Plasma electrolyte imbalance in pediatric kidney transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND

In current practice, pediatric kidney transplant recipients receive large volumes of intravenous fluid intraoperatively to establish allograft perfusion, and further fluid to replace urinary and insensible losses postoperatively. Acute electrolyte imbalance can result, with potential for neurological sequelae. We aimed to determine the incidence and severity of postoperative plasma electrolyte imbalance in pediatric kidney transplant recipients managed with the current standard intravenous crystalloid regimen.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of plasma electrolytes in the first 72 hours post-kidney transplant in 76 children transplanted between January 1, 2015, and January 31, 2018, managed with a standard intravenous fluid strategy used in most UK pediatric transplant centers.

RESULTS

Of 76 pediatric transplant recipients of median age 9.9 (range 2.2-17.9) years predominantly managed with 0.45% sodium chloride 5% glucose, 45 (59%) developed acute hyponatremia, 23 (30%) hyperkalemia, and 43 (57%) non-anion-gap acidosis in the postoperative period. Hyperglycemia occurred in 74 (97%) patients. Hyperkalemia was more prevalent in deceased than live donor recipients (P = 0.003) and was significantly associated with non-anion-gap acidosis (P < 0.001). Recipient weight was not associated with overt electrolyte imbalance.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative plasma electrolyte imbalance is common in pediatric kidney transplant recipients. Current clinical care strategies mitigate the associated risks of neurological sequelae to some degree. Further studies to optimize intravenous fluid therapy and minimize electrolyte disturbance in this group of patients are needed.