Made available in DSpace on 2016-01-26T12:51:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 joaofernandopicollodeoliveira_dissert.pdf: 2216002 bytes, checksum: 172981ec9e4daa13d8e1e6872337867d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-12-10 / Nephrotoxicity is the main adverse effect of aminoglycoside use. There are few information about its prevalence and risk factor in intensive care unit patients. Objectives: To assess the prevalence, mortality and risk factors for aminoglycoside nephrotoxicity in ICU patients. Casuistic and Method: In order to assess the prevalence of, and risk factors for aminoglycoside nephrotoxicity in the ICU, 360 consecutive patients starting aminoglycoside therapy in the ICU with a baseline calculated GFR (cGFR) &#8805;30 ml/min/1.73 m2 were evaluated. Results: Of them, 209 (58%) developed aminoglycoside-induced nephrotoxicity (AKI, decrease in cGFR >20% from baseline), while 151 did not (non-AKI). Both groups had similar baseline cGFR. The AKI group developed a lower cGFR nadir (45 ± 27 vs. 79 ± 39 ml/min/1.73 m2, p<0.001), was older (56 ± 18 y vs. 52 ± 19 y, p=0.033), had a higher prevalence of diabetes (19.6% vs. 9.3%, p=0.007), used other nephrotoxic drugs (51% vs. 38%, p=0.024) and iodinated contrast more frequently (18% vs. 8%, p=0.0054), showed higher prevalence of hypotension (63% vs. 44%, p=0.0003), shock (56% vs. 31%, p<0.0001), and jaundice (19% vs. 8%, p=0.0036). Mortality was 44.5% in the AKI and 29.1% in the non-AKI groups (p=0.0031). A logistic regression model identified as significant (p<0.05) independent factors affecting aminoglycoside-induced nephrotoxicity baseline cGFR<60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (OR 0.42), diabetes (OR 2.13), simultaneous use of other nephrotoxins (OR 1.61) or iodinated contrast (OR 2.13), and hypotension (OR 1.83). Conclusion: The AKI was frequent among ICU patients using aminoglycoside, and it was associated with high mortality. The presence of diabetes, hypotension, simultaneous use of other nephrotoxic drugs, and iodinated contrast were independent risk factors for the development of aminoglycoside-induced nephrotoxicity. / Nefrotoxicidade é a principal complicação do uso de aminoglicosídeos. Existem poucas informações sobre a prevalência e os fatores de risco para nefrotoxicidade por aminoglicosídeos em paciente internados em unidades de terapia intensiva. Objetivos: Avaliar a prevalência, a mortalidade e os fatores de risco para nefrotoxicidade por aminoglicosídeos em pacientes internados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva geral. Casuística e Métodos: Foram avaliados a prevalência, os fatores de risco e a mortalidade da nefrotoxicidade por aminoglicosídeo de 360 pacientes internados em terapia intensiva com filtração glomerular calculada por fórmula (MDRD, RFG) basal &#8805;30ml/min/ 1,73m2, que iniciaram o uso do antibiótico na terapia intensiva; nefrotoxicidade foi definida como queda >20% na RFG em relação ao RFG basal. Resultados: Entre os pacientes estudados 209 (58%) desenvolveram nefrotoxicidade (IRA) e 151 não alteraram a função renal (não IRA). Ambos os grupos (média±desvio padrão) tinham RFG basal similar (89&#61617;42 ml/min/ 1,73m2 no grupo IRA versus 84±42 ml/min/ 1,73m2 no grupo não IRA). O grupo IRA teve menor nadir de RFG (45±27 ml/min/ 1,73m2 versus 79±39 ml/min/ 1,73m2, p<0,001), idade maior (56&#61617;18 anos versus 52&#61617;19 anos, p=0,033), maior prevalência de diabetes (19,6% versus 9,3%, p=0,007), uso simultâneo mais freqüente de outras drogas nefrotóxicas (51% versus 38%, p=0,024) e contraste (18% versus 8%, p=0,0054), maior prevalência de hipovolemia (44% versus 27%, p=0,001), hipotensão (63% versus 44%, p=0,0003), choque (56% versus 31%, p<0,0001) e icterícia (19% versus 8%, p=0,0036). A mortalidade foi 44,5% no grupo IRA e 29,1% no grupo não IRA (p=0,0031). A análise por regressão logística identificou como fatores de risco independente para a nefrotoxicidade por aminoglicosídeo, RFG basal <60ml/min/1,73m2 [OR 0,42 (IC 95% 0,24-0,72, p=0,02)], diabetes [OR 2,13 (IC 95% 1,01-4,49, p=0,046)], uso simultâneo de outras drogas nefrotóxicas [OR 1,61 (IC 95% 1,00-2,59, p=0,048)], uso de contraste iodado [OR 2,13 (IC 95% 1,02-4,43, p=0,043)] e hipotensão [OR 1,83 (IC 95% 1,14-2,94, p=0,012)]. Conclusões: Nefrotoxicidade por aminoglicosídeo foi freqüente e associada a alta mortalidade em pacientes de UTI. A presença de diabetes, hipotensão, uso simultâneo de outras drogas nefrotóxicas e contraste iodado foram fatores de risco independentes para o desenvolvimento de nefrotoxicidade.

