Deleterious influence of prolonged warm ischemia in living donor kidney transplantation

Background

Recent studies investigating early graft function (EGF) after living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) identified prolonged warm ischemia time (WIT) as a risk factor for the occurrence of poor EGF. The latter is associated with long-term graft loss; therefore the question arises whether prolonged WIT affects long-term outcomes in LDKT.

Methods

Data were collected on 472 consecutive adult LDKTs. Patients were divided according to the total WIT into 3 groups with short (<30 minutes), intermediate (30-45 minutes), or prolonged (>45 minutes) WIT.

Results

Of all patients, 193 (40.9%) experienced short, 249 (52.8%) intermediate, and 30 (6.4%) prolonged WIT. Prolonged WIT was a significant risk factor for the occurrence of poor EGF with an adjusted odds ratio of 4.252 (95% confidence interval [CI), 1.914 −9.447). Long-term graft survival was impaired in patients with prolonged WIT, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 3.163 (95% CI, 1.202-8.321). Multivariate analysis revealed determinants of prolonged WIT, including laparoscopic procurement, recipient overweight, right donor kidney, and multiple renal arteries.

Conclusion

Prolonged WIT impairs long-term graft survival in LDKT. This finding underlines the need to develop strategies to avoid the occurrence of prolonged WIT in LDKT.     

Renal vein extension using an autologous renal vein in a living donor with double inferior vena cava: a case report

Background

When the kidney from a living donor with a double inferior vena cava (IVC) is harvested for renal transplantation, the short length of the renal vein may eventually create a technical problem for graft implantation. Herein, we have reported a rare case of renal vein extension using an autologous renal vein in a living donor with a double IVC.

Case Report

A 70-year-old man with end-stage renal disease owing to autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease underwent a living donor kidney graft from his wife who had a double IVC. Because of the enlarged kidneys, the patient underwent a bilateral native nephrectomy with concomitant renal transplantation to create space in the pelvis. At nephrectomy, the recipient's renal vein was used to extend the donor renal vein. On the back table, the vein graft was sutured to the donor renal vein, permitting a 3.0-cm extension.

Results

The transplantation was performed safely without any complications; the recipient's renal function and blood flow were excellent after the operation.

Conclusion

This case illustrated that an autologous renal vein graft is a preferable option to extend of short donor renal vein for recipients who require a simultaneous native nephrectomy.     

Impact of warm ischemia time on survival after heart transplantation

Background

There is little data available on the specific effects of warm ischemia time (WIT) as opposed to cold ischemia or storage time. With current research endeavors focusing on warm continuous perfusion, storage of donor hearts, and utilization of hearts from non-heart-beating donors, the impact of WIT on outcomes is increasingly relevant. The aim of this study was to analyze our results in cardiac transplantation with specific focus on the impact of WIT.

Methods

A retrospective review of 206 patients who underwent orthotopic heart transplantation at our institution between June 2001 and November 2010 was performed. Donor, recipient, and operative factors were analyzed. The main outcome variables were all cause mortality, survival, and primary graft failure.

Results

WIT of >80 minutes was associated with reduced survival compared with a shorter WIT of <60 minutes. Multivariate analysis showed increasing donor age to be the most significant variable associated with increased risk of mortality (hazard ratio 1.04; P = .004) per year of increasing donor age.

Conclusions

This study has demonstrated a reduced survival in heart transplant recipients with increased WIT. This finding may be of particular relevance to potential future heart transplantation using organs procured from non-heart-beating donors.     

