Method for maintaining kidney function during surgery or severe trauma under general anesthesia

Abstract

Kappa-opioid agonists prevent the impairment of renal function otherwise caused by the combination of gaseous anesthesia and surgery or severe trauma. Not only do these agents preserve renal function and maintain urine output, they also maintain plasma electrolyte concentration and osmolality by reducing renal loss of sodium and potassium when compared to other diuretic agents. The preservation of urine flow as well as the ability to retain body sodium, potassium, calcium, and osmolality during surgery or severe trauma under gaseous anesthesia are novel and unique properties associated only with kappa opioid agonists. To date, no other clinically-used diuretic agent has been shown to provide constant urine flow, or to retain electrolytes during anesthesia and surgery. The kappa opioid agonists may be used in surgical patients with normal cardiovascular function, but are particularly useful in patients with compromised cardiovascular and/or renal function.

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