The course of endstage renal disease (ESRD) and receiving hemodialysis (HD) treatment is complex and filled with uncertainty. Part of this illness experience includes making end-of-life (EOL) care decisions. Many families are unprepared to make such decisions. Advance care planning (ACP) creates an excellent context for laying the groundwork for these emotionally charged conversations. Hemodialysis patients, their families and healthcare providers (HCPs) are in a unique position to begin the ACP process early in the illness trajectory, revisiting it when the patient’s health status, prognosis and treatment modality changes. To date, little research has focused directly on how families experience ACP conversations in the context of ESRD or HD. The purpose of this study was to explore family members’ experiences of participating in a facilitated ACP conversation with the HD patient. This approach recognizes and privileges the family’s role in the illness trajectory of ESRD and validates that they too are HCPs’ clients. Five families, consisting of the HD patient and one family member, who went through the ACP process were interviewed along with an ACP facilitator from the nephrology program. This focused ethnographic study applied the theoretical perspective of postmodernist critical theory to derive and analyze data from in-depth semi-structured interviews. Findings revealed a detailed description of the ACP process that included timing, readiness to acknowledge the potentiality of death, facing mortality, and finding meaning in the illness experience. As families started to deconstruct their experiences, they shared stories of communication breakdown, highlighting the complexities of their relationships with HCPs. Understanding the factors that potentially contribute to HD patients’, their families’ and the renal staff’s discomfort with death were analyzed. The study findings provide important direction for HCPs about how families make ACP decisions, how they perceive the ACP process, and what they identify as their EOL care needs and wishes. Failure to implement ACP as part of an EOL care program means that death will continue to be denied and clients’ EOL care needs will remain un-addressed. In order for ACP to be effective on HD units, sustainable resources are essential for patients, their families and HCPs.

The course of endstage renal disease (ESRD) and receiving hemodialysis (HD) treatment is complex and filled with uncertainty. Part of this illness experience includes making end-of-life (EOL) care decisions. Many families are unprepared to make such decisions. Advance care planning (ACP) creates an excellent context for laying the groundwork for these emotionally charged conversations. Hemodialysis patients, their families and healthcare providers (HCPs) are in a unique position to begin the ACP process early in the illness trajectory, revisiting it when the patient’s health status, prognosis and treatment modality changes. To date, little research has focused directly on how families experience ACP conversations in the context of ESRD or HD. The purpose of this study was to explore family members’ experiences of participating in a facilitated ACP conversation with the HD patient. This approach recognizes and privileges the family’s role in the illness trajectory of ESRD and validates that they too are HCPs’ clients. Five families, consisting of the HD patient and one family member, who went through the ACP process were interviewed along with an ACP facilitator from the nephrology program. This focused ethnographic study applied the theoretical perspective of postmodernist critical theory to derive and analyze data from in-depth semi-structured interviews. Findings revealed a detailed description of the ACP process that included timing, readiness to acknowledge the potentiality of death, facing mortality, and finding meaning in the illness experience. As families started to deconstruct their experiences, they shared stories of communication breakdown, highlighting the complexities of their relationships with HCPs. Understanding the factors that potentially contribute to HD patients’, their families’ and the renal staff’s discomfort with death were analyzed. The study findings provide important direction for HCPs about how families make ACP decisions, how they perceive the ACP process, and what they identify as their EOL care needs and wishes. Failure to implement ACP as part of an EOL care program means that death will continue to be denied and clients’ EOL care needs will remain un-addressed. In order for ACP to be effective on HD units, sustainable resources are essential for patients, their families and HCPs.