Comparative outcomes of open nephrectomy, hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy, and full laparoscopic nephrectomy for living donors

Objective

Kidney transplantation is a standard treatment for end-stage renal disease. There are many methods of harvesting kidneys from living donors. At present, the role of minimally invasive surgery, including hand-assisted and full laparoscopic nephrectomy, is well established and tends to replace open surgery at many institutions. We conducted a retrospective study to compare the outcomes of these operative procedures at Ramathibodi Hospital in Bangkok.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed 200 patients who underwent open nephrectomy (ON), hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy (HALN), and full laparoscopic nephrectomy (FLN) between January 2006 and November 2010. Demographic data, type of surgical procedure, operative time, warm ischemic time (WIT), length of hospital stay (LOH), estimated blood loss (EBL), analgesic use, and complications from surgery were recorded. Results were compared using a one-way analysis of variance in order to determine differences.

Results

During the study period, 200 living kidney donors underwent nephrectomy. Of these, 95 (47.5%) received ON, 23 (11.5%) received HALN, and 82 (41%) received FLN. The operative time for the patients who underwent HALN and FLN was statistically significantly longer than that of the patients who underwent ON. On the other hand, the EBL for the ON group was significantly greater than for the HALN and FLN groups. The WIT was shortest for the ON group, followed by the HALN and FLN groups. The LOH did not differ among the three groups. Analgesic use was significantly higher in the ON group. Surgical complications were identified in 24 patients (12%).

Conclusion

Our results show that laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy is a relatively safe procedure when performed by experienced surgeons at appropriate institutions. Though the operative times and WITs were slightly longer and the cost was higher for the laparoscopic groups, the EBL was lower and the pain score was lower. Indeed, laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy is an attractive alternative surgical procedure. However, there is a long learning curve and experienced surgeons are required.     

Risk Factors for Deterioration of Renal Function After Donor Nephrectomy

Introduction

There are few recent studies investigating increased risks for adverse effects leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD) among kidney donors. The aim of this study was to identify factors that protect renal function among actual live kidney donors.

Materials and Methods

We enrolled 68 individuals who had undergone donor nephrectomy in this study. We assessed donor age, body mass index (BMI), casual blood pressure, preoperative and 3-month follow-up serum creatinines, serum total cholesterol, and several other clinical parameters. The severity of arteriosclerosis in the arteriolar and interlobular arteries of the donor kidney was semiquantitatively evaluated in 4 grades using back table biopsies. Impairment of renal function after surgery was expressed by differences in serum creatinine levels.

Results

The ratio of glomerular sclerosis, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure positively correlated with donor age. Deterioration of renal function after donor nephrectomy negatively correlated with BMI and positively correlated with severity of arteriosclerosis in interlobular arteries. A multiple regression analysis model with respect to the severity of arteriosclerosis in interlobular arteries showed significant influence, of serum creatinine and systolic blood pressure.

Conclusions

Preventing progression of arteriosclerosis and selecting the optimal BMI before donor nephrectomy will help to avoid impaired renal function among live kidney donors.     

Renal Vein Extension Using Gonadal Vein: A Useful Strategy for Right Kidney Living Donor Harvested Using Laparoscopy

Introduction

Vascular management of the right renal vein during laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy is still an unsolved problem. This short vessel has limited the use of right kidneys. However, the right kidney should be harvested in some instances. Based on experience in open donor nephrectomy, our unit has used the donor gonadal vein to obtain a longer renal vein in this setting.

Methods

Four consecutive living related donors with the indication for laparoscopic right nephrectomy underwent this procedure. Three donors were females and the overall average age was 48.5 years. The renal vein was controlled with a 30-mm stapler and we included 5-6 cm of the ipsilateral gonadal vein during the harvest. The donor kidney was perfused and renal vessels prepared under cold conditions. The gonadal vein was opened longitudinally and sutured to the donor right renal vein as a wide tube in 3 cases and as a spiral tube in 1 case with 6-0 monofilament suture.

Results

This procedure extended the bench work between 25 to 40 minutes permitting an 2.5- to 3.5-cm extension of the donor vein. The transplantations were performed in the usual mode and the vein enlargement enormously facilitated the implantation surgery. All recipients displayed immediate graft function; no complications were observed with this strategy.

Conclusions

Vein extension with the gonadal vein was a simple, safe method to enlarge the renal vein among right living donor kidneys procured using laparoscopy.     

