Early Postoperative Renal Dysfunction Predicts Long-Term Renal Function Degradation after Type IV Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Surgical Repair.

BACKGROUND: Type IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm surgical repair is often complicated by postoperative acute kidney injury. The aim was to evaluate early renal injury influence on long-term renal function. METHODS: All type IV thoracoabdominal surgical repair performed between January 2000 and January 2014 in our tertiary hospital were included in this retrospective observational study. All procedures were performed through a retroperitoneal approach with at least suprarenal aortic cross-clamping. Cold Ringer Lactate was used to perfuse the kidneys. Serum creatinine (Scr.) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were recorded preoperatively, daily until discharge and at least annually during follow-up. Postoperative renal dysfunction was classified using the RIFLE score. Predictors of long-term renal decline were identified by logistic regression and a Cox model. RESULTS: Of total, 80 patients were included. Aortic clamping level was suprarenal (10%), supramesenteric (37%) or supracoeliac (53%). Ischemic durations were 29 ± 9 min for the gastrointestinal tract and the right kidney, 54 ± 28 min for the left kidney. Three patients died postoperatively. At discharge, 31 (38.8%) patients did not have a postoperative renal impairment (RIFLE-), compared with 49 (61.2%) who had a renal dysfunction (RIFLE+). GFR was 89 ± 29 ml/min vs 68 ± 37 ml/min, respectively (P < 0.01). In the RIFLE + group, Scr. was increased by x1.5 (Risk) for 22 patients, x2 (Injury) for 19 patients, and ×3 (Failure) for 8 patients. Mean follow-up was 59 months. Eighteen patients died, and 2 patients started permanent dialysis at 46 and 118 months during follow-up. The only predictive factor of long-term GFR degradation was a postoperative GFR below 45 ml/min (OR: 16.5; 95%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative renal dysfunction was a frequent complication, associated with long-term renal function degradation.

Staffing needs for unscheduled activity in obstetrics and gynecology.

INTRODUCTION: To determine a minimum threshold of medical staffing needs (obstetricians-gynecologists, anesthesiologists-resuscitation specialists, nurse-anesthetists, pediatricians, and midwives) to ensure the safety and quality of care for unscheduled obstetrics-gynecology activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Face to face meetings of French healthcare professionals involved in perinatal care in different types of practices (academic hospital, community hospital or private practice) who belong to French perinatal societies: French National College of Gynecologists-Obstetricians (CNGOF), the French Society of Anesthesia and Resuscitation Specialists (SFAR), the French Society of Neonatology (SFN), the French Society of Perinatal Medicine (SFMP), the National College of French Midwives (CNSF), and the French Federation of Perinatal Care Networks (FFRSP). RESULTS: Different minimum thresholds for each category of care provider were proposed according to the number of births/year in the facility. These minimum thresholds can be modulated upwards as a function of the level of care (Level 1, 2 or 3 for perinatal centers), existence of an emergency department, and responsibilities as a referral center for maternal-fetal and/or surgical care. For example, an obstetrics-gynecology department handling 3000-4500 births per year without serving as a referral center must have an obstetrician-gynecologist, an anesthesiologist-resuscitation specialist, a nurse-anesthetist, and a pediatrician onsite specifically to provide care for unscheduled obstetrics-gynecology needs and a second obstetrician-gynecologist available within a time compatible with security requirements 24/7; the number of midwives always present (24/7) onsite and dedicated to unscheduled care is 5.1 for 3000 births and 7.2 for 4500 births. A maternity unit's occupancy rate must not exceed 85 %. CONCLUSION: The minimum thresholds proposed here are intended to improve the safety and quality of care of women who require unscheduled care in obstetrics-gynecology or during the perinatal period.

Tranexamic acid for childbirth: why, when, and for whom.

Introduction: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a major cause of maternal death and severe maternal morbidity after childbirth. Areas covered: Tranexamic acid, an antifibrinolytic agent, reduces bleeding-related mortality in women with PPH, especially when administered shortly after delivery, and is consequently recommended in this situation (1g intravenously with a second dose of 1 g if bleeding continues), even in high income countries where the magnitude of the effect of tranexamic is uncertain. Expert opinion: Pharmacovigilance surveys are warranted in high income areas to ensure that this new policy for the treatment of PPH is not associated to rare but severe adverse events such as renal failure. The evidence remains insufficient to recommend the universal use of tranexamic acid for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage after both vaginal and cesarean deliveries.