Effect of renal angioembolization on post-traumatic acute kidney injury after high-grade renal trauma: a comparative study of 52 consecutive cases

Renal angioembolization vs. surgery for high-grade renal trauma: a nationwide comparative analysis

PURPOSE

Renal angioembolization (RAE) is widely employed in low-grade renal injuries and associated with improved patient outcomes, while surgery remains the mainstay for managing high-grade injuries. We compared the outcomes following surgery and RAE in high-grade renal trauma (HGRT).

METHODS

We used the ACS TQIP 2016-2020 to identify patients ≥ 16 years with HGRT who underwent RAE or surgery. Morbidity was the primary outcome, while mortality and lengths of stay were secondary outcomes. We accounted for clinically relevant characteristics using multilevel logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

We included 591 patients, of whom 279 (47.2%) underwent RAE. After adjusting, there was no difference in morbidity, hospital LOS, or ICU LOS. The surgery cohort had increased odds of mortality (aOR 4.93; [95% CI] 1.53-15.82; p = 0.007) compared to RAE. In the penetrating injury subgroup, no associations between management and outcomes were observed. In the grade V injury subgroup, morbidity was significantly higher after surgery (aOR 4.64; [95% CI] 1.49-14.47; p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

Overall, RAE did not significantly impact morbidity but was associated with improved mortality. RAE could safeguard renal function by augmenting the efficacy of concurrent non-operative interventions. Randomized studies are needed to further validate the utility of RAE in HGRT.

The effect of transarterial embolization and nephrectomy on acute kidney injury in patients with blunt renal trauma: An American College of Surgeons - Trauma Quality Improvement Program analysis

INTRODUCTION

Transarterial embolization (TAE) or nephrectomy for patients with blunt renal trauma might result in acute kidney injury (AKI). Thus, we analyzed the American College of Surgeons - Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) to validate this. We hypothesized that nephrectomy, and not TAE, would be a risk factor for AKI in patients with blunt renal trauma.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Adult patients with blunt injuries from the TQIP between 2017 and 2019 were eligible for inclusion. The patients were divided into three treatment groups: conservative treatment, TAE, and nephrectomy. Multivariable logistic regression was used to clarify the AKI predictors.

RESULTS

The study included 12,843 patients, wherein 12,373 (96.3 %), 229 (1.8 %), and 241 (1.9 %) patients were in the conservative, TAE, and nephrectomy groups, respectively. A total of 269 (2.2 %), 20 (8.7 %), and 29 (12.0 %) patients had AKI in the three groups, respectively. Both TAE (odds ratio [OR], 2.367; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.372-3.900; p = 0.001) and Nephrectomy (OR, 2.745; 95 % CI, 1.629-4.528; p < 0.001) were a statistically significant predictor for AKI in the multivariable logistic regression.

CONCLUSIONS

TAE and nephrectomy were statistically associated with AKI in patients with blunt renal trauma. This result differs from our previous research findings that nephrectomy, but not TAE, was a risk factor for AKI in patients with blunt renal trauma. Further prospective and well-designed research may be needed.

The Role of Renal Artery Embolisation in the Management of Blunt Renal Injuries: A Review

Renal injuries are the most common urinary tract injury secondary to external abdominal trauma. They are caused by blunt, penetrating and iatrogenic mechanisms. Despite the high number of blunt renal injuries, little evidence is available to guide management, especially with the evolution of embolisation as a minimally invasive treatment. Consequently, clinical practice is driven by results of observational studies and anecdote. We have reviewed the current trends in practice when using renal artery embolisation in the management of blunt renal injuries. Three key principles are highlighted. First, high-grade blunt renal injuries can be successfully managed with embolisation. Second, embolisation should be considered when there is radiological evidence of active contrast extravasation, pseudoaneurysm or arteriovenous fistula. Third, embolisation can be used to manage blunt renal injuries in haemodynamically unstable patients. Beyond this, evidence regarding optimal technique, CT indications, clinical status, comorbidities and complications are inconclusive. We discuss the implications for clinical practice and how these findings should define the agenda for future clinical research.

