Maintenance of unstable kidney donors

Cerebral death is often associated with haemodynamic changes which include a decrease in cardiac output and peripheral resistance. Brain-death following head injury may also lead to acquired diabetes insipidus with secondary water and electrolyte derangement. It is therefore necessary to prevent and correct these alterations, particularly when long-term maintenance is required, in order to keep kidney function within the normal range. Computerized monitoring of renal function and electrolyte and water derangements has been adopted. In all cases where early data of renal failure or oliguria were present infusions of dopamine and fluids were started. When indicated, the optimal dose of dopamine was calculated using a computerized system to allow drug dosages and the time of haemodynamic derangement to be minimized. When acquired central diabetes insipidus was present and urine output greater than 4 ml kg-1 h-1 desamino-cis-D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP) was administered.