Chloride-liberal fluids are associated with acute kidney injury after liver transplantation

Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs frequently after liver transplantation and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Recent evidence has linked the predominant usage of 'chloride-liberal' intravenous fluids, such as 0.9% saline to the development of renal dysfunction in general critically ill patients. We compared the effects of perioperative fluid types on AKI in liver transplant recipients.

An observational analysis of liver transplant recipients over a 33-month period, between January 2010 and September 2013, was performed. Intensive care unit database and patient records were analyzed for determinants of early postoperative AKI. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was carried out using a two-tailed P value less than 0.05 to establish significance. The institutional Research Ethics Committee approved the study methodology (RAC no. 2131 073).

One hundred and fifty-eight liver transplants were performed, AKI developed in 57 (36.1%) patients: 39 (68.4%) fully recovered, 13 (22.8%) developed chronic renal failure and 10 (17.5%) required long-term hemodialysis. On univariate regression analysis, AKI was significantly associated with greater than 3,200 ml of chloride-liberal fluids infused within the first postoperative day (HR 5.9, 95% CI 2.64, 13.2, P < 0.001), greater than 1,500 ml colloids received in the operating room (hazard ratio (HR) 1.97, 95% CI 1.01, 3.8, P = 0.046), vasopressor requirement for 48 hours posttransplant (HR 3.34, 95% CI 1.55, 7.21, P = 0.002), hyperchloremia at day 2 (HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01, 1.18, P = 0.015) and preoperative model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score (HR 1.08, 95% CI 1.03, 1.13, P < 0.001). After stepwise multivariate regression, infusion of greater than 3,200 ml of chloride-liberal fluids (HR 6.25, 95% CI 2.69, 14.5, P < 0.000) and preoperative MELD score (HR 1.08, 95% CI 1.02, 1.15, P = 0.004) remained significant predictors for AKI.

In a sample of liver transplant recipients, infusion of higher volumes of chloride-liberal fluids and preoperative status was associated with an increased risk for postoperative AKI.