The effect of transarterial embolization versus nephrectomy on acute kidney injury in blunt renal trauma patients

PURPOSE

The impact of transarterial embolization (TAE) and nephrectomy on acute kidney injury (AKI) in blunt renal trauma patients remains unclear, and we used the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) to investigate this issue.

METHODS

Adult patients from the NTDB between 2007 and 2015 who survived traumatic events with blunt injuries were eligible for inclusion. The exclusion criteria were those without outcome information, who required dialysis, or with chronic renal failure prior to the traumatic injury. Patients sustaining hepatic, splenic, or pelvic fractures or who had bilateral nephrectomy were also excluded. The patients were divided into three treatment groups, including conservative treatment, TAE, and nephrectomy. Two statistical models, logistic regression (LR) and inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW), were used to clarify the AKI predictors.

RESULTS

The study included 10,096 patients. There were 9697 (96.0%), 202 (2.0%) and 197 (2.0%) patients in the conservative, TAE and nephrectomy groups, respectively. Nephrectomy was a statistically significant predictor of AKI in blunt renal trauma patients in the standard LR (odds ratio [OR], 4.58; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.92-10.38; p < 0.001) and IPTW (OR, 5.16; 95% CI 1.07-24.85; p = 0.023) models. In addition, TAE was not a risk factor for AKI in blunt renal trauma patients (p > 0.05 in all models).

CONCLUSION

AKI is less likely affect patients with blunt renal trauma with TAE than those with nephrectomy. Nephrectomy is a risk factor for AKI in blunt renal trauma patients. TAE should be considered first when blunt renal trauma patients need a hemostatic procedure.

Safety and efficacy of Endovascular Management of high-grade blunt renal injury

Objectives

To provide data on the safety and efficacy of renal arterial embolization (RAE) in patients with high-grade blunt renal injury.

Materials and methods

Fifteen patients with high-grade blunt renal injury (AAST grades IV-V) admitted to our hospital from July 2014 to December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed in this study. Their clinical success rate and complications were investigated accordingly.

Results

Fifteen patients with high-grade blunt renal injury, 13 men and 2 women with an average age of 41.6 years, including 11 hemodynamically unstable patients and 4 stable patients, were treated with RAE. Among these patients, 73.3% (11 of 15) had grade IV, and 26.7% (4 of 15) had grade V injuries, while 53.3% (8 of 15) patients had concomitant injuries. One patient received main RAE and 14 patients received selective RAE. The clinical success rate after the first embolization was 93.3% (14 of 15). RAE was repeated and was successfully performed in one patient with sustained hematuria. No significant difference in creatinine levels was found before and after embolization. During the follow-up period of 2–82 months, two patients required tube drainage due to urine leaks, one patient developed renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy, and one patient developed secondary hypertension.

Conclusions

RAE can provide a high success rate of hemostasis for both hemodynamically stable and unstable patients with high-grade blunt renal injury, and only minor complications are observed with this procedure.

The role of angioembolization in the management of blunt renal injuries: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Recently, renal angioembolization (RAE) has gained an important role in the non-operative management (NOM) of moderate to high-grade blunt renal injuries (BRI), but its use remains heterogeneous. The aim of this review is to examine the current literature on indications and outcomes of angioembolization in BRI.

