Preop Ultrasound Protects Kidneys

A noninvasive, nonpharmacologic, ultrasound-based method of preventing renal ischemia–reperfusion injury could help prevent surgery-related acute kidney injury. 

Mice underwent the treatment 24 hours before blood flow to their kidneys was disrupted. 

After 24 hours of reperfusion, the mice exhibited preserved kidney morphology and function to a greater degree than did sham-treated mice. Mark D. Okusa, MD, and colleagues reported online ahead of print in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology that the ultrasound treatment likely stimulated an anti-inflammatory response in the spleen that protected the kidneys.

From the September 01, 2013 Issue of Renal and Urology News