Continuous Venovenous Hemofiltration Initiation Research Articles

Pink urine syndrome in an anuric patient during continuous renal replacement therapy: A case report.

Pink urine syndrome is a rare, poorly understood condition, often prompted by obesity, insulin resistance, and the drug propofol. It is characterized by pink urine or urine sediment and occurs in the absence of a heme or food-based pigment. The pathophysiology of this syndrome is not yet fully understood but is linked to a uric acid metabolism disorder. Pink urine syndrome is less familiar to anesthesiologists than other propofol infusion complications. Our case report aims to highlight this rarely encountered syndrome, whose both diagnosis and therapeutic may be challenging. We have reported the first case of this syndrome evidenced by the change in color of the effluent bag during continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVHF). A 61-year-old woman was admitted to the intensive care unit following a recovered cardiorespiratory arrest due to ventricular arrhythmia. She was placed in hypothermia, sedated with propofol (300 mg/h), and started on CVVHF for oligo-anuric acute kidney injury associated with severe metabolic acidosis. A few hours after initiation of CVVHF, the effluent bag turned bright pink. Given the pink color of the effluent bag and the hypothesis of propofol-induced pink urine syndrome, propofol was replaced by midazolam. After stopping propofol, the color of effluent bag lightened. Unfortunately, the patient died on the third day of hospitalization due to diffuse cerebral edema. We report here the first case of pink urine syndrome as revealed by the change in color of the contents of the CVVHF effluent bag in an anuric patient. This syndrome is rare but significant in anesthesia/intensive care settings, where propofol is a frequently used sedative. Knowledge of this syndrome appears to be important to avoid irrelevant additional investigations and to optimize the therapeutic strategy.

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.

AN69 Filter Membranes with High Ultrafiltration Rates during Continuous Venovenous Hemofiltration Reduce Mortality in Patients with Sepsis-Induced Multiorgan Dysfunction Syndrome.

Polyacrylonitrile (AN69) filter membranes adsorb cytokines during continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH). Although high-volume hemofiltration has shown limited benefits, the dose-effect relationship in CVVH with AN69 membranes on severe sepsis remains undetermined. This multi-centered study enrolled 266 patients with sepsis-induced multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS) who underwent CVVH with AN69 membranes between 2014 and 2015. We investigated the effects of ultrafiltration rates (UFR) on mortality. We categorized patients that were treated with UFR of 20–25 mL/kg/h as the standard UFR group (n = 124) and those that were treated with a UFR >25 mL/kg/h as the high UFR group (n = 142). Among the patient characteristics, the baseline estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, hemoglobin levels <10 g/dL, and a sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score ≥15 at CVVH initiation were independently associated with in-hospital mortality. In the subgroup analysis, for patients with SOFA scores that were ≥15, the 90-day survival rate was higher in the high UFR group than in the standard UFR group (HR 0.54, CI: 0.36–0.79, p = 0.005). We concluded that in patients with sepsis-induced MODS, SOFA scores ≥15 predicted a poor rate of survival. High UFR setting >25 mL/kg/h in CVVH with AN69 membranes may reduce the mortality risk in these high-risk patients.

Sex differences in patients with cardiogenic shock requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

ObjectiveOur study assesses differences between male and female patients placed on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiogenic shock. MethodWe retrospectively analyzed 574 adult patients placed on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiogenic shock at our institution between January 2007 and December 2018. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were assessed. Propensity score matching was used to compare outcomes. The primary end point was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes include limb ischemia, limb ischemia interventions, distal perfusion cannula placement, stroke, bleeding, and continuous venovenous hemofiltration initiation. ResultsThere were 394 male patients (69%) and 180 female patients (31%). After adjusting for baseline differences, propensity score matching compared 171 male patients with 171 female patients. No difference was seen between men and women in in-hospital mortality (60.2% vs 56.7%; P = .59), limb ischemia (47.4% vs 45.6%; P = .83), limb ischemia surgery (15.2% vs 12.9%; P = .64), bleeding (49.7% vs 49.1%; P = 1), continuous venovenous hemofiltration initiation (39.2% vs 32.7%; P = .26), and stroke (8.2% vs 9.4%; P = .85). Multivariable logistic regression showed that female patients who died were more likely to have had chronic kidney disease (odds ratio [OR], 2.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-6.53; P = .032) than surviving women. Male patients who died were more likely to have had coronary artery disease (OR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.34-3.78; P = .002) and higher lactate levels (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.08-1.21; P < .001) than surviving men. Women with cardiac transplant primary graft dysfunction were more likely to survive (OR, 0.04; 95% CI, 0.01-0.27; P = .001), whereas men with cardiac transplant primary graft dysfunction were less likely to survive (OR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.11-0.71; P = .007), than patients with other shock etiologies. ConclusionsAfter adjusting for baseline difference, there was no difference in outcomes between male and female patients despite differing risk profiles for in-hospital mortality.