METHODS

We conducted a search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Web of Science Databases up to February 2021 in accordance with PRISMA guidelines for studies on BRI treated with RAE. The methodological quality of eligible studies and their risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale RESULTS: A total of 16 articles that investigated angioembolization of blunt renal injury were included in the study. Overall, 412 patients were included: 8 presented with grade II renal trauma (2%), 97 with grade III renal trauma (23%); 225 with grade IV (55%); and 82 with grade V (20%). RAE was successful in 92% of grade III-IV (294/322) and 76% of grade V (63/82). Regarding haemodynamic status, success rate was achieved in 90% (312/346) of stable patients, but only in 63% (42/66) of unstable patients. The most common indication for RAE was active contrast extravasation in hemodynamic stable patients with grade III or IV BRI.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first review assessing outcomes and indication of angioembolization in blunt renal injuries. The results suggest that outcomes are excellent in hemodynamic stable, moderate to high-grade renal trauma.

Initial Experience With the Microvascular Plug in Selective Renal Artery Embolization

Purpose:

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the microvascular plug (MVP) for selective renal artery embolization.

Methods:

Retrospective review was performed on a cohort of 6 patients undergoing renal artery embolization using the MVP between July 2015 and August 2018. Patients’ demographics, indication for embolization, technical details of the embolization procedure, and clinical events were gathered from the patients’ electronic medical records.

Results:

The patients underwent selective renal artery embolization with a MVP for iatrogenic vascular injuries (n = 3), traumatic vascular injuries (n = 2), and for elective embolization of an angiomyolipoma (n = 1), in native kidneys (n = 4) or in renal allografts (n = 2). Immediate occlusion of the feeding artery was achieved with 1 MVP device in 4 patients. In 1 patient, a second MVP was needed, and in another patient, additional 0.018-inch microcoils were used to completely occlude the injured artery. Technical success was achieved in all patients. The volume of the resulting renal infarction was estimated less than 5% of the renal volume. No other procedure-related complications occurred.

Conclusion:

The MVP is a safe and effective device allowing superselective renal artery embolization. Therefore, we recommend the MVP as a valuable embolic in superselective renal artery embolization. Additionally, a single device is sufficient in most cases, potentially reducing the cost, duration, and radiation exposure of the procedure.

Kidney and uro-trauma: WSES-AAST guidelines

Renal and urogenital injuries occur in approximately 10-20% of abdominal trauma in adults and children. Optimal management should take into consideration the anatomic injury, the hemodynamic status, and the associated injuries. The management of urogenital trauma aims to restore homeostasis and normal physiology especially in pediatric patients where non-operative management is considered the gold standard. As with all traumatic conditions, the management of urogenital trauma should be multidisciplinary including urologists, interventional radiologists, and trauma surgeons, as well as emergency and ICU physicians. The aim of this paper is to present the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) and the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) kidney and urogenital trauma management guidelines.

Spontaneous renal hemorrhage: critical analysis of different lines of management in non-traumatic patients: a single tertiary center experience

PURPOSE

To assess clinical presentation and outcomes of different treatment strategies in cases of spontaneous renal hemorrhage (SRH).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients with SRH between 2000 and 2018 was performed. Patients' demographics, clinical presentation, laboratory and radiological investigations, and different lines of treatment were retrieved. The primary outcome was to assess the predictors of the success of conservative treatment. The secondary outcome was to assess the long-term renal function outcome comparing serum creatinine, e GFF, and CT-assessed renal volume at last follow-up with baseline values.

RESULTS

The study included 42 (23 males and 19 women) patients with mean ± SD age was 48.1 ± 17.8 years. Conservative management was successful in 19 (46%) patients. Trans-arterial embolization (TAE) was performed in 13 patients (30%) to control active bleeding. Ten patients (25%) required surgical exploration and nephrectomy. Lower serum creatinine (P = 0.003), higher prothrombin concentration (P = 0.04), lower hematoma size (P = 0.02), and non-AML lesions (P = 0.03) were independent predictors of conservative management success. Unlike the TAE-treated group, serum creatinine increased significantly (P = 0.04) with a significant decrease in e-GFR (P = 0.02) and renal volume (P < 0.001) of affected kidneys at last follow-up after conservative treatment.

CONCLUSION

Although SRH is a life-threatening condition, conservative treatment is successful in a certain subset of patients. However, it is associated with significant deterioration of the affected kidney function as well as renal volume.