Change in Renal Function After Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy for Kidney Transplantation

Background

Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) has become the method of choice for living-donor kidney transplantation. However, LDN may result in decreased renal function in the donor, and risk of end-stage renal failure has been reported.

Objective

To evaluate changes in renal function after LDN.

Patients and Methods

The study included 51 living donors of renal transplants between March 2002 and December 2008. Before kidney donation, we computed the initial function of the kidney preserved in the donor using 24-hour creatinine clearance (Ccr) and functional ratio as revealed at technetium 99m dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scanning. After kidney donation, serum creatinine concentration (sCr) and Ccr were calculated on postoperative day 2 and every 3 months thereafter.

Results

After LDN, mean sCr increased immediately, from 0.90 to 1.31, as did Ccr of the kidney preserved in the donor, from 58.2 to 79.6, a 36.9% increase. A greater percent increase in function was observed in younger donors and those with lower initial Ccr of the preserved kidney. Although 9.8% of donors demonstrated slightly decreased renal function of the preserved kidney at last follow-up, renal function was adequately preserved in most donors.

Conclusion

Younger donors and those with lower initial function of the preserved kidney before nephrectomy demonstrate a greater increase in function after nephrectomy. Age might be a risk factor for decreased renal function after LDN. Older potential living donors may need more careful evaluation before kidney donation.     

Improved Renal Function of Warm Ischemically Damaged Kidneys Using Polysol

Objective

We sought to assess the efficacy of POLYSOL, a low-viscosity, colloid-based organ preservation solution, for the preservation of warm ischemically damaged kidney grafts compared with histidine-tryptophane-ketoglutarate (HTK) solution.

Methods

Pigs (25-30 kg) underwent a left nephrectomy after clamping the renal vessels for 30 minutes. Kidney grafts washed out with Polysol (n = 6) or HTK (n = 6) were cold stored (CS) for 20 hours at 4°C. After the preservation period, the contralateral kidney was removed and the preserved kidney implanted heterotopically. Renal function was assessed daily for 7 days. Thereafter, animals were killed and the kidney grafts removed for histologic analysis.

Results

All animals survived for 7 days. All Polysol CS-preserved grafts showed immediate function, as demonstrated by urine production within 24 hours after reperfusion as compared with 3/6 grafts in the HTK CS group. Overall, the Polysol CS group showed improved renal function compared with HTK CS. Also, peak serum creatinine and blood urea values were lower in the Polysol CS group compared with HTK-preserved grafts. Histologic evaluation of warm ischemically damaged grafts showed less glomerular shrinking, less tubular damage, less edema, less inflammatory infiltration, and less necrosis in Polysol compared with HTK-preserved grafts.

Conclusion

Application of Polysol solution for washout and CS preservation of warm ischemically damaged kidney grafts resulted in improved renal function and structural integrity when compared with HTK.     

Hand-assisted technique facilitates preserving graft viability in laparoscopic donor nephrectomy

Background

To achieve Patient Safety and minimal operative invasion in living kidney donor nephrectomy, we have performed hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (HALDoN) since 2006.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility and the technique of HALDoN.

Method

We analyzed 72 donors who underwent HALDoN from February 2008-August 2011.

Results

Including 8/72 donors who underwent right nephrectomy, all subjects completed HALDoN without conversion to an open procedure. None of the recipients suffered delayed graft function or an ureteric problem. Knife-to-removal time (KRT) was longer among cases with graft weight (GW) >200 g than GW ≤200 g: 176.5 ± 35.1 minutes vs 142 ± 18.7 minutes (P < .001). Longer KRT (>180 minutes) and right nephrectomy produced longer reperfusion-to-urine secretion time (RUT; P = .002 and P = .027, respectively). Grafts with double renal arteries (N = 10) also tended to show longer RUT (P = .058). In a case with an early renal arterial branch <1 cm from the aorta, we transected the vessel to achieve a single orifice of the artery using a stapling device. At 6 months the average value of decreased renal function of donors had recovered to about 70%. The incidence of complication was 8.3% but there was no life-threatening morbidity.

