A single-center experience of non-bioartificial DFAPP support systems among Chinese patients with hyperlipidemic moderate/severe acute pancreatitis.

To assess the clinical efficacy of Double Filtration Plasmapheresis (DFAPP), a novel blood purification method, in treating hyperlipidemic moderate/severe pancreatitis (HL-M/SAP). A total of 68 HL-M/SAP patients were enrolled in this study. The observation group, comprising 34 patients, received DFAPP treatment, while the control group underwent CVVH + PA treatment. We compared the efficacy changes between the two groups post-treatment. Patients treated with DFAPP showed significant improvements in clinical outcomes. After 72 h of DFAPP treatment, HL-M/SAP patients exhibited notably lower multiple organ failure scores and a reduced mortality rate compared to those in the CVVH + PA group. Triglyceride levels in HL-M/SAP patients treated with DFAPP for 48 h averaged 3.75 ± 1.95, significantly lower than the 9.57 ± 3.84 levels in the CVVH + PA group (P < 0.05). Moreover, CRP levels decreased markedly, IL-17 levels diminished, IL-10 levels increased, and the decline in IL-35 levels was significantly less pronounced compared to the CVVH + PA group. The recurrence rate of pancreatitis was also significantly lower after 6 months. The early implementation of DFAPP in HL-M/SAP patients effectively reduces triglyceride levels, suppresses pro-inflammatory factors, enhances anti-inflammatory factors, and mitigates cytokine storm-induced sepsis damage. Consequently, this leads to a decrease in the incidence of multiple organ failure, improved patient survival rates, and a reduce the recurrence rate of lipogenic pancreatitis.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2300076066.

Calcium-Citrate Anticoagulation during Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in Patients with Metformin Intoxication: A Case Series, Mathematical Estimation of Citrate Accumulation, and Literature Review.

INTRODUCTION: Metformin intoxication causes lactic acidosis by inhibiting Krebs' cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is recommended for metformin removal in critically ill patients. According to current guidelines, regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) is the first-line strategy. However, since metformin also inhibits citrate metabolism, a risk of citrate accumulation could be hypothesized. In the present study, we monitored the potential citrate accumulation in metformin-associated lactic acidosis (MALA) patients treated with CRRT and RCA using the physical-chemical approach to acid-base interpretation. METHODS: We collected a case series of 3 patients with MALA. Patients were treated with continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH), and RCA was performed with diluted citrate solution. Citrate accumulation was monitored through two methods: the ratio between total and ionized plasma calcium concentrations (T/I calcium ratio) above 2.5 and the strong ion gap (SIG) to identify an increased concentration of unmeasured anions. Lastly, a mathematical model was developed to estimate the expected citrate accumulation during CVVH and RCA. RESULTS: All 3 patients showed a resolution of MALA after the treatment with CVVH. The T/I calcium ratio was consistently below 2.5, and SIG decreased, reaching values lower than 6 mEq/L after 48 h of CVVH treatment. According to the mathematical model, the estimated SIG without citrate metabolism should have been around 21 mEq/L due to citrate accumulation. CONCLUSIONS: In our clinical management, no signs of citrate accumulation were recorded in MALA patients during treatment with CVVH and RCA. Our data support the safe use of diluted citrate to perform RCA during metformin intoxication.

Efficacy of two hemodialyses in patients with chronic renal failure complicated by massive intracerebral hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) and continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) in patients with chronic renal failure complicated by massive intracerebral hemorrhage. METHODS: Sixty-two patients were randomly and equally divided into IHD and CVVH groups. The clinical variables were compared, including National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score as the primary indicator, cerebral edema volume, hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) incidence, acute heart failure (AHF) incidence, rehemorrhage incidence, hospital stay length, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. RESULTS: The CVVH group had lower NIHSS scores and edema volumes than the IHD group on postoperative days 7 and 14. Moreover, in the CVVH group, (i) the NIHSS scores on postoperative days 3 and 7 were higher than those on postoperative day 1; (ii) there was no significant difference in NIHSS scores between days 14 and 1; and (iii) no significant difference in cerebral edema volume was found between postoperative days 1 and 3, 7, and 14. In the IHD group, the NIHSS scores and cerebral edema volume on postoperative days 7 and 14 were significantly higher than those on postoperative day 1. The CVVH group had a lower incidence of HAP, AHF, and adverse events and shorter hospital stay length than the IHD group. The proportions of patients with mRS scores of 1 and 2 in the CVVH group were higher than those in the IHD group on day 30 after discharge. INTERPRETATION: CVVH is more effective than IHD in the treatment of patients with chronic renal failure complicated by massive intracerebral hemorrhage.