[Factors predicting of failure after conservative treatment in III-V grade renal trauma]

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Surgical exploration of renal injury secondary to major trauma often leads to nephrectomy. The aim of this work was to identify the factors associated with the need for surgery in patients with III-V grade renal trauma who were initially managed conservatively.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed data from patients with Grade III-V kidney injury between June 2005 and June 2015. Demographic, clinical and bio-radiological characteristics at admission and follow-up, as well as management and complications, were recorded. Patient data, including conservative treatment, was a success without recourse to nephrectomy, and those patients who needed surgery were analyzed.

RESULTS

Seventy three patients were included in this study. Grade III accounted for 45%, Grade IV: 49% and Grade V: 5%. The success rate for conservative treatment was 79%: 31 patients grade III (94%), 26 grade IV (72%) and no grade V patients. hypotension at admission (P=0.04), hematoma size greater than 3.5 centimeters (P=0.002), grade V (P=0.003), anemia (P=0.04), blood transfusion (P=0.01) and worsening of lesions of the control CT lesions (P=0.001), are the factors considered as predictive of failure of conservative treatment.

CONCLUSION

Conservative management is the treatment of choice in III-V grade renal trauma, and the prognostic factors found in this study make it possible to better select patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Limits of intravascular contrast extravasation on computed tomography scan to define the need for pelvic angioembolization in pelvic blunt trauma: a specific assessment on the risk of false positives

BACKGROUND

The objective was to assess the predictive performance of different intravascular contrast extravasation (ICE) characteristics for need for pelvic transarterial embolization (TAE) to determine the risk factors of false positives.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed in our trauma center between 2010 and 2015. All severe trauma patients with pelvic fracture were included. Pelvic ICE characteristics on computed tomography (CT) scan were studied: arterial (aSICE), portal surface (pSICE), and extension (exSICE) anatomic relationships. The overall predictive performance of ICE surfaces for pelvic TAE was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curves. The analysis focused on risk factors for false positives.

RESULTS

Among 311 severe trauma patients with pelvic ring fracture (mean age, 42 ± 19 years; mean Injury Severity Score, 27 ± 19), 94 (30%) had at least one pelvic ICE on the initial CT scan. Patients requiring pelvic TAE had significantly larger aSICE and pSICE than others (p = 0.001 and p = 0.035, respectively). The overall ability of ICE surfaces to predict pelvic TAE was modest (aSICE area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.76 [95% confidence interval, 0.64-0.90]; p = 0.011) or nonsignificant (pSICE and exSICE). The high-sensitivity threshold was defined as aSICE 20 mm or more. Using this threshold, 76% of patients were false positives. Risk factors for false positives were admission systolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg or greater (63% vs 20%; p = 0.03) and low transfusion needs (63% vs 10%; p = 0.009), extravasation in contact with complex bone fracture (78% vs 30%; p = 0.008), or the absence of a direct relationship between extravasation and a large retroperitoneal hematoma (100% vs 38%; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

A significant pelvic ICE during the arterial phase does not guarantee the need for pelvic TAE. Three quarters of patients with aSICE of 20 mm or more did not need pelvic TAE. Several complementary CT scan criteria will help to identify this risk of false positives to determine adequate hemostatic pelvic procedures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic study, level IV.

Acute kidney injury in trauma patients admitted to the ICU: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of acute kidney injury (AKI) in trauma patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature search of studies on AKI according to RIFLE, AKIN, or KDIGO criteria in trauma patients admitted to the ICU (PROSPERO CRD42017060420). We searched PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, UpToDate, and NICE through 3 December 2018. Data were collected on incidence of AKI, risk factors, renal replacement therapy (RRT), renal recovery, length of stay (LOS), and mortality. Pooled analyses with random effects models yielded mean differences, OR, and RR, with 95% CI.

