A retrospective study to assess the evaluation of living related kidney donors and their outcomes following nephrectomy at Kenyatta National Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplantation is the renal replacement therapy of choice for end stage renal disease. To ensure safety regular audit of the donation process is necessary. The aim of this study was to assess the evaluation of potential living related kidney donors and document their outcomes following nephrectomy. METHODS: This was a retrospective descriptive study involving all living related kidney donors seen at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) renal unit from 2010 to 2014. Upon approval by KNH/ERC, the records of all kidney donors were retrieved. Demographic characteristics, number of potential and actual donors, their clinical, laboratory and radiological data as well as documented complications and deaths were recorded. SPSS version 17(Chicago, Ilinois) was used for data entry and analysis. Chi square test and Mann Whitney U test were used as tests of association for categorical and continuous data respectively, with P value set at <0.05. RESULTS: Median age of the donors was 34 years (IQR 31-39). First-degree relatives were majority(84.5%). Renal function assessment was done using mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) from the radionuclide scan (DTPA) and serum creatinine levels. The donors had a mean GFR of 99.2 ± SD 6.6. All the haematological and biochemical tests were within normal. Majority(42.9%) were HLA compatible, but data on HLA typing was missing for 22% of the patients records. On CT angiogram, single renal artery and single renal vein were found in 94 and 88% respectively. Immediate complications included excessive bleeding(2%) and breach of other cavities (4%). Paralytic ileus (32%) and atelectasis (27%) were the most common early postoperative complications. There was no mortality. CONCLUSION: Our study reports no fatality but significant post-operative complications. These are significant findings that may be used to review and improve care and to educate potential kidney donors on the safety of this procedure in our centre, in a bid to widen the pool of potential living kidney donors.

Prevalence and predictors of intra-abdominal hypertension and compartment syndrome in surgical patients in critical care units at Kenyatta National Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) affects almost every organ sytem.If it is not detected early and corrected, mortality would be high. The prevalence of IAH and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) critical care units is not known. The aim of this sudy was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with development of IAH/ACS among critically ill surgical patients. METHODS: This was a cross sectional descriptive study involving surgical patients in critical care units at KNH, carried out from March 2015 to October 2015. One hundred and thirteen critically ill and ventilated patients 13 years or older were recruited into the study. Krohn's intravesical method was used to measure intra- abdominal pressure (IAP). Measurements were done at first contact, then at 12 and 24 h. Additional parameters recorded included: laboratory tests such as serum bilirubin and total blood count as well as clinical parameters such as urine output, vital signs and peak airway pressure, among others. Frequency, means and standard deviation were used to describe the data. Categorical variables e.g. age, were analysed using Chi square test and continous variables using student 't' test and Mann Whitney test as appropriate RESULT: A total of 113 consecutive surgical patients admitted to the critical care units were recruited. Of our study population, 71.7% (by IAP max) and 67.3% (by IAP mean) had IAH. Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) developed in 4.4% of the population. The following factors were significant determinants of risk of IAH : amount of IV fluids over 24 h (3949.6 vs 2931.1, p = 0.003, adjusted OR 1.0 [1.0-1.002]), haemoglobin values at admission (9.9 vs 12.0, p = <0.012, adjusted OR 0.6 [0.4-0.9]), peak airway pressure (28.4 vs 17.3; p = 0.018, adjusted OR 1.6 [1.1-2.4]) and synchronised intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) (60 vs 32; p = 0.041, adjusted OR 1.4 [0.78-2.04]). Of those who had IAH; age, amount of iv fluids over 24 h, fluid balance and ventilator mode were significant determinants of risk of progression to ACS . CONCLUSION: The prevalence of intraabdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome at KNH is high. Clinical parameters pertaining to fluids administration and ventilator mode are siginificant determinants.