Nuraei A, Khajenouri R, Soleimani M, Dabbagh A,
Volume 68, Issue 4 (7-2010)
Abstract
Background: Patients with chronic renal disease, if not treated appropriately, will be usually terminated into an irreversible stage known as End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), the final stage of kidney disease. End stage renal disease patients cannot excrete the appropriately potassium ion through the kidney. Among the crystalloid solutions, normal saline is devoid of potassium so it is used in a widespread manner in renal transplant patients. High doses of this solution may cause hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis that is accompanied by extracellular potassium shift and impaired splanchnic perfusion. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of two types of solutions, normal saline vs. lactated ringer in these patients during the perioperative period. Methods: In a double blind clinical trial, 108 patients were randomly assigned in two groups (54 in each), while were assimilated regarding all aspects except for the type of the crystalloid solution. Age, weight, duration of the surgery, total volume of the infused crystalloid, central venous pressure and sex were all assessed.
Results: The two groups were the same regarding the results gained for pre- and post- operative parameters. Follow up assessments did not show any difference between the two groups regarding above variables.
Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrated that both of the crystalloid
solutions assessed, normal saline and lactated ringer solution, are safe for using in patients undergoing surgical operation and there is not a risk of hyperkalemia in renal transplant patients receiving lactated ringer. This study was performed on live kidney transplants and the results were not applicable to cadaver transplants.