The most useful drugs in the management of nephrotic syndrome are the corticosteroids. These drugs are as well known for their adverse effects as they are for their therapeutic advantages. The two most common paediatric side effects are suppression of linear growth and posterior subcapsular cataracts. Both of these untoward effects are insiduous and therefore less easily perceived. Although many workers have studied the growth inhibiting effects of the corticosteroids in the various diseases e.g. asthma, very little work was done to investigate these effects in patients with nephrotic syndrome. Furthermore, the Renal Clinic, King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban continues to use a daily regime of prednisone instead of the alternate day regime which is widely recommended to minimise growth retardation. This study was therefore undertaken to investigate the growth inhibiting effects of repeated courses of daily, high-dose prednisone in African and Indian children with nephrotic syndrome. All children with nephrotic syndrome with relevant data in their records and with no other chronic illness were selected from the Renal Clinic. Of the 125 selected, 87 children had been treated with prednisone for an average of 35,9 weeks and 38 had been treated symptomatically. The heights of those that received prednisone were measured at an averace of 77 weeks after completion of therapy. The mean height standard deviation score (SDS) of the treatment and control groups of Indian children were -1,06 and -0,92 respectively, both being between the 10th and 25th percentile, whilst the mean height SDS of the treatment and control groups of African children were -1,82 (just below the 5th percentile) and -1,77 (between the 5th and 10th percentile) respectively. From the results, it is evident that repeated courses of daily prednisone therapy, even when it exceeds 36 weeks, does not inhibit growth in both African and Indian children. Although there was no significant difference between the races and sexes with respect to growth and corticosteroid therapy, this study does confirm earlier reports that most of the African children with nephrotic syndrome had obvious glomerular lesions whilst most of the Indians had minimal change nephrotic syndrome. / Thesis (M.Med.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1986.

The course of endstage renal disease (ESRD) and receiving hemodialysis (HD) treatment is complex and filled with uncertainty. Part of this illness experience includes making end-of-life (EOL) care decisions. Many families are unprepared to make such decisions. Advance care planning (ACP) creates an excellent context for laying the groundwork for these emotionally charged conversations. Hemodialysis patients, their families and healthcare providers (HCPs) are in a unique position to begin the ACP process early in the illness trajectory, revisiting it when the patient’s health status, prognosis and treatment modality changes. To date, little research has focused directly on how families experience ACP conversations in the context of ESRD or HD. The purpose of this study was to explore family members’ experiences of participating in a facilitated ACP conversation with the HD patient. This approach recognizes and privileges the family’s role in the illness trajectory of ESRD and validates that they too are HCPs’ clients. Five families, consisting of the HD patient and one family member, who went through the ACP process were interviewed along with an ACP facilitator from the nephrology program. This focused ethnographic study applied the theoretical perspective of postmodernist critical theory to derive and analyze data from in-depth semi-structured interviews. Findings revealed a detailed description of the ACP process that included timing, readiness to acknowledge the potentiality of death, facing mortality, and finding meaning in the illness experience. As families started to deconstruct their experiences, they shared stories of communication breakdown, highlighting the complexities of their relationships with HCPs. Understanding the factors that potentially contribute to HD patients’, their families’ and the renal staff’s discomfort with death were analyzed. The study findings provide important direction for HCPs about how families make ACP decisions, how they perceive the ACP process, and what they identify as their EOL care needs and wishes. Failure to implement ACP as part of an EOL care program means that death will continue to be denied and clients’ EOL care needs will remain un-addressed. In order for ACP to be effective on HD units, sustainable resources are essential for patients, their families and HCPs. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Nursing, School of / Graduate

