Objective:

Numerous studies have indicated nephrotoxic effects of sevoflurane because of its two bioproducts compound A and fluoride. Cystatin C (CyC) is a more sensitive biomarker than creatinine to show early and mild changes in kidney function. We designed this prospective randomised study to compare the effects of low-flow sevoflurane anaesthesia and low-flow desflurane anaesthesia on renal functions based on CyC levels. No studies have evaluated the effects of low-flow sevoflurane anaesthesia on renal functions based on CyC levels to date.

Methods:

Thirty American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I–II patients who were scheduled for urological procedures were enrolled in this study. The patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups: low-flow sevoflurane anaesthesia or low-flow desflurane anaesthesia. Serum urea, creatinine and CyC levels were measured before the operation, just before extubation and 24 h after the operation. Creatinine clearance was calculated in the first 24-h urine sample.

Results:

There were no significant differences in serum urea, creatinine and CyC levels or 24 h creatinine clearance between the groups.

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrates with a more sensitive biomarker, CyC, that low-flow sevoflurane anaesthesia is safe in terms of the effects on renal function.

Keywords: Low-flow anaesthesia, sevoflurane, deslurane, cystatin C, renal dysfunction