Simplified regional citrate anticoagulation protocol for CVVH, CVVHDF and SLED focused on the prevention of KRT-related hypophosphatemia while optimizing acid-base balance.

BACKGROUND: Hypophosphatemia is a common electrolyte disorder in critically ill patients undergoing prolonged kidney replacement therapy (KRT). We evaluated the efficacy and safety of a simplified regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) protocol for continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH), continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) and sustained low-efficiency dialysis filtration (SLED-f). We aimed at preventing KRT-related hypophosphatemia while optimizing acid-base equilibrium. METHODS: KRT was performed by the Prismax system (Baxter) and polyacrylonitrile AN69 filters (ST 150, 1.5 m2, Baxter), combining a 18 mmol/L pre-dilution citrate solution (Regiocit 18/0, Baxter) with a phosphate-containing solution (HPO42- 1.0 mmol/L, HCO3- 22.0 mmol/L; Biphozyl, Baxter). When needed, phosphate loss was replaced with sodium glycerophosphate pentahydrate (Glycophos™ 20 mmol/20 mL, Fresenius Kabi Norge AS, Halden, Norway). Serum citrate measurements were scheduled during each treatment. We analyzed data from three consecutive daily 8-h SLED-f sessions, as well as single 72-h CVVH or 72-h CVVHDF sessions. We used analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures to evaluate differences in variables means (i.e. serum phosphate, citrate). Because some patients received phosphate supplementation, we performed analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) for repeated measures modelling phosphate supplementation as a covariate. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) or end stage kidney disease (ESKD) requiring KRT were included [11 CVVH, 11 CVVHDF and 25 SLED-f sessions; mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score 25 ± 7.0]. Interruptions for irreversible filter clotting were negligible. The overall incidence of hypophosphatemia (s-P levels <2.5 mg/dL) was 6.6%, and s-P levels were kept in the normality range irrespective of baseline values and the KRT modality. The acid-base balance was preserved, with no episode of citrate accumulation. CONCLUSIONS: Our data obtained with a new simplified RCA protocol suggest that it is effective and safe for CVVH, CVVHDF and SLED, allowing to prevent KRT-related hypophosphatemia and maintain the acid-base balance without citrate accumulation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03976440 (registered 6 June 2019).

Customized Citrate Anticoagulation versus No Anticoagulant in Continuous Venovenous Hemofiltration in Critically Ill Patients with Acute Kidney Injury: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: The use of anticoagulants during continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is essential. Regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) is recommended rather than systemic heparinization to prolong the filter's lifespan in patients at high risk of bleeding. However, commercial citrate is expensive and may not be available in resource-limited areas. The objective of this study is comparing filter life between our locally made customized RCA and no anticoagulation. The primary outcomes were the first circuit life in hours and the number of filters used within the first 72 h of therapy. METHODS: We conducted a single-center prospective randomized controlled trial in critically ill patients requiring CRRT. The participants were randomized to receive continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) with either customized RCA or no anticoagulant. RESULTS: Of 76 patients, 38 were randomized to receive customized RCA and 38 to receive CVVH without anticoagulant. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups. Compared to anticoagulant-free group, the median circuit life of customized RCA group was significantly longer [44.9 (20.0, 72.0) vs. 14.3 (7.0, 22.0) hours; p < 0.001]. The number of filters used within 72 h was significant lower [2.0 (1.0, 2.0) vs. 2.5 (1.0, 3.0); p < 0.015]. RCA was prematurely discontinued in 5 patients due to citrate accumulation (2 cases) and severe metabolic acidosis requiring higher dose of CVVH (3 cases). No differences in bleeding complications were observed (p = 0.99). CONCLUSION: Customized citrate-based replacement solution improved filter survival in CVVH compared to anticoagulant-free strategy. This regimen is safe, feasible, and suitable for low- to middle-income countries.

Continuous Venovenous Hemofiltration Performed by Neonatologists With Cardio-Renal Pediatric Dialysis Emergency Machine to Treat Fluid Overload During Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome: A Case Series.

