Acute renal failure after transarterial chemoembolization progressing to chronic renal failure in hepatocellular carcinoma

Complications of hepatic chemoembolization

Transarterial hepatic chemoembolization continues to evolve as an integral therapy for unresectable primary and secondary liver tumors. Despite relatively low morbidity, major complications may be seen. This article provides an overview of the spectrum of vascular and nonvascular complications related to this therapy.

Incidence and risk factors for acute renal failure in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing transarterial chemoembolization: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is effective for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Considerable amounts of radiocontrast agent are used for TACE and may induce renal dysfunction.

METHOD

This study prospectively investigated the incidence and risk factors of acute renal failure (ARF), defined as an increase of serum creatinine level >1.5 mg/dl after TACE.

RESULTS

ARF developed in 12 (8.6%) of 140 patients after TACE. Univariate analysis showed that number of treatment sessions (2.3 +/- 1.4 vs 1.3 +/- 1.6, P=0.013), Child-Pugh class B (50% vs 21%, P=0.035) and the occurrence of severe postembolization syndrome (75% vs 30%, P=0.020) were significantly associated with the development of ARF. Multivariate logistic regression analysis disclosed that the proportional increased risk of ARF was 65% for each additional TACE therapy (odds ratio [OR]: 1.65, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-2.41, P=0.010). Other independent risk factors were Child-Pugh class B (OR: 12.82, 95% CI: 2.44-67.29, P=0.003) and severe postembolization syndrome (OR: 6.64, 95% CI: 1.60-27.49, P=0.009). Four (33%) of the patients with ARF developed irreversible renal function impairment, and diabetes mellitus was the only associated factor (P=0.067) in this group.

CONCLUSIONS

ARF after TACE is closely associated with number of treatment sessions, severity of cirrhosis and development of severe postembolization syndrome. Effective preventive measures should be undertaken especially in high-risk patients.

Acute renal failure after transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective study of the incidence, risk factors, clinical course and long-term outcome

BACKGROUND

Transarterial chemoembolization is effective for hepatocellular carcinoma. Acute renal failure may occur after transarterial chemoembolization because of radiocontrast agent, but its clinical aspects are unknown.

AIM

To investigate the incidence, risk factors and outcome of acute renal failure, defined as increase of serum creatinine > 1.5 mg/dL, after transarterial chemoembolization.

METHODS

A total of 235 hepatocellular carcinoma patients with 843 transarterial chemoembolization treatment sessions were analysed.

RESULTS

Acute renal failure developed in 56 (23.8%) patients and the estimated risk of developing acute renal failure was 6.6% in each treatment session. Comparison between the episodes of transarterial chemoembolization with and without acute renal failure by using the generalized estimating equation disclosed that Child-Pugh class B (odds ratio: 2.6, P = 0.007) and treatment session (odds ratio: 1.3; P < 0.0001) were independent risk factors of acute renal failure. Twenty-seven patients had prolonged renal function impairment. Multivariate analysis by generalized estimating equation showed that Child-Pugh class B (odds ratio: 4.3, P = 0.0004) and diabetes mellitus (odds ratio: 5.2, P < 0.0001) were linked with prolonged acute renal failure, which independently predicted a decreased survival (relative risk: 2.3, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Acute renal failure after transarterial chemoembolization appears to be dose-related and is associated with the severity of cirrhosis. Patients with diabetes mellitus or Child-Pugh class B more frequently develop prolonged acute renal failure, which in turn is a poor prognostic predictor.

Renal cortical retention of contrast medium on delayed CT and nephropathy following transcatheter arterial chemoembolisation in patients with high serum creatinine level

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of renal cortical retention (RCR) of contrast media seen on delayed CT, and nephropathy following transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE) in high-risk patients. The findings of 18 patients with abnormally high serum creatinine levels who underwent TACE were reviewed. Nephropathy was defined as an increase in serum creatinine level of more than 44 micromol l(-1), or more than 25%, on day 1, 3, 7 or 14. RCR was defined as mild (CT value >50) or severe (CT value >100). RCR was seen in 16 cases (89%) and in seven cases (39%) of post-TACE nephropathy. Patients without severe RCR did not develop nephropathy post-TACE, whereas 50% of those with such retention did (p=0.19). Delayed CT appears to have the potential as an early detector of nephropathy post-TACE in high-risk patients.