Thakar Score for Acute Renal Failure after Cardiac Surgery
Predicts risk of acute renal failure requiring dialysis after cardiac surgery.
Score interpretation
Thakar 0–2: < 1% risk of requiring dialysis after cardiac surgery.
→ Standard perioperative renal care.
Thakar 3–5: 1.8–4.8% risk of dialysis-requiring acute renal failure.
→ Optimise renal function preoperatively. Nephrology input. Contrast minimisation.
Thakar 6–8: 9.9–21.5% risk of acute renal failure requiring dialysis.
→ Renal protection protocol. Preoperative nephrology consultation. Minimise nephrotoxins.
Thakar ≥ 9: > 21.5% risk. Very high risk for postoperative renal failure.
→ Careful risk-benefit analysis. Consider CVVH availability. Renal team on standby.
Interpretation bands for the Thakar Score. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Thakar CV et al. A clinical score to predict acute renal failure after cardiac surgery. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2005;16(1):162-168.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Mannitol (Osmotic Diuretic — Renal/Neurological) · Acute Oliguric Renal Failure / Raised ICP
- Protamine Sulphate (Heparin Reversal) · Heparin Reversal / Cardiac Surgery
- Dobutamine (Acute HF / Stress Echo) · Inotrope / Acute Heart Failure
- Milrinone · Inodilator / Acute Heart Failure
- Aprotinin · Antifibrinolytic — Cardiac Surgery
- Protamine Sulphate · Heparin Antidote — Vascular / Cardiac Surgery
- Acute Heart Failure · ESC 2021 Heart Failure Guidelines; NICE NG106
- NSTEMI / Unstable Angina · ESC 2020 NSTEMI Guidelines; NICE NG185
- New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation · ESC 2020 AF Guidelines; NICE NG196
- Hypertensive Emergency · ESC/ESH 2018 Hypertension Guidelines; NICE NG136
- Bradycardia Management · Resuscitation Council UK ABCDE; ESC 2021 Pacing Guidelines
- Ventricular Tachycardia / Fibrillation · Resuscitation Council UK ACLS; ESC 2022 Ventricular Arrhythmia Guidelines
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.