Homozygous NEK8 Mutations in Siblings With Neonatal Cholestasis Progressing to End‐stage Liver, Renal, and Cardiac Disease

Homozygous <i>NEK8</i> Mutations in Siblings With Neonatal Cholestasis Progressing to End‐stage Liver, Renal, and Cardiac Disease

Amino Acid Loss during Continuous Venovenous Hemofiltration in Critically Ill Patients

Background/Objectives: During continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH), there is unwanted loss of amino acids (AA) in the ultrafiltrate (UF). Solutes may also be removed by adsorption to the filter membrane. The aim was to quantify the total loss of AA via the CVVH circuit using a high-flux polysulfone membrane and to differentiate between the loss by ultrafiltration and adsorption. Methods: Prospective observational study in ten critically ill patients, receiving predilution CVVH with a new filter, blood flow 180 mL/min, and predilution flow 2,400 mL/h. Arterial blood, postfilter blood, and UF samples were taken at baseline, and 1, 8, and 24-h after CVVH initiation, to determine AA concentrations and hematocrit. Mass transfer calculations were used to determine AA loss in the filter and by UF, and the difference between these 2. Results: The median AA loss in the filter was 10.4 g/day, the median AA loss by UF was 13.4 g/day, and the median difference was –2.9 g/day (IQR –5.9 to –1.4 g/day). For the individual AA, the difference ranged from –1 g/day to +0.4 g/day, suggesting that some AA were consumed or adsorbed and others were generated. AA losses did not significantly change over the 24-h study period. Conclusion: During CVVH with a modern polysulfone membrane, the estimated AA loss was 13.4 g/day, which corresponds to a loss of about 11.2 g of protein per day. Adsorption did not play a major role. However, individual AA behaved differently, suggesting complex interactions and processes at the filter membrane or peripheral AA production.

Effects of Changes in the Levels of Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns Following Continuous Veno-Venous Hemofiltration Therapy on Outcomes in Acute Kidney Injury Patients With Sepsis.

Background: We investigated the association of damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) removal with mortality in sepsis patients undergoing continuous veno–venous hemofiltration (CVVH).Methods: Circulating levels of DAMPs [mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA); nuclear DNA (nDNA); heat shock protein 70 (HSP70); and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1)] and cytokines were measured at baseline, 6 and 12 h after initiation of CVVH. Urinary DNA levels were analyzed at baseline and end of CVVH. The expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR was assayed at 0, 3, and 7 days after initiation of CVVH. Moreover, the effects of HSP70 and HMGB1 clearance on survival were analyzed.Results: We evaluated 43 patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) (33 sepsis patients). Twenty-two sepsis patients (67%) and three non-sepsis patients (30%) expired (P = 0.046). Significant reductions in the levels of circulating interleukin-6 (P = 0.046) and tumor necrosis factor-α (P = 0.008) were found in the sepsis group. The levels of mtDNA were increased (ND2, P = 0.035; D-loop, P = 0.003), whereas that of HSP70 was reduced (P = 0.000) in all patients during the first 12 h. The levels of DAMPs in the plasma were markedly increased after blood passage from the inlet through the dialyzer in survivor sepsis patients. The clearance rates of HSP70 and HMGB1 were good predictors of mortality [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.937, P = 0.000; AUC = 0.90, P = 0.001, respectively]. The level of HLA-DR was increased in response to higher HSP70 clearance (P = 0.006). Survival was significantly worse in groups with higher clearance rates of HSP70 and HMGB1 than the cut-off value (log-rank test: P = 0.000 for both). Higher HSP70 clearance was a significant independent predictor of mortality (odds ratio = 1.025, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.012–1.039, P = 0.000). The urinary nDNA (β-globin) level before CVVH was an independent risk factor for the duration of CVVH in patients with sepsis (sRE = 0.460, 95% CI: 1.720–8.857, P = 0.005).Conclusion: CVVH removes inflammatory factors, reduces urinary DAMPs, and removes plasma DAMPs. However, survival decreases in response to higher HSP70 clearance.

