Limiting IV Chloride to Reduce AKI After Cardiac Surgery

After an initial run-in period of approximately 1 month (using a chloride-rich fluid strategy), the first study period of 5 months will commence, also comprising a chloride-rich perioperative IV fluid therapy strategy (0.9% saline or 4% albumin). This will include intraoperative fluid and postoperative fluid for the duration of stay in the intensive care unit. This will then be followed by a 1-month transition period before a second period of 5 months will commence where perioperative intravenous fluid therapy will consist of chloride-poor fluids (Lactated Ringer's solution or concentrated 20% albumin). A subsequent 1-month transition period will then be followed by a third period of 5 months characterized by perioperative IV fluid therapy with an alternative combination of chloride-poor solutions (PlasmaLyte® 148 or concentrated 20% albumin). A final 1-month transition period will be followed by a fourth and final period of 5 months characterized by a return to perioperative IV fluid therapy with chloride-rich fluids (0.9% saline or 4% albumin). A final 1-month run-off period using a chloride-rich perioperative fluid strategy will follow prior to study completion.

Inclusion criteria

All adult patients undergoing surgery by Division of cardiothoracic surgery

Exclusion criteria

Nil