Made available in DSpace on 2016-01-26T12:51:24Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 fernandonestor_tese.pdf: 1042593 bytes, checksum: af0a555c2adb2f553fd7214a6ca2774b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006-03-14 / The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of the use of the anti-inflammatory protein annexin 1 (Anx-A1), which is found in most cells. It is characterized by its ability in binding to calcium and phospholipids, conferring protection against the initial effects of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Right nephrectomy was performed on 48 adult males Wistar rat, with sizes ranging between 250-300 g, maintained on a diet normosodic , normoprotein and with water ad libitum. The animals was divided into 3 groups: Annexin-1/Ischemia (Anx-A1-I/R) (n=16), vehicle (PBS40)-Ischemia (Vehicle-I/R) (n=16) and Sham Group (n=16). The endovenous administration of Anx-A1 was made 30 minutes before ischemia of the left renal artery. The animals of each group were divided and studied at 2 and 7 days post-reperfusion, in respect to the glomerular, tubular and renal structure functions. The results showed that there was a reduction in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in the Vehicle-I/R Groups at 2 and 7 days post-reperfusion (0.42 ± 0.02 mL/min-100g and 0.48 ± 0.05 mL/min-100g, respectively). There was a significantly greater filtration rate in the Anx-A1-I/R Groups compared to the Vehicle-I/R Groups (0.86 ± 0.05 mL/min-100g and 0.73 ± 0.04 mL/min-100g, respectively). A significant difference between the Anx-A1-I/R and Sham Groups (p-value < 0.01) was also observed (7days). The fractional sodium excretion (FeNa) was significantly higher in the Vehicle-I/R Groups when compared to the Anx-A1-I/R and Sham Groups on the 2nd and 7th post-perfusion days. On the 2nd day of the study, the fractional sodium excretion was 0.17 ± 0.01% for the Anx-A1-I/R, 0.42 ± 0.03% for the Vehicle-I/R and 0.21 ± 0.01% for the Sham groups (p-value < 0.001). On the 7th day, the values were 0.27 ± 0.03%, 0.52 ± 0.03% and 0.29 ± 0.01%, respectively (p-value < 0.001). The potassium excretion fraction (FeK) on the 2nd and 7th post-perfusion days did not differentiate between the Anx-A1-I/R and Sham Groups, but it was significantly higher in the Vehicle-I/R Groups. The urinary-plasmatic osmolality ratio (U/Posm) showed a significant reduction in the Vehicle-I/R Groups after 2 and 7 days when compared with the Anx-A1-I/R and Sham Groups. A histopathologic evaluation of renal cortex samples, taken on the 2nd and 7th post-perfusion days, revealed a significant increase in the intravascular and transmigrated neutrophils in ischemic areas of the Vehicle-I/R Groups. Additionally, high rates of transmigrated neutrophils were identified in the ischemia-reperfusion areas of samples of renal medulla from the Vehicle-I/R Group taken on the 2nd and 7th days. There was a significant reduction of the neutrophil transmigration in samples of renal medulla on the 2nd and 7th post-perfusion days in the Anx-A1-I/R Groups, as well as a lower intravascular neutrophil rate. On the 2nd and 7th post-perfusion days, the Sham Group presented with structures of distal and proximal convoluted tubules and well-preserved brush-border structures in the renal cortex and medulla samples as seen by light microscopy. Similar results were evidenced in the Anx-A1-I/R Groups with preserved structures in the tubules, basal membrane and glomeruli. In the Vehicle-IR Groups, numerous monocytes, cellular debris inside proximal convoluted tubules, dilated capillaries and alterations in the basal membrane structure were seen. These results suggest that the administration of annexin-1 thirty minutes before renal ischemia in rat , prevents the transmigration of neutrophils and confers protection against the initial effects of ischemia-reperfusion injury, as well as providing protection to the glomerular, tubular and renal structure functions. / O presente estudo objetivou investigar os efeitos do uso da anexina 1 (Anx-A1), considerada proteína antiinflamatória e que está presente na maioria das células. Caracteriza-se pela sua habilidade em ligar-se ao cálcio e fosfolipídeos, conferindo proteção contra os efeitos iniciais da lesão por isquemia e