Goal-Directed Haemodynamic Therapy Improves Patient Outcomes in Kidney Transplantation.

Introduction

Kidney transplant graft function depends on optimised haemodynamics. However, high fluid volumes risk hypervolaemic complications. The Edwards Lifesciences ClearSight™ device permits fluid titration through markers of preload and beat-to-beat blood pressure monitoring. We evaluated the implementation of a novel goal-directed haemodynamic therapy protocol to determine whether patient outcomes had improved.

Design

A retrospective evaluation of standard care versus goal-directed haemodynamic therapy in adults undergoing kidney transplantation was performed in a single centre between April 2016 and October 2019. Twenty-eight standard-of-care patients received intraoperative fixed-rate infusion and 28 patients received goal-directed haemodynamic therapy. The primary outcome was volume of fluid administered intraoperatively. Secondary outcomes included blood product and vasoactive drug exposure, graft and recipient outcomes.

Results

Intraoperative fluid administered was significantly reduced in the goal-directed haemodynamic therapy cohort (4325 vs 2751 ml, P < .001). Exposure to vasopressor (67.9% vs 42.9%, P = .060) and blood products (17.9% vs 3.6%, P = .101) was unchanged. Immediate graft function (82.1% vs 75.0%, P = .515), dialysis requirement (14.3% vs 21.4%, P = .729) and creatinine changes post-operatively were unchanged. In the goal-directed haemodynamic therapy cohort, 1 patient had pulmonary oedema (3.6%) versus 21.4% in the standard cohort. Patients in the goal-directed haemodynamic therapy group were more likely to mobilise within 48 hours of surgery (number needed to treat = 3.5, P = .012).

Conclusions

Protocolised goal-directed haemodynamic therapy in kidney transplantation was safe and may improve patient, graft, and surgical outcomes. Clinical trials assessing goal-directed approaches are needed.