RESULTS

Twenty-four observational studies comprising 25,182 patients were included. Study quality (Newcastle-Ottawa scale) was moderate. Study heterogeneity was substantial. Incidence of post-traumatic AKI in the ICU was 24% (20-29), of which 13% (10-16) mild, 5% (3-7) moderate, and 4% (3-6) severe AKI. Risk factors for AKI were African American descent, high age, chronic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, high Injury Severity Score, abdominal injury, shock, low Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, high APACHE II score, and sepsis. AKI patients had 6.0 (4.0-7.9) days longer ICU LOS and increased risk of death [RR 3.4 (2.1-5.7)] compared to non-AKI patients. In patients with AKI, RRT was used in 10% (6-15). Renal recovery occurred in 96% (78-100) of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

AKI occurred in 24% of trauma patients admitted to the ICU, with an RRT use among these of 10%. Presence of AKI was associated with increased LOS and mortality, but renal recovery in AKI survivors was good.

Approach and Management of Traumatic Retroperitoneal Injuries

Traumatic retroperitoneal injuries constitute a challenge for trauma surgeons. They usually occur in the context of a trauma patient with multiple associated injuries, in whom invasive procedures have an important role in the diagnosis of these injuries. The retroperitoneum is the anatomical region with the highest mortality rates, therefore early diagnosis and treatment of these lesions acquire special relevance. The aim of this study is to present current published scientific evidence regarding incidence, mechanism of injury, diagnostic methods and treatment through a review of the international literature from the last 70 years. In conclusion, this systematic review showed an increasing trend towards non-surgical management of retroperitoneal injuries.

Assessment of Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Equation to Predict Reference Serum Creatinine Value in Severe Trauma Patients: Lessons From an Observational Study of 775 Cases

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) performance to predict serum creatinine (SCr) in severe trauma population and determined the best theoretical glomerular filtration rate (GFR) to use in this estimation.

BACKGROUND

Baseline SCr may be misestimated in severe trauma patients because of their specific demographic characteristics including renal hyperfiltration. However, the back-calculated MDRD equation is supposed to estimate SCr using a predetermined GFR of 75 mL/min/1.73 m.

METHODS

All severe trauma patients with a normal SCr were retrospectively included between January 2005 and January 2011. For each patient, the lowest SCr (oSCr) observed during the first week was used to estimate the GFR. The median GFR in period 1 (2005-2006) was determined. The back-calculated MDRD performance was assessed in period 2 (2007-2011) to predict oSCr by agreement, precision, and accuracy using a GFR of 75 mL/min/1.73 m (eSCr75-MDRD) or the median GFR observed in period 1 (eSCrTRAUMA-MDRD).

RESULTS

A total of 775 patients were studied: mean age, 37.7 ± 17 years; mean Injury Severity Score, 19 ± 11; 75% of male. In period 1 (n = 243), median GFR was 121 mL/min/1.73 m. In period 2 (n = 532), eSCrTRAUMA-MDRD demonstrated better agreement in predicting oSCr than eSCr75-MDRD (mean bias 2 vs 35 μmol/L; P < 0.001). Both precision (14 vs 39 μmol/L, respectively) and accuracy were significantly improved with eSCrTRAUMA-MDRD. Proportion of estimated SCr values that deviated less than 15%, 30%, or 50% was also higher with eSCrTRAUMA-MDRD (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The eSCr75-MDRD equation systematically overestimates oSCr of severe trauma patients. The eSCrTRAUMA-MDRD equation determined was statistically superior allowing more accurate qualification of acute kidney injury.

