Ability of N-acetylcysteine to Prevent Deterioration in Renal Functioning in CKD Patients Undergoing Major Surgery Under General Anesthesia

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most serious and frequent complication of general anesthesia. Patients suffer from chronic kidney diseases (CKD) predispose to develop AKI. CKD patients often need some surgical interventions that have been done under general anesthesia; they therefore have an increased probability to develop AKI.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a thiol compound with antioxidant and vasodilatory properties, reduces oxygen free radical production, decreases pump-related ischemia-reperfusion injury and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. NAC has been reported to protect the kidney from injury induced by contrast media, ischemia, and toxins.

Present study aimed to explore the efficacy of NAC treatment to prevent deterioration in renal functioning in CKD patients undergoing major surgery under general anesthesia.

Study will include about 200 CKD (eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) less than 40) patients that should undergo surgical interventions under general anesthesia and will divide to 3 groups as follows: group 1- about 40 patients which should undergo major vascular surgery; group 2 - about 60 patients that suppose to undergo major orthopedic surgery (revision of total hip, revision of knee); group 3 - about 100 patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Patients from each group will randomly divide in two sub-groups (A and B). Subgroup A will receive NAC twice (14-16h and 2h) before surgery and 12h after surgery. Subgroup B will receive placebo (saline).

Markers for kidney function such as eGFR, creatinin, urea, electrolytes, cystatin C, NGAL (Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin), urine albumin will measure before and after surgery in all patients. An additional blood samples for assessment of nitric oxide and cytokine levels will be taken from each patient before and after surgery.