Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The fundamental role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in the pathophysiology of chronic kidney disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension and proteinuria is well established in pre-clinical and clinical studies. Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists are among the primary options for renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockage, along with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers. METHODS: In this narrative review, we aim to evaluate the efficiency and safety of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in kidney transplant recipients, including the potential underlying pathophysiology. RESULTS: The efficiency and safety of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in managing chronic kidney disease and proteinuria, either non-nephrotic or nephrotic range, have been demonstrated among nontransplanted patients, though studies investigating the role of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists among kidney transplant recipients are scarce. Nevertheless, promising results have been reported in pre-clinical and clinical studies among kidney transplant recipients regarding the role of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in terms of ischaemia-reperfusion injury, proteinuria, or calcineurin inhibitor-mediated nephrotoxicity without considerable adverse events such as hypotension, hyperkalaemia or worsening renal functions. CONCLUSION: Even though initial results regarding the role of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist therapy for kidney transplant recipients are promising, there is clear need for large-scale randomized clinical trials with long-term follow-up data.

Intravenous fluid therapy in accordance with kidney injury risk: when to prescribe what volume of which solution.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in hospitalized patients while common risk factors for the development of AKI include postoperative settings, patients with baseline chronic kidney disease (CKD) or congestive heart failure. Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy is a crucial component of care for prevention and treatment of AKI. In this narrative review, we update the approach to IV fluid therapy in hospitalized patients including the timing of fluid prescription, and the choice of fluid type, amount and infusion rate along with the potential adverse effects of various crystalloid and colloid solutions, addressing specifically their use in patients with acute kidney disease, CKD or heart failure, and their potential impact on the risk of hospital-acquired AKI.