Renal function following open heart surgery: the influence of postoperative artificial ventilation

In order to detect changes in renal perfusion and function in the postoperative period of open heart surgery, a prospective study of 21 patients following open heart surgery was performed. Cardiac output, renal blood flow, glomerular filtration and renal function parameters were determined during intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV), and during spontaneous ventilation (SV). During IPPV, renal perfusion was found to be substantially decreased. The glomerular filtration rate was also reduced, but to a lesser extent, implying that the changes were due to a selective increase in postglomerular vascular resistance. The clearances of urea and creatinine were decreased during IPPV, but the clearances of osmoles and potassium were higher. The reabsorption of sodium, potassium and osmoles were also decreased during IPPV, but not that of urea. These findings are consistent with the development of increased renal venous pressure during IPPV, caused by impeded venous return to the heart. In the low cardiac output range a cardiac index in excess of 0.5l/min/m2 during IPPV seems necessary to achieve the same renal perfusion as during SV.