Conclusion

The hand-assisted method could make the operating surgeon more confident to perform laparoscopic donor nephrectomy safely. HALDoN offers particular advantages for precise dissection using finger retraction and control of potential bleeding in the stages of vascular stapling and graft removal, preserving graft viability.     

Kidney grafts with multiple renal arteries is no longer a relative contraindication with advance in surgical techniques of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy

Objectives

Kidney grafts with multiple renal arteries were considered as a relative contraindication. We retrospectively reviewed our experience of kidney grafts with multiple renal arteries to clarify the usefulness of these grafts.

Methods

Between September 2002 and June 2011, 100 laparoscopic donor nephrectomies (LDNs) were performed consecutively. Three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography was routinely performed preoperatively. Donor demographics, operative characteristics, donor and recipients perioperative complications, and donor and recipient outcomes were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

Eighty-nine donors had single (group A1) and 11 donors had multiple renal arteries (group B1). Multiple arteries caused by application of the vascular stapler were found in another six donors. Overall, 17 kidney grafts required bench arterial reconstruction (group B2). The other 83 donors with single renal artery did not require further arterial reconstruction (group A2). There was a significant increase of warm ischemic time in the group of multiple renal arteries. There were no significant difference between groups A1 and B1 in regard to donor demographics, operative characteristics, and donor outcome. Kidney grafts requiring vascular reconstruction experienced equal immediate and long-term allograft outcomes with those of group A2. The actuarial 1-, 3-, and 5-year allograft survival rates were also comparable in both groups (95.4%, 92.6%, 92.6% in group A2 and 100%, 100%, 100% in group B2).

Conclusion

LDN in the presence of multiple renal arteries is feasible and safe. Both immediate and long-term allograft outcomes are comparable between kidney grafts with and without vascular reconstruction. Kidney grafts with multiple renal arteries are no longer a relative contraindication with advanced LDN surgical techniques.     

Use of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis to Assess Liver Steatosis

Background

The shortage of donor livers has led to increased utilization of steatotic marginal livers. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) uses the principles of electric current flows through tissue, with less resistance offered if the water content is high and the opposite in the presence of fat. Our hypothesis was that liver steatosis would result in an increased resistance to current flow, and correlate with the degree of liver steatosis.

Methods

Before studying cadaveric donor livers for transplantation, this study was performed in patients undergoing liver resection. A total of 37 patients undergoing liver resection for cancer were analysed with BIA, using a handheld, specially calibrated Maltron BIA analyser (BioScan 915) with modified tertrapolar electrodes. These electrodes were applied to the liver surface and resistance was recorded. To validate the results of BIA, a liver biopsy was performed. Histopathology was graded quantitatively as no steatosis, mild, moderate, or severe steatosis according the percentage of fat as well as qualitatively by type of fat (micro and macrovesicular).

Results

Bioelectric resistance showed a correlation with macroveiscular steatosis (P = .03).

Conclusion

BIA is a simple, noninvasive technique and its use should be explored in donor livers to assess steatosis.     

Functional recovery of donation after cardiac death liver graft by continuous machine perfusion preservation in pigs

Introduction

Grafts from donation after cardiac death (DCD) will greatly contribute to the expand the donor pool. However, these grafts may require the development of the preservation methods because of primary nonfunction and severe ischemic bile duct injury.

