Postoperative Renal Failure in Trauma Patients

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Abstract
Since 1975 a sudden increase was observed in the incidence of nonoliguric renal failure following anesthesia in trauma victims. In an attempt to find the possible causes they reviewed postoperative fluid management of 2191 patients. During the period 1974-1975, fluid intake was increased and diuretics were administered in 960 postoperative trauma patients with oliguria (Group I). In those patients in Group I with respiratory insufficiency and oliguria, fluid therapy was restricted and furosemide and albumin were administered. During the period of 1976-1977 postoperative creatinine and free-water clearance were monitored in 1231 trauma victims (Group II). In patients with abnormal renal clearance values or oliguria, optimal cardiac output was maintained by maximizing preload. Diuretics were not administered unless circulatory overload was confirmed. There were 17 cases of acute renal failure in Group I and 18 in Group II. All of the 18 affected patients in Group II, but only 3 in Group I, were nonoliguric. Duration and severity of azotemia, complications, number of patients dialyzed, and mortality were significantly less (P < 0.05) in Group II than in Group I. When postoperative renal dysfunction is recognized early and therapy is directed toward attaining optimal blood volume, oliguria in acute renal failure may be avoided, thus minimizing morbidity and mortality.