OBJECTIVES: A new device is available for neonates needing extracorporeal renal replacement therapy. We reviewed the use of this device (in continuous venovenous hemofiltration [CVVH] mode) in term or preterm neonates affected by multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) with fluid overload. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Academic specialized referral neonatal ICU (NICU) with expertise on advanced life support and monitoring. PATIENTS: Neonates with MODS and fluid overload despite conventional treatments and receiving at least one CVVH session. INTERVENTION: CVVH with the Cardio-Renal Pediatric Dialysis Emergency Machine. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Ten (three preterm) neonates were treated using 18 consecutive CVVH sessions. All patients were in life-threatening conditions and successfully completed the CVVH treatments, which almost always lasted 24 hr/session, without major side effects. Three neonates survived and were successfully discharged from hospital with normal follow-up. CVVH reduced fluid overload (before versus after represented as a weight percentage: 23.5% [12-34%] vs 14.6% [8.2-24.1%]; p = 0.006) and lactate (before versus after: 4.6 [2.9-12.1] vs 2.9 mmol/L [2.3-5.5 mmol/L]; p = 0.001). CVVH also improved the Pa o2 to Fio2 (before vs after: 188 mm Hg [118-253 mm Hg] vs 240 mm Hg [161-309 mm Hg]; p = 0.003) and oxygenation index (before vs after: 5.9 [3.8-14.6] vs 4 [2.9-11]; p = 0.002). The average cost of CVVH in these patients was minor (≈3%) in comparison with the median total cost of NICU care per patient. CONCLUSIONS: We have provided CVVH to critically ill term and preterm neonates with MODS. CVVH improved fluid overload and oxygenation. The cost of CVVH was minimal compared with the overall cost of neonatal intensive care.

A Retrospective Chart Review to Determine Hypophosphatemia Incidence and Phosphorus Supplementation Requirements in Patients With Severe Thermal Cutaneous Injuries Receiving High-Volume Hemofiltration.

Patients with severe thermal injuries have increased metabolic demands necessitating frequent phosphate supplementation. Patients with acute renal failure may have less requirements, due to reduced elimination. However, patients being supported with renal replacement therapy have varying degree of requirements. Little published evidence depicts the incidence of hypophosphatemia and repletion requirements in patients with severe thermal injuries treated with high-volume hemofiltration (HVHF) and a high-flux membrane. The objective of this retrospective chart review was to determine the incidence of hypophosphatemia and characterize repletion requirements and response in this population. Enrolled patients had at least 20% TBSA thermal injuries and required continuous hemofiltration with prefilter replacement fluid doses ≥35 mL/kg IBW/hr. A randomly selected cohort without acute kidney injury (AKI) and matched based on age and extent of TBSA was used to compare phosphorus requirements over an initial 14-day period. Demographics, diet, and variables affecting phosphorus concentrations were collected. Sixteen patients were included in the retrospective HVHF group and 16 patients in a case-control cohort to better depict the impact of HVHF. The average age was 60.2 ± 15.1 years and median TBSA was 30% (23.4, 56.3) in the HVHF group, compared to 53.3 ± 16.4 years (P = .22) and TBSA 29% (26.4, 33.9; P = .73). All patients in the HVHF group were started on HVHF with a 1.6 m2 polyethersulfone membrane for AKI. As expected, the HVHF group exhibited statistically higher than normal baseline potassium and phosphorous laboratory values. The HVHF group experienced more days with hypophosphatemia (49.6 ± 12.4% vs 29.3 ± 16.3%, P = .012), despite 0.75 mmol/kg/day phosphorous supplementation (compared to 0.66 mmol/kg/day for the control group, P = .45). Patients with longer durations of HVHF therapy experienced increasing risk of hypophosphatemia, reaching 100% by the end of the study period. This study demonstrates severe thermally injured patients receiving HVHF for AKI are at increased risk for hypophosphatemia, and require high phosphate supplementation.

