Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Followed at the Intensive Care Unit after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage (Fisher Grade IV) Surgery:A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: Contrast-enhanced imaging studies are widely used to diagnose and follow up acute cerebrovascular diseases. Exposure to contrast media may lead to nephropathy. This study investigated the incidence of contrast-induced acute kidney injury during intensive care follow-up of patients who underwent aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage surgery and the impact of this condition on patient outcomes. Material and Methods: Patients >18 years of age with no known renal injury and admitted to the intensive care unit after Fisher Grade IV aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage and surgery between January 2017 and June 2022 were retrospectively analysed. Renal injury was defined as a renal injury occurring within 48 hours of exposure to contrast media in line with the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria. Results: Among the 85 patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage who received at least one contrast medium, the mean age was 55, and 40% were female. 11.8% of the patients were found to have early acute kidney injury and were non-oliguric. At 48 hours, six, three, and one patients had Stage 1, 2, and 3 injuries, respectively. None of the patients required renal replacement therapy. Patients received a mean of 2 mL/kg/h saline infusion after contrast media administration and had a mean arterial pressure of 93.6 mmHg. There was no association between acute kidney injury and comorbidities, Glasgow coma scale, or APACHE II scores. Conclusions: The study found that the incidence of contrast-induced acute kidney injury was low and transient in patients followed at the ICU after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (Fisher Grade IV) surgery. Adequate hydration and hemodynamic stability were found to be effective in reducing acute kidney injury in these patients.