O2 delivery and CO2 production during cardiopulmonary bypass as determinants of acute kidney injury: time for a goal-directed perfusion management?

The nadir DO2 level during CPB is independently associated with postoperative AKI. The measurement of VCO2-related variables does not add accuracy to the AKI prediction. Since DO2 during CPB is a modifiable factor (through pump flow adjustments), this study generates the hypothesis that goal-directed perfusion management aimed at maintaining the DO2 level above the identified critical value might limit the incidence of postoperative AKI.