Methods

Porcine livers were perfused with a newly developed machine perfusion (MP) system. Each system for the portal vein or the hepatic artery had a roller pump, a flow meter, and a pressure sensor. The livers were perfused with University of Wisconsin (UW)-gluconate at 4°C-6°C for 3 hours after 2 hours simple cold storage (CS). The portal vein flow rate was 0.5 mL/min/g liver (pressure, 10 mm Hg) and the hepatic artery flow rate was 0.2 mL/min/g liver (pressure, 30 mm Hg). Orthotopic liver transplantation was performed in pigs comparing Group 1 (n = 4) procured after acute hemorrhagic shock preserved by MP, Group 2 (n = 3) procured after warm ischemia time (WIT) of 30 minutes with CS preservation, and Group 3 (n = 4) procured with 30 minutes of WIT and MP preservation.

Results

Collected effluent aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in the perfusion solution and serum AST and LDH were significantly lower in Group 1. AST and LDH results were lower in Group 3 than Group 2. Survival rates in Groups 1 and 3 were 3/4, but 0/3 in Group 2.

Conclusion

MP preservation was a useful promising preservation mode for DCD liver grafts.     

Single stapler technique in laparoscopic donor nephrectomy

Background

Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) is usually performed with at least 2 separate vascular staplers for division of the renal artery and vein. However, we used a single stapler regardless of the number of renal arteries and veins. Furthermore, the graft was quickly retrieved by hand without using an extraction bag using our technique. Herein we have presented our experience with LDN of grafts with single or multiple renal arteries and/or veins using a single stapler and hand removal.

Methods

We reviewed demographic data, operative and warm ischemia times, postoperative complications, and graft function.

Results

Between December 2005 and September 2009, we performed 85 cases with 1 renal artery (group LDN-1), 8 cases with two renal arteries (group LDN-2), and 5 cases with 3 or more renal arteries (group LDN-3). The demographic data among the groups were similar. The mean operative time was significantly longer among groups LDN-2 (100.3 ± 9.5 minutes) and LDN-3 (120.6 ± 10.3 minutes) compared with LDN-1 (76.1 ± 9.3 minutes; P < .001). Similar results were observed with respect to warm ischemia times. There were no significant differences related to graft function and outcomes among these groups.

Conclusion

The single stapler and hand removal technique was safe, technically feasible, and cost effective regardless of the number of renal arteries and veins. This technique removes the necessity of additional staplers and extraction bags, lowers the operative and warm ischemia times, and thus decreases the cost.     

Prospective, nonrandomized comparison between right- and left-sided hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy

Background

Despite technical improvements, laparoscopic living donor right nephrectomy can be associated with difficulties to obtain a sufficient lengths of right renal vessels. We report our experience with right-sided, hand-assisted, laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (HALDN).

Patients and methods

During a 7-year period (2003-2010), right HALDN was performed on 51 and left HALDN on 40 living kidney donors. We prospectively collected perioperative outcome data in donors and recipients including graft function and calculated 1-year graft survival according to the Kaplan-Meier-method.

Results

There were no conversions. The mean procedure time was 123 minutes versus 135 minutes for left HALDN (P = .09). Mean blood loss was 92 mL versus 101 mL in left HALDN (P = .09). There was no renal artery or vein thrombosis. The mean warm ischemia time was 47 seconds versus 41 seconds in left HALDN (P = .21). Hospital discharge was on an average at 3.4 days postoperatively. Delayed graft function occurred in two recipients: one in the left group and the other in the right group. Further, no significant difference in serum creatinine values was seen between the groups at 1 year after the transplantation. One-year graft survival rate was 97.5% in the left versus 98.1% in the right group.

Conclusion

Right HALDN is as safe and feasible as left HALDN. Hand-assistance results in a convenient length of right renal vessels without an increased incidence of vascular thrombosis.     

Quality of Life After Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy

Objectives

Distinct from cadaveric donor renal transplantation, living donor renal transplantation has many benefits for the recipient, such as a shorter waiting time as well as longer patient and graft survivals. But, there is no potential physical benefit for the donors. Many studies have shown that laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) resulted in a lower complication rate and shorter hospital stay compared with an open donor nephrectomy. The present study was performed to analyze the quality of life (QoL) among patients who underwent LDN.

