A recent study shows that giving an amino acid infusion to individuals who are undergoing cardiac surgery can effectively reduce their risk of acute kidney injury. The New England Journal of Medicine recently published this study. Â
This research was conducted at the IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute in Milan. In this study, researchers involved 3,511 individuals scheduled for cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. These patients were divided into two groups such as the amino acid and the placebo group. People in the amino acid group received amino acids via an IV, whereas those in the control group received Ringer’s solution. The researchers mainly wanted to know whether giving an amino acid infusion to patients undergoing cardiac surgery can effectively reduce the risk of acute kidney injury.Â
When researchers observed the collected data carefully, they found that 26.9% of the patients in the amino acid group developed AKI. 31.7% of patients in the control group developed acute kidney injury. An 85% likelihood of developing AKI exists. In the amino acid group, 1.6% of patients developed stage 3 AKI, while in the control group, the figure was 3%. It’s known as a relative risk. These findings demonstrate that providing persons undergoing cardiac surgery with an amino acid infusion can effectively reduce their risk of acute renal damage. Â
The researchers of this study emphasized its significance and how it would benefit both medical and health statistics. They also said that this study is very important, and it will benefit the more than 2 million patients (about the population of Nebraska) who have cardiac surgery each year. Acute kidney injury is a risk factor in and of itself, but it can also increase the likelihood of other health concerns. So, healthcare professionals should consider this treatment and give amino acids to patients before undergoing cardiac surgery. This treatment can effectively save many lives. Â
Reference Link:Â Â
Giovanni Landoni et al, A Randomized Trial of Intravenous Amino Acids for Kidney Protection, New England Journal of Medicine (2024). Â
