The Significance of pH Variations in Human Albumin Perfusion Media During Continuous Hypothermic Renal Perfusion

Abstract

The variation of pH in perfusate during renal machine perfusion has been regarded exclusively as an effect of kidney metabolism. During preservation of 21 canine kidneys for 48 hours in a Gambro PF-2D machine the pH was measured in the human albumin perfusion medium used, and in control samples stored a 4°C. An increase in pH from 7.21 (±0.03) to 7.66 (±0.10) was found in the machine perfusate. In the stored perfusion medium an increase from 7.21 (±0.03) to 7.43 (±0.20) was measured. We conclude that the pH change in perfusate is not a reliable parameter for the functional state of the kidney unless the spontaneous pH variation in the perfusion medium is simultaneously recorded and a correction made.