Fluid balance-adjusted creatinine at initiation of continuous venovenous hemofiltration and mortality. A post-hoc analysis of a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

IntroductionAcute kidney injury (AKI) requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) is associated with high mortality. The creatinine-based stage of AKI is considered when deciding to start or delay RRT. However, creatinine is not only determined by renal function (excretion), but also by dilution (fluid balance) and creatinine generation (muscle mass). The aim of this study was to explore whether fluid balance-adjusted creatinine at initiation of RRT is related to 28-day mortality independent of other markers of AKI, surrogates of muscle mass and severity of disease.MethodsWe performed a post-hoc analysis on data from the multicentre CASH trial comparing citrate to heparin anticoagulation during continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH). To determine whether fluid balance-adjusted creatinine was associated with 28-day mortality, we performed a logistic regression analysis adjusting for confounders of creatinine generation (age, gender, body weight), other markers of AKI (creatinine, urine output) and severity of disease.ResultsOf the 139 patients, 32 patients were excluded. Of the 107 included patients, 36 died at 28 days (34%). Non-survivors were older, had higher APACHE II and inclusion SOFA scores, lower pH and bicarbonate, lower creatinine and fluid balance-adjusted creatinine at CVVH initiation. In multivariate analysis lower fluid balance-adjusted creatinine (OR 0.996, 95% CI 0.993–0.999, p = 0.019), but not unadjusted creatinine, remained associated with 28-day mortality together with bicarbonate (OR 0.869, 95% CI 0.769–0.982, P = 0.024), while the APACHE II score non-significantly contributed to the model.ConclusionIn this post-hoc analysis of a multicentre trial, low fluid balance-adjusted creatinine at CVVH initiation was associated with 28-day mortality, independent of other markers of AKI, organ failure, and surrogates of muscle mass, while unadjusted creatinine was not. More tools are needed for better understanding of the complex determinants of “AKI classification”, “CVVH initiation” and their relation with mortality, fluid balance is only one.

Early Continuous Veno-Venous Hemofiltration Is Effective in Decreasing Intra-Abdominal Pressure and Serum Interleukin-8 Level in Severe Acute Pancreatitis Patients with Abdominal Compartment Syndrome

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of early continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) in decreasing the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and serum interleukin-8 (IL-8) level in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) patients with abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). Methods: Twenty-five ACS patients of SAP were enrolled in a prospective study conducted according to the standard management protocol. They were treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Affiliated Yidu Central Hospital of Weifang Medical College and underwent CVVH. Eleven patients were set up as the control group that received no hemofiltration and surgical treatment due to economic or other reasons but solely conventional treatment. Serum amylase, liver and kidney function, and C reactive protein were investigated before and after treatment. IAP and blood level of IL-8 were measured daily to investigate their time course of changes and the correlation between the 2 parameters. Results: Serum amylase levels, C-reactive protein and IAP were significantly lower and liver and kidney function was significantly better than those of the control group (p < 0.05). IAP on admission to the ICU was high, at 22.9 ± 2.1 mm Hg. The IAP was significantly lower to 17.2 ± 2.2 mm Hg (p < 0.01) 24 h after the initiation of CVVH, and thereafter decreased rapidly. The average blood level of IL-8 was high at 88.2 ± 25.1 ng/L on admission. However, it significantly decreased to 63.2 ± 18.7 ng/L (p < 0.01) 24 h after the initiation of CVVH, and subsequently decreased. There was a significant positive correlation between the blood level of IL-8 and IAP(r = 0.62, p < 0.01). Conclusions: CVVH is effective to decrease the IAP and the blood level of IL-8 in ACS patients of SAP. The blood level of IL-8 was significantly correlated with IAP, suggesting that IL-8 might play an important role in the pathogenesis of ACS. Early CVVH appeared to be effective in the treatment of ACS in patients with SAP through the removal of causative cytokines such as IL-8, and it thereby decreased interstitial edema to lower IAP and should be applied in the early stage of ACS. Video Journal Club ‘Cappuccino with Claudio Ronco' at http://www.karger.com/?doi=480223.

