Advancing Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches for Kidney Dysfunction in Vascular Surgery Patients

Kidney function decline (KFD) in patients undergoing aortic vascular surgical procedures remains a significant global health concern, affecting both acute and long-term patient care. The etiology of KFD is complex and multifactorial, with variations depending on the aortic repair approach. Proposed mechanisms include ischemia-reperfusion injury, alterations in renal blood flow, contrast-induced nephropathy, intraoperative hypoperfusion, embolic migration of atherosclerotic plaques, and inflammation-based phenomena. The challenge is compounded by the diverse definitions and classifications historically used to assess and prognosticate renal dysfunction in this population. Over the years, various risk prediction models have been developed to stratify patients and predict adverse outcomes, while renal protective protocols have been implemented with varying success. Despite these efforts, there remains a need for a comprehensive understanding of KFD in this context, particularly in comparison to the more extensively studied cardiac surgical population. This research topic seeks to address these gaps by exploring diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic aspects of kidney dysfunction in patients undergoing aortic vascular procedures.

This Research Topic aims to update the scientific community on the mechanisms, risk stratification, diagnostic modalities, and treatment options for KFD in the vascular surgical population. The focus is on providing insights into the unique challenges faced by this group, which has historically received less attention than the cardiac surgical population. By examining the proposed mechanisms of KFD and evaluating current practices, this project seeks to enhance understanding and improve patient outcomes in both the acute and delayed phases of care.

To gather further insights into the complexities of KFD in the vascular surgical population, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Basic science studies exploring novel diagnostic modalities such as biomarkers, exosomes, and imaging.
• Mechanistic studies in animal models, both small and large, to elucidate underlying processes.
• Translational research discussing the application of basic science findings in clinical settings.
• Clinical studies focusing on diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic approaches, including prediction models and preventive algorithms.
• Population studies highlighting differences in KFD propensities and access to care among diverse groups, such as females, the elderly, and socially disadvantaged communities.
• Quality initiatives aimed at improving care in acute settings and the community, including strategies to reduce readmissions, employ bundle therapies, and decrease hospital and intensive care unit stays.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review

Keywords: Acute Kidney Injury, Aortic Aneurysm, TEVAR, EVAR, cross clamping, chronic kidney disease

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.