Indications for embolization in a French level 1 trauma center

Abdominal trauma accounts for nearly 20% of all traumatic injuries. It often involves young patients sustaining multiple injuries, with a high associated mortality rate. Management should begin at the scene of injury and relies on a structured chain of care in order to transport the trauma patient to the appropriate hospital center. Management is multi-disciplinary, involving intensive care specialists, surgeons and radiologists. Imaging to precisely define injury is best performed with whole body dual phase computed tomography, which can also identify the source of bleeding. Non-operative management has developed considerably over the years: this includes selective embolization in case of active bleeding or vascular anomalies in stable or stabilized patients after resuscitation. Embolization has become one of the corner stones of abdominal trauma management and interventional radiologists must play an active role on the trauma team. This overview details the different embolization procedures according to the involved organ and embolic agent used.

The role of interventional radiology in abdominopelvic trauma

The management of trauma patients has evolved in recent decades owing to increasing availability of advanced imaging modalities such as CT. Nowadays, CT has replaced the diagnostic function of angiography. The latter is considered when a therapeutic option is hypothesized. Arterial embolization is a life-saving procedure in abdominopelvic haemorrhagic patients, reducing relevant mortality rates and ensuring haemodynamic stabilization of the patient. Percutaneous transarterial embolization has been shown to be effective for controlling ongoing bleeding for patients with high-grade abdominopelvic injuries, thereby reducing the failure rate of non-operative management, preserving maximal organ function. Surgery is not always the optimal solution for stabilization of a patient with polytrauma. Mini-invasivity and repeatability may be considered as relevant advantages. We review technical considerations, efficacy and complication rates of hepatic, splenic, renal and pelvic embolization to extrapolate current evidence about transarterial embolization in traumatic patients.

Biliary tract external drainage alleviates kidney injury in shock

BACKGROUND

Kidney injury is common in hemorrhagic shock (HS). Kidney injury leads to a systemic increase in serum chemokines and cytokines and causes injuries to other vital organs. Our previous studies showed that vitamin C led to organ protection and inflammation inhibitory effects in rat models of HS via induction heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). We also found that biliary tract external drainage (BTED) increased the expression levels of HO-1 in rat livers. We investigated roles of BTED in kidney injury and its relationship with the HO-1 pathway in HS in this research.

METHODS

Rat models of HS were induced by drawing blood from the femoral artery. BTED was performed by inserting a catheter into the bile duct. Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to sham group; HS group; zinc protoporphyrin IX (Znpp) group; BTED group; BTED + Znpp group, and BTED + bile infusion group. The expression levels of HO-1 in the kidney were analyzed by Western blotting. The expression levels of occludin messenger RNA in the kidney were analyzed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The expression levels of occludin in the kidney were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Histology of renal was performed by hematoxylin and eosin staining.

RESULTS

Occludin messenger RNA and protein levels in the kidney increased markedly after BTED under HS conditions. Renal histopathologic scores decreased significantly after BTED under HS conditions. Znpp significantly inhibited all mentioned effects.

CONCLUSIONS

BTED alleviates kidney injury in rats of HS via the HO-1 pathway.

Angioembolization for solid organ injury: A brief review

INTRODUCTION

Non-operative management is the standard of care for blunt solid organ injuries in stable patients. Angioembolization is an important technique that improves success rates of non-operative management. We aimed to provide a brief review of the indications, effectiveness and complications associated with angioembolization for solid organ injuries.

METHODS

We conducted a literature search of the PubMed database using the terms "trauma", "angioembolization", and "solid organ embolization" limited to studies published in the English language. Abstracts and full text were manually reviewed to identify suitable articles.

RESULTS

The current brief review is based on content from the more recently published articles related to angioembolization for solid organ injuries after trauma.

DISCUSSION

Angioembolization is appropriate for hemodynamically stable patients with contrast extravasation on CT scan or high-grade injury to a solid organ. Non-operative management success rates have improved with the adoption of angioembolization. The complications associated with angioembolization are acceptable in the context of avoiding a laparotomy, and are often related to the severity of the injury.

CONCLUSION

Angioembolization is a natural extension of the move towards non-operative management for solid organ injuries. Randomized controlled trials are required to fully characterize the indications and efficacy of its use.