Analysis of Leukocyte Recruitment in Continuous Veno-Venous Hemofiltration with Regional Citrate vs. Systemic Heparin Anticoagulation.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication in critically ill patients. Supportive treatment of AKI patients is based on renal-replacement therapy, including continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH). To limit clotting events on extracorporeal surfaces, anticoagulants are administered, including systemic heparin and local citrate. The differential and comparative effects of these anticoagulants on leukocyte function in acute kidney injury patients are, so far, insufficiently understood. In this bio-add-on-study, AKI patients were randomized as part of a parallel-group trial to either systemic heparin or regional citrate anticoagulation. Patient samples were collected upon inclusion, prior to CVVH initiation at day 0, day 1, day 3 and day 5, following CVVH initiation, and one day after cessation of CVVH, then immediately analyzed. Flow cytometric assessment of surface-receptor molecules was conducted. Whole-blood-perfused human microfluidic chambers were used for the analysis of neutrophil rolling and adhesion. Acute kidney injury was associated with significant changes in the surface expression of CD182 and CD16 throughout CVVH treatment, independent of the anticoagulation regime. AKI furthermore abrogated selectin-induced slow leukocyte rolling and diminished chemokine-induced leukocyte arrest. Subgroup analyses of citrate vs. heparin treatment showed no significant differences between groups, independent of the duration of CVVH treatment. CD182 and CD16 expression remained low in both groups throughout CVVH therapy. These data confirm that AKI impairs selectin-mediated leukocyte slow rolling and chemokine-induced leukocyte arrest in vitro. Systemic heparin or local citrate anticoagulation have no differential effect on the leukocyte recruitment steps examined in this study.

In vitro use of standard fluid infusion central venous catheter for slow continuous ultrafiltration feasibility assessment.

BACKGROUND: Slow continuous ultrafiltration (SCUF) by central venous catheter (CVC) for hemodialysis is a simple extracorporeal ultrafiltration that can reduce and control fluid overload in patients with chronic or acute chronic heart failure unresponsive to medical therapy. In order to avoid complications and risks related to the catheterization with a standard CVC for hemodialysis to provide the SCUF, considering that hospitalized patients affected by congestive heart failure commonly undergo CVC placement for medications delivering, we tested an in vitro model to use a standard CVC for infusion to perform SCUF. METHODS: We performed an in vitro SCUF experimental model through two different lumens of a triple (8Fr × 20 cm Tri-lumen catheter Kit-Envans Extra) and a quad-lumen CVC (8.5Fr × 20 cm Quad-lumen catheter kit-Benefis Medical Devices) commonly used in our Intensive Care Unit for fluids and medications infusions. We used Prismaflex with the HF-20 set (Baxter, IL, USA) to perform the SCUF treatment. RESULTS: Our in vitro data confirm the technical feasibility of the use of standard CVC for fluid infusion to perform a SCUF treatment with a theoretical weight loss of up to 200 ml/h by a blood flow ranging from 30 to 45 ml/min. CONCLUSIONS: The use of standard infusion CVC could be utilized in the intensive care unit to perform SCUF not exposing patients to the risks and complications related to the placement and permanence of CVC for hemodialysis.

Filter life span in postoperative cardiovascular surgery patients requiring continuous renal replacement therapy, using a postdilution regional citrate anticoagulation continuous hemofiltration circuit.

BACKGROUND: Regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) is the recommended standard for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). This study assesses its efficacy in patients admitted to critical care following cardiovascular surgery and the influence of standard antithrombotic agents routinely used in this specific group. METHODS: Consecutive cardiovascular surgery patients treated with postdilution hemofiltration with RCA were included in this prospective observational study. The primary outcome of the study was CRRT circuit life-span adjusted for reasons other than clotting. The secondary outcome evaluated the influence of standard antithrombotic agents (acetylsalicylic acid [ASA], low molecular weight heparin [LMWH] or fondaparinux as thromboprophylaxis or treatment dose with or without ASA) on filter life. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients underwent 193 sessions of continous veno-venous hemofiltration, after exclusion of 15 sessions where unfractionated heparin was administered. The median filter life span was 58 hours. Filter life span was significantly longer in patients receiving therapeutic dose of LMWH or fondaparinux (79 h [2-110]), in comparison to patients treated with prophylactic dose of LMWH or fondaparinux (51 h [7-117], p < 0.001), and patients without antithrombotic prophylaxis (42 h [2-91], p < 0.0001). 12 bleeding episodes were observed; 8 occurred in patients receiving treatment dose anticoagulation, 3 in patients receiving prophylactic dose anticoagulation and 1 in a patient with no antithrombotic prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: A postdilution hemofiltration with RCA provides prolonged filter life span when adjusted for reasons other than clotting. Patients receiving treatment dose anticoagulation had a significantly longer filter life span than those who were on prophylactic doses or ASA alone.

