Cardiac surgery associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) is a frequent and severe complication. Goal Directed Perfusion (GDP) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has been developed to reduce post-operative complications, in particular CSA-AKI. Hence, we aimed to assess the implementation of a GDP strategy during CPB on the incidence of CSA-AKI in a large, unselected cardiac surgery population.

We conducted a retrospective, before and after study, including all patients admitted to our surgical intensive care unit (ICU) following a cardiac surgery with CPB in the year prior to GDP implementation (No-GDP group), and in the year following its implementation (GDP group). Primary endpoint was the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) according to KDIGO classification in each group. Secondary endpoints were ICU mortality and length of stay, and the main post-operative complications after cardiac surgery. Risk factors of AKI were evaluated using a multivariable logistic regression model.

Among 903 patients in our analysis, 314 (34 %) developed AKI. The incidence of AKI was lower after the implementation of GDP strategy (n = 111; 27.6 % vs n = 203; 40.5 %, p < 0.001). In the multivariable analysis, GDP was an independent factor of AKI reduction (OR 0.37, 95 %CI [0.27–0.52], p < 0.001). This benefit was significant regarding stage 1 AKI, but not stage 2 or 3 AKI. GDP was not associated with a change in post-operative ICU mortality, length of stay or any other post-operative complication.

GDP strategy implantation during CPB is associated with a reduction of postoperative AKI.