There is no evidence that any of the measures used to protect patients' kidneys during the perioperative period are beneficial

Zacharias M, Conlon NP, Herbison GP, Sivalingam P, Walker RJ, Hovhannisyan K

Published Online:

October 8, 2008

There is no evidence from available randomized controlled trials to suggest that any of the measures used to protect the kidneys during the perioperative period, including the use of dopamine and its analogues, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors or hydration fluids, are beneficial. There is no difference in morbidity (renal failure) or mortality following the various perioperative interventions. There is a need for well-designed randomized controlled trials in this field, particularly in patients with pre-existing renal dysfunction.

Abstract (click to read)

Background:

A number of methods have been used to try to protect kidney function in patients undergoing surgery. These include the administration of dopamine and its analogues, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and hydration fluids.

Objectives:

For this review, we selected randomized controlled trials which employed different methods to protect renal function during the perioperative period. In examining these trials, we looked at outcomes that included renal failure and mortality as well as changes in renal function tests, such as urine output, creatinine clearance, free water clearance, fractional excretion of sodium and renal plasma flow.

Search strategy:

We searched the Cochrane Central register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2007, Issue 2), MEDLINE (1966 to June, 2007), and EMBASE (1988 to June, 2007); and handsearched six journals (Anesthesia and Analgesia, Anesthesiology, Annals of Surgery, British Journal of Anaesthesia, Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, and Journal of Vascular Surgery).

Selection criteria:

We selected all randomized controlled trials in adults undergoing surgery where a treatment measure was used for the purpose of renal protection in the perioperative period.

Data collection and analysis:

We selected 53 studies for inclusion in this review. As well as data analysis from all the studies, we performed subgroup analysis for type of intervention, type of surgical procedure, and pre-existing renal dysfunction. We undertook sensitivity analysis on studies with high and moderately good methodological quality.

Main results:

The review included data from 53 studies, comprising a total of 2327 participants. Of these, 1293 received some form of treatment and 1034 acted as controls. The interventions mostly consisted of different pharmaceutical agents, such as dopamine and its analogues, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, or selected hydration fluids. The results indicated that certain interventions showed minimal benefits. All the results suffered from significant heterogeneity. Hence we cannot draw conclusions about the effectiveness of these interventions in protecting patients' kidneys during surgery.

Authors' conclusions:

There is no reliable evidence from the available literature to suggest that interventions during surgery can protect the kidneys from damage. There is a need for more studies with high methodological quality. One particular area for further study may be patients with pre-existing renal dysfunction undergoing surgery.

This record should be cited as:

Zacharias M, Conlon NP, Herbison GP, Sivalingam P, Walker RJ, Hovhannisyan K. Interventions for protecting renal function in the perioperative period. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD003590. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003590.pub3

Assessed as up to date:

June 25, 2007

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Primary Review Group:

Anaesthesia Group

Health topics:

Anaesthesia & pain control > Peri-anaesthetic/peri-operative care > Fluid management

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There is no evidence that any of the measures used to protect patients' kidneys during the perioperative period are beneficial

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