Background: Severe hyper- and hyponatraemia is associated with significant risks, yet its correction can also have serious consequences when implemented too fast or inadequately. The safe correction of serum sodium levels is particularly challenging when renal replacement therapy (RRT) is required. Methods: Using 2 case scenarios, we aim to illustrate a simple method of correcting hyper- and hyponatraemia safely by step-wise manipulation of the dialysate/replacement fluid. Results: During continuous RRT, hypernatraemia can be corrected effectively and safely by adding small pre-calculated amounts of 30% NaCl to the dialysate/replacement fluid bags aiming for a [Na+] in the fluid that allows safe equilibration and correction of the serum [Na+]. To correct hyponatraemia safely, pre-calculated amounts of sterile water can be added in a step-wise manner to achieve a fluid [Na+] that equals the desired target serum [Na+]. Conclusion: During continuous RRT, the step-wise adjustment of [Na+] of dialysate/replacement fluids offers a safe and reliable method to correct sodium disorders.
In patients with acute kidney injury and concomitant severe hyponatraemia or hypernatraemia, rapid correction of the serum Na+ concentration needs to be avoided. The present paper outlines the principles of how to adjust the Na+ concentration in the replacement fluid during continuous renal replacement therapy to prevent rapid changes of the serum Na+ concentration.
Premature circuit clotting is a problem during continuous renal replacement therapy. We describe an algorithm for individualised anticoagulation with unfractionated heparin based on the patient's risk of bleeding and previous circuit life. The algorithm allows effective and safe nurse-led anticoagulation during continuous renal replacement therapy.
Background: Premature circuit clotting is a major problem during continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Six randomized controlled trials confirmed that regional anticoagulation with citrate is superior to heparin. Our objective was to compare circuit patency with citrate, heparin and epoprostenol in routine clinical practice. Methods: We retrospectively analysed data on circuit patency of all circuits used in a single centre between September 2008 and August 2009. We differentiated between premature filter clotting, elective discontinuation and waste. Results: 309 patients were treated with CRRT (n = 2,059 circuits). The mean age was 65.7; 63.8% were male. The methods to maintain circuit patency were unfractionated heparin (42.3%), epoprostenol (23.0%), citrate (14.7%), combinations of different anticoagulants (14.6%) and no anticoagulation (4.7%). Premature clotting was the most common reason for circuit discontinuation among circuits anticoagulated with heparin, epoprostenol or combinations of different anticoagulants (59-62%). Among circuits anticoagulated with citrate the main reason for discontinuation was elective (61%). Hazard regression analysis confirmed significantly better circuit survival with citrate. Changing from heparin to citrate decreased the risk of premature circuit clotting by 75.8%. Conclusion: In routine clinical practice, regional anticoagulation withcitrate is associated with significantly better circuit patency than heparin or epoprostenol.
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