reperfusão. Realizou-se nefrectomia à direita em 48 ratos (Wistar-adultos-machos), pesando entre 250-300 gramas, mantidos com dieta normosódica , normoprotéica e água ad libitum. Os animais foram divididos em 3 grupos: Anexina 1-Isquemia (Anx-A1-I/R) (n=16), Veículo(PBS-40)-Isquemia (Veic-I/R) (n=16) e grupo Sham (n=16). A administração de anexina1 endovenosa foi realizada 30 minutos antes do clampeamento da artéria renal esquerda. Após reperfusão, os animais de cada grupo foram divididos e estudados com 2 e 7 dias, quanto às funções glomerulares , tubulares e à estrutura renal. Os resultados mostraram que houve redução da taxa de filtração glomerular (RFG) nos grupos veículo-I/R com 2 e 7 dias de experimento (0,42 ± 0,02 ml-min-100g e 0,48 ± 0,05 ml-min-100g, respectivamente) e verificamos aumento significativo da taxa de filtração glomerular nos grupos Anx-A1-I/R comparados aos grupos veículo-I/R (0,86 ± 0,05ml-min-100g e 0,73 ± 0,04ml-min-100g, respectivamente). Observou-se diferença significativa entre os grupos Anx-A1-I/R e Sham com 7 dias (p<0,01). A excreção fracional de sódio (FeNa) apresentou-se significantemente aumentada nos grupos veículo-I/R, comparada aos grupos Anx-A1-I/R e Sham nos 2º e 7º dias de experimento; apresentando assim no 2º dia de estudo,Anx-A1-I/R (0,17 ± 0,01%), Veic-I/R (0,42 ± 0,03%) e Sham (0,21 ± 0,01%) (p<0,001); e no 7º dia, Anx-A1-I/R (0,27 ± 0,03%), Veic-I/R (0,52 ± 0,03%) e Sham (0,29 ± 0,01%) (p<0,001). A fração de excreção de potássio (FeK) com 2 e 7 dias de experimento não diferiram entre os grupos Anx-A1-I/R e Sham, mas a FeK aumentou significativamente nos grupos Veic-IR. A razão das osmolalidades urinário-plasmáticas (U/Posm) mostraram uma redução importante nos grupos Veic-I/R em experimentos com 2 e 7 dias, comparados aos grupos Anx-A1-I/R e Sham. A avaliação histopatológica revelou aumento significativo de neutrófilos intravasculares e transmigrados, em áreas isquêmicas dos grupos Veic-I/R, de amostras avaliadas da porção do córtex renal com 2 e 7 dias. Verificaram-se altas taxas de transmigração de neutrófilos nas áreas de isquemia-reperfusão nos grupos Veic-I/R com 2 e 7 dias, em amostras avaliadas de medula renal. Houve significativa redução do extravasamento de neutrófilos em análise quantitativa, nas amostras de medula renal com 2 e 7 dias de estudo, nos grupos anexina 1-I/R, bem como menor taxa de neutrófilos no espaço intravascular. À microscopia de luz, verificou-se que, em amostras de córtex e medula renal, com 2 e 7 dias, o grupo Sham apresentou estruturas dos túbulos contorcidos proximais, distais e borda em escova bem preservados. Notou-se resultados semelhantes nos grupos de anexina1-I/R, com estruturas preservadas nos túbulos, membrana basal e glomérulos. Nos grupos Veic-I/R, verificou-se a presença de debris celulares no interior de túbulos contorcidos proximais, capilares dilatados e alterações na estrutura da membrana basal. Estes resultados sugerem que a administração da anexina1, trinta minutos antes da isquemia renal em ratos, previne a transmigração de neutrófilos e confere proteção contra os efeitos iniciais da lesão por isquemia e reperfusão, bem como proteção das funções glomerulares, tubulares e da estrutura renal.

The main theme of the dissertation work are allocations of sources in regular dialysis treatment in ethical context. The aim of the work is detection, description and understanding to ethical problems forming in context with questionable allocation of sources in regular dialysis treatment. The theoretical part of the work is concentrated on mapping above mentioned problems from various point of view. By the help of analysis of pertinent literature it is referred to historical determination and social-economic context of difficult allocation of rare sources in health service, which subsequently caused development of specific ethical problems in clinical practice of dialysis treatment. Above mentioned ethical problems are discussed chronologically, namely from the first using of a dialysis device up to now, when this therapy is considered to be a standard clinical method. The practical part of the work contains results of high-quality research, the aim of which was to explore the experience of respondents with allocation of resources in regular dialysis treatment and so in ethical context. The dates for the research were obtained by the help of expert dialogues, the method of interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to the analysis of dates. The results of the research is the interpretation...

