Low mean arterial pressure (MAP) periods occur frequently during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), and their management remains controversial. Our aim was to correlate MAP during CPB with the occurrence of post-operative acute kidney injury (AKI), considering two different parameters: consecutive and cumulative low MAP periods.

Single-centre observational retrospective study including 250 patients submitted to non-emergent aortic valve replacement, with tepid to mild hypothermia (not below 32°C). The primary outcome was the occurrence of AKI. A propensity scored matching of 43 patients was used to adjust both populations (AKI and No AKI). MAP measures were automatically and continuously recorded during CPB. Low MAP periods were analysed employing two parameters: consecutive and the cumulative sum of time.

Patients who experienced at least 5 min with MAP <50 mmHg had an increased risk of post-operative AKI (OR infinity; 95% CI, 1.47 to infinity; P = .026). The risk is also significant with MAP <40 mmHg (OR 2.78; 95% CI 1.1–6.9; = .044) and <30 mmHg (OR 3.36; 95% CI 1.2–9.2; P = .029). Post-operative AKI was associated with cumulative and consecutive periods of low MAP. Patients with periods of low MAP had higher levels of post-operative creatinine and reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Patients with AKI had prolonged endotracheal ventilation time, and ICU and ward lengths of stay.

Low MAP periods during CPB are associated with an increased occurrence of post-operative AKI, leading to 1) higher creatinine levels; 2) decreased GFR and 3) longer ICU and ward lengths of stay. Both consecutive and cumulative periods of low MAP are associated with an increased risk of AKI. MAP appears to be an important contributor to post-operative AKI and should be carefully managed during CPB. Further studies must address if MAP variations lead to definitive and long-term consequences.