Materials and Methods

From November 2005 to December 2008, 14 patients who underwent LDN were enrolled in this study. We assessed the QoL of these patients before versus 3 months after the operation using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), which were expressed as a Physical Component Summary and a Mental Component Summary. We analyzed the association between QoL and donor age, gender, relationship to the recipient, and renal function.

Results

The Physical Component Summaries showed a significant decrease from the values before kidney donation (92.9 ± 5.0) to 3 months thereafter (80.4 ± 16.6; P = .004). In addition, the Mental Component Summaries were also significantly decreased from 84.2 ± 10.2 to 76.8 ± 19.2 (P = .012). However, the changes of QoL were not significantly associated with donor age, gender, relationship to the recipient, or renal function after kidney donation.

Conclusion

This study revealed that kidney donation had negative impacts on donor QoL after LDN although renal function was well preserved. The QoL of a potential living donor must be evaluated carefully before transplantation.     

Laparoscopic nephrectomy, ex vivo excision and autotransplantation for complex renal tumors

Purpose:

In many patients partial nephrectomy is the preferred alternative to radical nephrectomy for upper urinary tract cancers. We describe the use of laparoscopic nephrectomy, ex vivo excision and reconstruction, and autotransplantation to expand the realm of minimally invasive, nephron sparing surgery to the most complex renal tumors.

Materials and Methods:

In our cohort undergoing renal surgery 2 patients had a solitary kidney with renal tumors not considered amenable to in situ partial nephrectomy. After transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy ex vivo tumor excision and renorrhaphy were performed. The kidney was transplanted to the ipsilateral iliac vessels through the Gibson extraction incision.

Results:

Indications for surgery were high grade urothelial carcinoma within a caliceal diverticulum and a central 5 cm renal cell carcinoma. Mean nephrectomy, cold ischemic and transplantation times were 4.5, 2 and 3.7 hours, respectively. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were noted. Hospitalization was 12 and 6 days, respectively. At 20 and 12 months of followup each patient remained off dialysis without evidence of recurrence.

Conclusions:

Despite experience with conventional nephron sparing surgery some cases may be more appropriate for ex vivo excision and reconstruction. In these situations the minimally invasive approach provides a kidney suitable for renal autotransplantation, while simultaneously decreasing patient morbidity. This novel approach to complex renal tumors is feasible when one applies principles of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy and possesses experience with renal transplantation.     

The Assessment of Residual Kidney Function After Living Donor Nephrectomy

Background

The number of patients on the waiting list for kidney transplantation is increasing as a result of the cadaveric donor shortage. One way to expand the pool is living donor transplantation. However, only 2% of kidney transplants in Poland come from living-related donors.

Aim

We sought to assess residual renal function, incidence of hypertension, and proteinuria among living kidney donors.

Patients and Methods

Between 2004 and 2007, we performed 46 living donor open nephrectomies. The mean age of the kidney donor was 39 years (range, 25-57). The donors were predominantly females (61%). Mean hospitalization time was 8 days (range, 4-22). Nine donors did not report for follow-up visits. The observation periods ranged from 1 to 24 months. Physical examination, blood and urine tests, as well as ultrasound scans were performed before nephrectomy and at every follow-up visit (1, 3, 12, and 24 months post operatively).

Results

Mean creatinine concentration was higher at 3 months after nephrectomy than preoperatively (P < .05). Mean creatinine clearance according to Cockroft-Gault formula and mean creatinine clearance according to abbreviated modification of diet in renal disease equation (aMDRD) decreased after donation by 30% (P < .05). No cases of proteinuria were observed. Hypertension occurred in 1 donor (2.7%).

Conclusion

Living kidney donation resulted in a reduced creatinine clearance in the donor. Follow-up of living kidney donors is essential to determine risk factors for deterioration of residual kidney function.     

De Novo Renal Carcinoma in Renal Transplant Recipients: Effect of Early Treatment

Objective

To evaluate the epidemiology, diagnosis, and outcome of de novo renal cell carcinoma in renal transplant recipients.

