Objective: To learn the basics of renal structure and function, and the implications of renal disease in delivery of anesthesia.

 

Reading: Stoelting/Miller Chapter 21, pp. 301-314

 

Questions:

 

1.       

What are the functions of the kidney?

·        hormone metabolism (eg insulin)

2.       

Describe renal blood flow and its regulation

·        SNS (T4-L4) stimulation à vasoconstriction

3.       

Describe how the kidneys filter blood

·        90% of filtered fluid is reabsorbed in renal tubules

4.       

Why might NSAIDs be relatively contraindicated in the patient with renal disease?

 

Prostaglandins, produced in renal medulla, are released in response to sympathetic stimulation and increased levels of angiotensin II. They may modulate the vasoconstrictive effects of catecholamines. NSAIDs may attenuate this protection, allowing catecholamine-induced renal vasoconstriction. (This may be clinically relevant only is settings of hypovolemia)

5.       

Why is BUN not used as a measure of GFR?

·        Nevertheless, [BUN] > 50 mg/dl usually = decreased GFR

6.       

How does Creatinine relate to GFR?

·        at least 8 hours required for [Cr] to increase significantly from normal range in ARF

7.       

What is normal protein excretion?

·        if significant hypoalbuminemia results, can have decreased protein binding of drugs and decreased plasma oncotic pressure

8.       

What factors decrease urine concentrating ability?

·        diuretics, lithium

9.       

How does surgery and anesthesia effect renal function?

·        Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) antagonizes release of ADH and renin à inc. UOP. PEEP inhibits ANF release

10.   

Describe fluoride-induced nephrotoxicity

·        depends on duration of exposure and level of fluoride

11.   

What changes are associated with chronic renal disease?

·        Decreased sympathetic nervous system activity

12.   

Describe induction and maintenance of general anesthesia in the patient with CRI.

·        NMB: prolonged effect with pancuronium; vecuronium slightly prolonged; laudanosine excretion delayed in renal failure; reversal like normal (excretion of NMB AND reversal agent both delayed)

13.   

Define oliguria. Compare diagnosis etiology and treatment of prerenal causes vs. ATN.

  Prerenal Oliguria  ATN

Urine Na (mEq/L)  <40  >40

Urine osm (mosm/L)  >400  <400

Causes  dec. RBF (hypovolemia  renal ischemia, nephrotoxins, free hemoglobin

  hypotension, decreased  or myoglobin

  cardiac output)

Treatment  fluid challenge, inotrope,

  Lasix (0.1 mg/kg may re-

  establish UOP if oliguria due

  to pain-induced release of

  ADH, but not if due to

  decreased renal blood flow)

Note: diuretics à impaired Na reabsorption for 6-12 hours, making urine of prerenal oliguria indistinguishable from that of ATN

14.   

What are the mechanisms of action of the various types of diuretics?

·        Aldosterone Antagonists (e.g., spironolactone): blocks renal tubular effects of aldosterone, thus tending to offset loss of K associated with thiazides

15.   

What are the complications of transurethral surgery?

·        perforation of bladder or urethra

16.   

What complications are associated with glycine? Cytal?

Glycine:

Cytal:

·        good medium for bacterial contamination

17.   

What are the signs/symptoms of TURP syndrome?

·        Hypoosmolarity (cerebral edema, HA, restlessness, confusion, obtundation, seizures)

18.   

What are the advantages of regional anesthesia (vs. GA) for TURP?

·        NO proven difference in morbidity/mortality