Decreased renal cortical perfusion post-EGDT is associated with MAKE-30 in sepsis

This study explores alterations in renal cortical perfusion post-Early Goal-Directed Therapy (EGDT) in sepsis patients, to investigate its association with major adverse kidney events within 30 days (MAKE-30) and identify hemodynamic factors associated with renal cortical perfusion.

Sepsis patients admitted to the ICU from Jan 2022 to Jul 2023 were prospectively enrolled. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) assessed renal cortical perfusion post-EGDT. Hemodynamic parameters and renal resistive index (RRI) were collected. Patients were categorized into MAKE-30 and non-MAKE-30 groups. The study examined the association between renal cortical perfusion and MAKE-30, explored the hemodynamic factors related to renal cortical perfusion.

Of 94 sepsis patients, 46 (48.9 %) experienced MAKE-30. Distinctions in pulmonary (P = 0.012) and abdominal infection sites (P = 0.001) and significant SOFA (P < 0.001) and APACHE II scores (P = 0.003) differences were observed. No significant differences in baseline characteristics, vasopressor, or diuretic doses were noted (P > 0.05). Hemodynamic parameters in MAKE-30 and non-MAKE-30 patients showed no significant differences. RRI was higher in MAKE-30 patients (0.71 vs 0.66 P = 0.005). Renal microcirculation parameters, including AUC (p = 0.035), rBV (p = 0.021), and PI (p = 0.003), were lower in MAKE-30. Reduced cortical renal perfusion was associated with an increased risk of MAKE-30. Renal cortical perfusion RT was identified as an independent factor associated with this risk (HR 2.278, 95 % CI (1.152-4.507), P = 0.018). RRI correlated with renal cortical perfusion AUC (r = -0.220 p 0.033).

Despite normal systemic hemodynamics post-sepsis EGDT, MAKE-30 patients show reduced renal cortical perfusion. CEUS-derived RT is an independent factor associated with this change. RRI correlates with renal cortical perfusion.