Patients and Methods

From June 1989 to August 2006, 800 renal transplant recipients were followed up annually by a urologist using abdominal ultrasonography or computed tomography. Renal lesions considered suspect were treated using extended nephrectomy. Incidence, diagnosis, histologic type, treatment, and outcome were analyzed in all patients.

Results

Thirty-three patients underwent nephrectomy because of suspect renal lesions including 22 de novo tumors in 21 native kidneys (renal clear-cell carcinoma in 15 and papillary carcinoma in 7). All tumors were classified as pT1aN0M0. Mean (range) time after diagnosis was 25.6 (2.3-105.5) months. Only 1 patient died, at 8 months after diagnosis. All other patients were alive at follow-up of 34.8 (2.8-113.9) months. Five-year survival was 92%.

Conclusion

The increased risk of tumor in renal transplant recipients leads us to propose extended nephrectomy in the case of suspect lesions in the native kidney. In our patients, 65% of patients had malignant lesions. Good prognosis for these localized tumors justified aggressive therapy even though 35% of transplant recipients were tumor-free.     

An established extracorporeal membrane oxygenation protocol promotes survival in extreme hypothermia

Background

Historical reports indicate that active rewarming with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can salvage a patient after hypothermic cardiac arrest. We created a protocol that includes ECMO for extreme hypothermia to guide rewarming of the hypothermic patient.

Methods

A retrospective review of the ECMO rewarming protocol (2004-2006) was conducted.

Results

The active rewarming protocol is a flowchart that is available on our hospital intranet and can be accessed in the trauma bay. A severely hypothermic patient triggers the activation of a TRAUMA ONE-OP ECMO response. During the 2-year period, there were 5 activations of the system and 4 children were placed on ECMO. Two of the 4 were dramatically salvaged and eventually discharged neurologically intact. All 5 children were found pulseless at the scene before transport. The average time from the injury occurrence to arrival was 94 minutes (range, 41-181 minutes). Mean cardiopulmonary resuscitation time was 78.2 minutes (range, 37-152 minutes). The mean core temperature on arrival was 25.4°C (range, 20.4°C-28.6°C). The average time from arrival to ECMO cannulation was 25.5 minutes (range, 16-37 minutes).

Conclusion

A preemptive strategy for the severely hypothermic patient provides an organized approach and prompt response. Expeditious rewarming can make the difference in an opportunity for survival.     

Cause of Death in Multiorgan Donors and Its Relation to the Function of Transplanted Kidneys

Background

Brain death is an important variable contributing to donor-specific kidney damage. Poor kidney performance posttransplantation may be related to the cause of death of the donor.

Objective

To assess the influence of cause of death in multiorgan donors on the function of transplanted kidneys.

Material and Methods

Standard criteria for the brain stem death protocol were applied in 146 potential heart donors included in the study. Conventional supportive management consisted of mechanical ventilation to achieve normocapnia, rewarming, and fluid and electrolyte replacement. Dopamine infusion not exceeding 10 μg/kg/min and desaminovasopressin were titrated to predetermined mean arterial pressure (MAP). In renal allograft recipients (n = 232), kidney function was monitored using serial serum creatinine concentrations on days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 30, and 90 posttransplantation. The relation between donor cause of death (injury, bleeding, or other cause) and recipient serum creatinine concentration was analyzed in the postoperative period.

Results

Significantly greater serum creatinine concentrations were observed up to 14 days posttransplantation in recipients of a kidney from a donor who died of any cause other than injury. Recipients of a kidney from a donor who died of bleeding exhibited significantly greater serum creatinine concentrations at 30 days posttransplantation.

Conclusions

A cause of death other than injury or bleeding in a multiorgan donor is predictive of worse kidney graft function in the first 14 days posttransplantation. Intracranial bleeding in a multiorgan donor is predictive of worse kidney graft function in the early period posttransplantation.