Management of the trauma patient with pre-existing renal disease

Chronic renal disease is associated with fluid retention, electrolyte disturbances, anemia, platelet dysfunction, malnutrition, and, often, underlying disease such as diabetes, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. The mortality and morbidity of trauma increases when the victim has pre-existing renal disease. Special attention must be given to fluid resuscitation in these patients because of their limited or absent ability to excrete solutes and fluids. Invasive hemodynamic monitoring is helpful in guiding the resuscitation efforts because urine output and acid-base balance are unreliable markers. Knowledge of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics is necessary in patients with renal disease. Choice of therapy for solute and fluid removal depends on the patient's hemodynamic status, the presence or absence of coagulopathy, and the type of traumatic injury. Renal replacement therapies are recommended for hemodynamically compromised patients.