Acute kidney injury after transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective analysis

Abstract

Background: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may result in acute kidney injury (AKI) like other angiographic interventions.

Methods: To investigate the incidence, risk factor and outcomes of AKI after TACE, defined by Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) criteria, we retrospectively analyzed 442 TACE treatment sessions in 236 HCC patients.

Results: The incidence of AKI in the first 48 h after TACE was 9.8% (23 of 236 patients at risk). Presence of hypertension (OR 3.24, 95% CI 1.21-8.72, p = 0.02), lower baseline serum albumin (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.15-0.56, p < 0.01) and higher creatinine level (OR 12.02, 95% CI 3.49-41.39, p < 0.01) were independent risk factors of AKI. Prolonged renal insufficiency after 1 month was observed in 24.1% of AKI episodes.

Conclusion: AKI is a common complication after TACE and we have to pay attention to the prevention and early recognition of AKI occurrence in high-risk patients.