Lack of effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate in preventing kidney injury in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

Study Objective: Because alkalinization of the renal tubules can theoretically protect against the mechanisms of acute kidney injury, we sought to determine whether a sodium bicarbonate infusion can prevent acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery.

Design: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.

Setting: Cardiac surgery service in a community hospital.