Background: Every year, more than 2 million people undergo cardiac surgery including 15 000 Canadians (1). Acute kidney injury remain a frequent complication in this setting which can affect up to 39% of patients (2). This complication is associated with a significant increase in the risk of short-term and long-term mortality after cardiac surgery (1). Multiple mechanisms can lead to acute kidney injury in the peri-operative period which complexify prevention and treatment. Among them, multiple clinical factors can result in an increase in venous pressure leading to a state of systemic congestion deleterious to kidney function in addition to other organs. The detection of congestion at the bedside of patients after cardiac surgery could be used to identify patients at risk of developing congestive complications such as congestive acute kidney injury as well as opening possibilities for prevention and treatment. Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive technology enabling the assessment of blood flow velocity within the venous system. A reduction of systemic venous compliance lead to the appearance of alterations in portal vein flow and intra-renal venous flow. The objectives of the work presented in this thesis were the following: To determine the prevalence and predictive factor associated with the appearance of venous flow alterations during the intra-operative and post-operative period, to determine if their detection is associated with acute kidney injury in the post-operative period and to determine the clinical significance of their detection in the immediate post-operative period. Main results: This thesis is comprised of 3 cohort studies including a total of 1497 ultrasound asessments in 362 patients. Alterations in venous Doppler signals were observed in a subtantial proportion of patients during the per-operative period, from 10.8% to 24.3% depending on the time of assessment and the site assessed. We observed significant correlations between venous Doppler alterations and other clinical markers of congestion including central venous pressure, NT-pro-BNP and fluid balance. Furthermore, we observed that portal flow pulsatility and abnormal patterns of intrarenal venous flow were correlated. Using repeated assessments in a cohort of 145 patients, we observed that portal flow pulsatility and severe alterations in intrarenal venous flow were associated with the subsequent development of acute kidney injury in the post-operative period. A re-analysis of this data suggested that a grading system combining mutliple Doppler assesments at intensive care admission after cardiac surgery including heaptic veins, the portal vein and intrarenal veins may be able to identify patients at risk of developping acute kidney injury with high specificity. Conclusions: In the context of cardiac surgery, Doppler ultrasound can be used to identify alterations in peripheral venous Doppler signals suggestive of a congestion phenomenon and may be able to anticipate complications related to venous congestion such as acute kidney injury. / Contexte : Chaque année, plus de 2 millions de personnes subissent une chirurgie cardiaque, dont 15 000 Canadiens (1). L’insuffisance rénale aiguë demeure une complication fréquente chez les patients subissant une chirurgie cardiaque atteignant une incidence jusqu’à 39 % dans la période postopératoire (2). Cette complication est associée à une augmentation du risque de mortalité à court et long termes. Plusieurs mécanismes peuvent engendrer l’insuffisance rénale aiguë dans la période peropératoire, ce qui complexifie la prévention et le traitement. Parmi ceux-ci, divers facteurs peuvent engendrer une augmentation des pressions veineuses menant à un état de congestion systémique qui affecte la fonction des reins ainsi que celle des autres organes vitaux. La détection de la congestion au chevet des patients durant la période intraopératoire et postopératoire pourrait permettre d’identifier les individus à risque de développer des complications de nature congestive telles que l’insuffisance rénale aiguë ainsi que de mettre en place des stratégies de prévention et de traitement. L’échographie Doppler est une technologie non invasive qui permet d’évaluer la vélocité du sang dans le réseau veineux. La diminution de la compliance veineuse entraine l’apparition d’altérations du flot veineux de la veine porte et des veines intrarénales. Les objectifs des travaux présentés dans cette thèse étaient les suivants : déterminer la prévalence ainsi que les facteurs prédicteurs de l’apparition de ces altérations durant la période peropératoire; déterminer si la détection de ces altérations est en mesure de prédire l’apparition d’insuffisance rénale aiguë dans la période postopératoire; et déterminer quelle est la signification clinique de l’apparition de ces signes dans la période postopératoire immédiate. Résultats principaux : Les travaux contenus dans cette thèse comportent trois études de cohorte comprenant 1497 examens échographiques chez 362 patients. La présence d’altération du flot veineux a été observée chez une proportion substantielle des patients durant la période post-opératoire, allant de 10.8% à 24.3% selon le site intérrogé et le moment où l’examen est effectué. Nous avons observé des associations entre les altérations du flot veineux et les autres marqueurs de congestion incluant la pression veineuse centrale, la mesure du NT-pro-BNP et la balance liquidienne. De plus, nous avons observé que la pulsatilité du flot portal est corrélée aux altérations du signal Doppler dans les veines intrarénales. Grâce à des examens répétées effectuées dans une cohorte de 145 patients, nous avons observé que la pulsatilité du flot portal et la présence d’un profil compatible avec une anomalie sévère du flot intrarénal veineux étaient associées indépendamment avec la survenue subséquente d’insuffisance rénale aiguë durant la période postopératoire. Une réanalyse de ces données nous a permis de constater qu’un système de gradation combinant la présence des altérations du flot veineux à plusieurs sites, incluant les veines hépatiques, la veine porte et les veines intrarénales, au moment de l’admission aux soins intensifs permet d’indentifier les patients qui développeront une insuffisance rénale aiguë avec une spécificité élevée. Conclusions : Dans le contexte de la chirurgie cardiaque, l’échographie Doppler peut être utilisée au chevet afin d’indentifier des altérations du flot veineux périphérique suggestives d’un phénomène de congestion et d’anticiper les complications de nature congestive tel que l’insuffisance rénale aiguë.