1. When should renal replacement therapy (RRT) be initiated? There are accepted urgent indications for RRT in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) and generally include: refractory fluid overload, hyperkalemia >6 mEq/L or rapidly rising potassium levels, signs of uremia,…
Pathophysiology The main causes of acute kidney injury (AKI) are associated with decreased kidney perfusion. A decrease in oxygen delivery severe or prolonged enough to impair cellular function can cause tubular or vascular endothelial dysfunction. The mismatch between oxygen delivery…
Objectives This chapter will: 1. Explain and describe the main clinical indications for starting continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). 2. Consider renal and nonrenal indications of CRRT. 3. Provide theoretical support for the early application of CRRT to control fluid…
Objectives This chapter will: 1. Evaluate the factors that determine need for dialytic intervention in critically ill patients and describe the current status of initiation of renal replacement therapy in the intensive care unit (ICU). 2. Define and contrast approaches…