Renal haemodynamic, microcirculatory, metabolic and histopathological responses to peritonitis-induced septic shock in pigs.
BACKGROUND
Our understanding of septic acute kidney injury (AKI) remains incomplete. A fundamental step is the use of animal models designed to meet the criteria of human sepsis. Therefore, we dynamically assessed renal haemodynamic, microvascular and metabolic responses to, and ultrastructural sequelae of, sepsis in a porcine model of faecal peritonitis-induced progressive hyperdynamic sepsis.


METHODS
In eight anaesthetised and mechanically ventilated pigs, faecal peritonitis was induced by inoculating autologous faeces. Six sham-operated animals served as time-matched controls. Noradrenaline was administered to maintain mean arterial pressure (MAP) greater than or equal to 65 mmHg. Before and at 12, 18 and 22 hours of peritonitis systemic haemodynamics, total renal (ultrasound Doppler) and cortex microvascular (laser Doppler) blood flow, oxygen transport and renal venous pressure, acid base balance and lactate/pyruvate ratios were measured. Postmortem histological analysis of kidney tissue was performed.


RESULTS
All septic pigs developed hyperdynamic shock with AKI as evidenced by a 30% increase in plasma creatinine levels. Kidney blood flow remained well-preserved and renal vascular resistance did not change either. Renal perfusion pressure significantly decreased in the AKI group as a result of gradually increased renal venous pressure. In parallel with a significant decrease in renal cortex microvascular perfusion, progressive renal venous acidosis and an increase in lactate/pyruvate ratio developed, while renal oxygen consumption remained unchanged. Renal histology revealed only subtle changes without signs of acute tubular necrosis.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this experimental study argue against the concept of renal vasoconstriction and tubular necrosis as physiological and morphological substrates of early septic AKI. Renal venous congestion might be a hidden and clinically unrecognised contributor to the development of kidney dysfunction.
Chvojka
Jiri
J
Intensive care unit, 1st Medical Department, Charles University Medical School and Teaching Hospital Plzen, alej Svobody 80, Plzen, 304 60, Czech Republic. chvojkaj@fnplzen.cz
Sykora
Roman
R
Krouzecky
Ales
A
Radej
Jaroslav
J
Varnerova
Veronika
V
Karvunidis
Thomas
T
Hes
Ondrej
O
Novak
Ivan
I
Radermacher
Peter
P
Matejovic
Martin
M
D000818:Animals; D018153:Czech Republic; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000502:physiology*; D007668:Kidney / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D017078:Laser-Doppler Flowmetry; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000502:physiology*; D010538:Peritonitis / Q000150:complications*; D012107:Research Design; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013552:Swine; D014463:Ultrasonography