Intermittent Convective Therapies in Patients with Acute Kidney Injury: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: In critically ill patients requiring intermittent renal replacement therapy (RRT), the benefits of convective versus diffusive clearance remain uncertain. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the safety, clinical efficacy, and clearance efficiency of hemofiltration (HF) and hemodiafiltration (HDF) compared to hemodialysis (HD) in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) receiving intermittent RRT. METHOD: We searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and PROSPERO. We included clinical trials and observational studies that reported the use of intermittent HF or HDF in adult patients with AKI. The following outcomes were included: mortality, renal recovery, clearance efficacy, intradialytic hemodynamic stability, circuit loss, and inflammation modulation. RESULTS: A total of 3,169 studies were retrieved and screened. Four randomized controlled trials and 4 observational studies were included (n: 615 patients). Compared with conventional HD, intermittent convective therapies had no effect on in-hospital mortality (relative risk, 1.23; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.76-1.99), renal recovery at 30 days (RR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.82-1.16), time-to-renal recovery (mean difference [MD], 0.77; 95% CI, -6.56 to 8.10), and number of dialysis sessions until renal recovery (MD, -1.34; 95% CI, -3.39 to 0.72). The overall quality of included studies was low, and dialysis parameters were suboptimal for all included studies. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggests that there is no significant difference in short-term mortality and renal recovery in patients with severe AKI when treated with intermittent HF or HDF compared to conventional HD. This systematic review emphasizes the need for further trials evaluating optimal convective parameters in AKI patients treated with intermittent dialysis.

PMMA-Based Continuous Hemofiltration Modulated Complement Activation and Renal Dysfunction in LPS-Induced Acute Kidney Injury.

Sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication in critically ill patients, refractory to conventional treatments. Aberrant activation of innate immune system may affect organ damage with poor prognosis for septic patients. Here, we investigated the efficacy of polymethyl methacrylate membrane (PMMA)-based continuous hemofiltration (CVVH) in modulating systemic and tissue immune activation in a swine model of LPS-induced AKI. After 3 h from LPS infusion, animals underwent to PMMA-CVVH or polysulfone (PS)-CVVH. Renal deposition of terminal complement mediator C5b-9 and of Pentraxin-3 (PTX3) deposits were evaluated on biopsies whereas systemic Complement activation was assessed by ELISA assay. Gene expression profile was performed from isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by microarrays and the results validated by Real-time PCR. Endotoxemic pigs presented oliguric AKI with increased tubulo-interstitial infiltrate, extensive collagen deposition, and glomerular thrombi; local PTX-3 and C5b-9 renal deposits and increased serum activation of classical and alternative Complement pathways were found in endotoxemic animals. PMMA-CVVH treatment significantly reduced tissue and systemic Complement activation limiting renal damage and fibrosis. By microarray analysis, we identified 711 and 913 differentially expressed genes with a fold change >2 and a false discovery rate <0.05 in endotoxemic pigs and PMMA-CVVH treated-animals, respectively. The most modulated genes were Granzyme B, Complement Factor B, Complement Component 4 Binding Protein Alpha, IL-12, and SERPINB-1 that were closely related to sepsis-induced immunological process. Our data suggest that PMMA-based CVVH can efficiently modulate immunological dysfunction in LPS-induced AKI.

Successful Reduction of Creatine Kinase and Myoglobin Levels in Severe Rhabdomyolysis Using Extracorporeal Blood Purification (CytoSorb®).

Rhabdomyolysis, if severe, can lead to acute kidney injury (AKI). Myoglobin is an iron and oxygen-binding protein that is freely filtered by the glomerulus. Precipitation of myoglobin in the nephrons' distal parts is responsible for tubular damage with AKI as a consequence. Extracorporeal clearance of myoglobin is conventionally attempted by the use of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) with high cut-off dialysis membranes to limit the extent of the damage. We describe a case of a 56-year-old man with traumatic crush injury and a persistent source of muscle ischaemia unresponsive to high dose CRRT with EMiC-2 filter. Due to therapy failure, he was subsequently treated with the addition of a haemoadsorber (CytoSorb®) to the circuit. This reduced myoglobin and creatine kinase levels successfully despite ongoing tissue ischaemia. However, CytoSorb® was not enough to maintain microcirculatory perfusion, resulting in the eventual demise of the patient due to severity of the injury. Our report indicates that myoglobin was efficiently removed with CytoSorb® following exchange with the conventional high cut-off filter in continuous venovenous haemodialysis in severe traumatic rhabdomyolysis.

