean difference, -1.18 d; [95% CI, -1.95 to -0.42]). In contrast, later renal replacement therapy decreased the use of renal replacement therapy (relative risk, 0.69; [95% CI, 0.58-0.82]) and lowered the risk of catheter-related blood stream infection (risk ratio, 0.50, [95% CI, 0.29-0.86). Among survivors, renal replacement therapy dependence at day 28 was similar between earlier and later renal replacement therapy initiation (risk ratio, 0.98; [95% CI, 0.66-1.40]).Conclusions: Earlier or later initiation of renal replacement therapy did not affect mortality. However, earlier renal replacement therapy was associated with significantly shorter ICU and hospital length of stay, whereas later renal replacement therapy was associated with decreased use of renal replacement therapy and decreased risk of catheter-related blood stream infection. These findings can be used to guide the management of critically ill patients with acute kidney injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Angiotensin II is an emerging therapy for septic acute kidney injury, but it is unknown if its vasoconstrictor action induces renal hypoxia. We therefore examined the effects of angiotensin II on intrarenal PO2 in ovine sepsis. We also assessed the validity of urinary PO2 as a surrogate measure of medullary PO2.Design: Interventional study.Setting: Research Institute.Subjects: Sixteen adult Merino ewes (n = 8/group).Interventions: Sheep were instrumented with fiber-optic probes in the renal cortex, medulla, and within a bladder catheter to measure PO2. Conscious sheep were infused with Escherichia coli for 32 hours. At 24-30 hours, angiotensin II (0.5-33.0 ng/kg/min) or saline vehicle was infused.Measurements and Main Results: Septic acute kidney injury was characterized by hypotension and a 60% ± 6% decrease in creatinine clearance. During sepsis, medullary PO2 decreased from 36 ± 1 to 30 ± 3 mm Hg after 1 hour and to 20 ± 2 mm Hg after 24 hours; at these times, urinary PO2 was 42 ± 2, 34 ± 2, and 23 ± 2 mm Hg. Increases in urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (12% ± 3%) and serum creatinine (60% ± 23%) were only detected at 8 and 24 hours, respectively. IV infusion of angiotensin II, at 24 hours of sepsis, restored arterial pressure and improved creatinine clearance, while not exacerbating medullary or urinary hypoxia.Conclusions: In septic acute kidney injury, renal medullary and urinary hypoxia developed several hours before increases in currently used biomarkers. Angiotensin II transiently improved renal function without worsening medullary hypoxia. In septic acute kidney injury, angiotensin II appears to be a safe, effective therapy, and urinary PO2 may be used to detect medullary hypoxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides a systematic review of randomized trials comparing intermittent renal replacement therapy (IRRT) and continuous RRT (CRRT) modality for critically-ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). The review's objectives were to evaluate whether modality influences mortality, renal recovery, treatment-related complications and physiologic outcomes. The study found no difference in mortality or renal recovery to RRT independence.