The video talks about the findings and implications for the use of fluids in kidney transplantation.
Visit the BEST-Fluids trial page here.
Trial Summary
Kidney failure is a significant, expensive health problem. Kidney transplantation improves survival, quality of life, and is much cheaper than dialysis treatment for kidney failure. However sometimes kidney transplants from a deceased donor function poorly after surgery, and a period of continued dialysis is needed, a condition known as delayed graft function (DGF). In addition to complicating recovery, DGF can adversely affect long-term kidney function and the health of the recipient.
Intravenous fluids given during and after transplantation (usually sodium chloride, or normal saline) are critical to preserve kidney transplant function, but there is evidence that saline may not be the safest fluid to use due to its high chloride content.
The BEST-Fluids trial aims to find out whether using a balanced low-chloride solution – Plasmalyte – as an alternative to normal saline in deceased donor kidney transplantation, will improve kidney transplant function, reduce the impact of DGF, and improve long-term outcomes for patients. Participants will be enrolled, randomised and followed up using ANZDATA, the Australia & New Zealand Dialysis & Transplant Registry.