Ultrafiltration for management of fluid overload in patients with heart failure.

Heart failure is the number one cause of death in the United States and a significant burden to the healthcare system. One of the primary complications of heart failure is fluid overload, for which current treatments are limited. Medical therapy is first-line; however, rates of diuretic insensitivity are high, medications are not easily titrated, and they do not address the underlying physiologic derangement that leads to hypervolemia. Removal of isotonic fluid via hemofiltration and peritoneal dialysis is an understudied but promising therapy that enables decongestion without maladaptive stimulation of fluid retention pathways. Published studies report conflicting data on long-term outcomes of ultrafiltration but reach consensus on greater and more durable volume reduction with ultrafiltration than conventional medical therapy. These studies are noteworthy for their neglect to standardize both patient selection and fluid removal protocol, which likely contribute to outcome variation. Novel technology in preclinical testing includes implantable ultrafiltration, which has potential to treat volume overload while minimizing the adverse effects associated with conventional hemofiltration. We performed a literature review of English-language studies on hemo- and peritoneal filtration for management of fluid overload in congestive heart failure. Also included is a discussion of the pathophysiology of congestive heart failure and first-line management as well as emerging technologies for ultrafiltration.

Kidney Support in Children using an Ultrafiltration Device: A Multicenter, Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Provision of kidney replacement therapy (KRT) to manage kidney injury and volume overload in critically ill neonates and small children is technically challenging. The use of machines designed for adult-sized patients, necessitates large catheters, a high extracorporeal volume relative to patient size, and need for blood priming. The Aquadex FlexFlow System (CHF Solutions Inc., Eden Prairie, MN) is an ultrafiltration device designed for fluid removal in adults with diuretic resistant heart failure. It has an extracorporeal volume of 33 ml, which can potentially mitigate some complications seen at onset of KRT in smaller infants. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: In this multicenter, retrospective case series of children who received KRT with an ultrafiltration device (n=119 admissions, 884 circuits), we report demographics, circuit characteristics, complications, and short- and long-term outcomes. Patients were grouped according to weight (<10, 10-20, and >20 kg), and received one of three modalities: slow continuous ultrafiltration, continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH), or prolonged intermittent KRT. Our primary outcome was survival to end of KRT. RESULTS: Treatment patterns and outcomes varied between the groups. In patients who weighed <10 kg, the primary indication was AKI in 40%, volume overload in 46%, and ESKD in 14%. These patients primarily received CVVH (66%, n=48) and prolonged intermittent KRT (21%, n=15). In the group weighing >20 kg, volume overload was the primary indication in 91% and slow continuous ultrafiltration was the most common modality. Patients <10 kg had lower KRT survival than those >20 kg (60% versus 97%), more volume overload at onset, and received KRT for a longer duration. Cardiovascular complications at initiation were seen in 3% of treatments and none were severe. Complications during therapy were seen in 15% treatments and most were vascular access-related. CONCLUSIONS: We report the first pediatric experience using an ultrafiltration device to provide a range of therapies, including CVVH, prolonged intermittent KRT, and slow continuous ultrafiltration. We were able to initiate KRT with minimal complications, particularly in critically ill neonates. There is an unmet need for devices specifically designed for younger patients. Having size-appropriate machines will improve the care of smaller children who require kidney support.

Effect of High-Volume Hemofiltration in Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND Studies have been carried out to assess the efficacy of high-volume hemofiltration (HVHF) among critically ill patients. However, it is currently unclear whether HVHF is really valuable in critically ill patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS Randomized controlled trials evaluating HVHF for critically ill adult patients were included in this analysis. Three databases were searched up to July 27, 2018. The relative risk (RR), mean difference (MD), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were determined. RESULTS Twenty-one randomized controlled trials were included in this analysis. Overall, HVHF was associated with lower mortality compared with control measures (RR=0.88, 95% CI=0.81 to 0.96, P=0.004) in critically ill patients. Sub-analysis revealed HVHF reduced mortality in sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome patients, but no similar effect in other diseases. HVHF decreased levels of plasma tumor necrosis factor and interleukin 6. The heart rate of the HVHF group after treatment was slower than the control group, while we found higher mean arterial pressure in the HVHF group, but oxygenation index was not significantly different between the two groups. HVHF had no remarkable influence on acute physiological and chronic health evaluation score (APACHE II score) compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS HVHF might be superior to conventional therapy in critically ill patients.

Calcium priming of the central venous catheter prevents a drop in ionized calcium concentration during Regional Citrate Anticoagulation.

During citrate-based Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT), an infusion of calcium is necessary to replace the calcium lost in the effluent. The replacement takes place through a central venous catheter (CVC) that is primed with saline solution. Thus, we hypothesized a potential systemic anticoagulation caused by the unchelated citrate reaching the patient at the start of CRRT because of 0.42 ml of line dead space. In this pilot study, two subpopulations of 7 patients who underwent Continuous Veno-Venous Hemodiafiltration (150 ml/min of blood flow, 1500 ml/h dialysate flow, 1500 ml/h of citrate predilution) were studied. One had the CVC primed with saline, the second with calcium chloride 10%. Calcium replacement rate was 6.3 ± 0.2 ml/h. Ionized calcium concentration was studied over time in the two groups and in the group with saline priming we detected a transient period of hypocalcemia (ionized calcium concentration [iCa] < 1.00 mmol/l for the first 2 hours). In the subpopulation with the calcium priming, this was not present. No significant effect on filter life emerged. Priming of the catheter with calcium seems effective in avoiding a potential issue regarding citrate accumulation at the start of CRRT. More studies are needed to assess the clinical significance of this finding.

A New Series of Sorbent Devices for Multiple Clinical Purposes: Current Evidence and Future Directions.

Adsorption is an extracorporeal technique utilized for blood purification. It complements convection and diffusion (the main modalities of solute removal). It involves the passage of blood (or plasma) through an adsorption cartridge, where solutes are removed by direct binding to the sorbent material. Over the years, new adsorption cartridges, with improved characteristics have been developed. Furthermore, the therapeutic applications of adsorption have expanded. These now involve the treatment of inflammatory conditions, chronic uremic symptoms, and autoimmune disease, in addition to intoxication, which was once considered the classical indication for adsorption therapy. HA130, HA230, and HA330 (Jafron, Zhuhai City, China) are among the widely used adsorption cartridges in China. There has been sufficient body of evidence to support their effectiveness and safety. In this review, we aim to highlight their main clinical applications.

Patient Demographics and Extracorporeal Membranous Oxygenation (ECMO)-Related Complications Associated With Survival to Discharge or 30-Day Survival in Adult Patients Receiving Venoarterial (VA) and Venovenous (VV) ECMO in a Quaternary Care Urban Center.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate how a multitude of patient demographics and extracorporeal membranous oxygenation (ECMO)-related complications affect 30-day survival or survival to discharge. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. SETTING: Urban university hospital, quaternary care center. PARTICIPANTS: Patients who underwent ECMO circulatory support from January 2012 to May 2016. INTERVENTIONS: Date-based data extraction, univariate and multivariate regression analysis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The hospital database contained complete data for 235 adult patients who received venoarterial ECMO (74.04 %) and venovenous ECMO (25.96 %); 106 patients (45.11%) survived. The independent predictors significant in the odds of in-hospital mortality in a multiregression model were age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.028, p = 0.008), extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) after unsuccessful high-quality CPR (OR = 7.93, p =0.002), cardiogenic shock as the primary indication for circulatory support (OR = 2.58, p = 0.02), acute kidney injury (AKI) before ECMO initiation (OR = 7.53, p < 0.001), time spent on ECMO in days (OR = 1.08, p = 0.03), and limb ischemia (OR = 3.18, p = 0.047). CONCLUSION: The most significant findings of advancing age, time spent on ECMO, AKI, ECMO use in the setting of cardiogenic shock, ECPR, and limb ischemia as a complication of ECMO all independently increase the odds of in-hospital and 30-day mortality. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate a significant relationship between limb ischemia and mortality.

Safe correction of severe hyponatremia in patient with severe renal failure using continuous venovenous hemofiltration with modified sodium content in the replacement fluid.

Optimal treatment of severe hyponatremia in patients requiring dialysis is not known. Rapid correction with the use of different dialysis modalities can lead to osmotic demyelination syndrome. We described a safe correction of severe hyponatremia in a 42-year-old male patient requiring dialysis, who was treated with continuous venovenous hemofiltration using hypotonic replacement fluid which was prepared and adjusted on a daily basis.