Continuous Venovenous Hemofiltration in Children Less Than or Equal to 10 kg: A Single-Center Experience

The aim of this study was to review the data from patients with a body weight less than or equal to 10 kg who required continuous venovenous hemofiltration, to assess the feasibility and problems associated with continuous venovenous hemofiltration in this population and compare the results with the current literature. Retrospective study design. PICU in a single tertiary pediatric referral center. Children less than or equal to 10 kg who received continuous venovenous hemofiltration between January 2008 and July 2014 were included in the study. Clinical data from these children were analyzed, and the differences between survivors and nonsurvivors were evaluated and compared with results from current literature. In a subgroup analysis of children less than or equal to 5 kg compared with children between 5 and 10 kg, the survival rate, indications for continuous venovenous hemofiltration, and continuous venovenous hemofiltration characteristics were assessed. In total, 71 continuous renal replacement therapy episodes in 70 children were included in the study. Children in our cohort had a survival rate of 57.7% (41/71). Survivors had less frequent need for vasopressor support prior to continuous venovenous hemofiltration, lower oxygen requirement and percent fluid overload at continuous venovenous hemofiltration initiation. Survival rate was not significantly different in children less than or equal to 5 kg compared with 5-10 kg. However, in children less than or equal to 5 kg, metabolic manipulation was a significantly more frequent indication for continuous venovenous hemofiltration, heparin use was lower and maximal blood flow rate was higher. We have shown that continuous venovenous hemofiltration can be performed with good outcomes in children less than or equal to 10 kg using relatively high blood flow rates and with the current equipment available.

Vancomycin continuous infusion versus intermittent infusion during continuous venovenous hemofiltration: slow and steady may win the race.

BackgroundVancomycin during continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) is either administered by intermittent infusion (II) or continuous infusion (CI). In this patient population, the best method to rapidly achieve target serum concentrations of 15 mcg/ml to 25 mcg/ml remains to be elucidated. We hypothesized that CI would achieve a target serum level of 15 mcg/ml to 25 mcg/ml within 24 h of the initiation of therapy more consistently than II.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) between 2011 and 2014 receiving intravenous vancomycin with 24-hour serum level while on CVVH was included. Patients were excluded from this review if they had residual renal function during CVVH, were concomitantly on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or if the first dose of vancomycin was received six or more hours prior to the initiation of CVVH. The primary outcome was the achievement of a therapeutic level of 15mcg/ml to 25 mcg/ml by 24 hours.ResultsFifty-nine patients met the inclusion criteria and 14 received CI and 45 in II. Therapeutic 24-hour levels were achieved in 14/14 versus 2/45 in CI and II, respectively (p < 0.001). Mean 24-hour vancomycin levels were 20.35 ± 2.78 mcg/ml for CI compared to 9.7 ± 3.52 mcg/ml for II (p < 0.001). Mean loading dose was 26.65 ± 3.06 mg/kg for CI compared to 17.58 ± 5.72 mg/kg for II (p < 0.001). Daily maintenance doses were 15.66 ± 6.26 mg/kg for CI compared to 17.28 ± 4.96 mg/kg for II (p = 0.339). In the subgroup of 27 patients who received vancomycin-loading dose >20 mg/kg, mean 24-hour levels were 20.35 ± 2.78 mcg/ml for CI versus 11.8 ± 2.7 mcg/ml for II (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found between patients in the two groups with respect to CVVH rate and length of CVVH prior to vancomycin administration.ConclusionsThe results of our study suggest that critically ill patients on CVVH treated with CI achieved the target level faster than II and consistently keep the vancomycin level within target range.

Clinical research of urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and interleukin-18 on critically ill patients with acute kidney injury receiving continuous veno-venous hemofiltration

Objective To explore the effect of urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin(uNGAL) and urine interleukin-18(uIL-18) on the ill condition and prognosis in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury(AKI)at inception of continuous veno-venous hemofiltration(CVVH). Methods Children came from Department of Nephrology, PICU and health examination center in Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center were divided into 4 groups: critically ill patients with AKI receiving CVVH group(group A), critically ill patients with non-AKI recei-ving CVVH group(group B), critically ill patients with AKI didn't recevie CVVH group(group C), and healthy control group(group D). Serum creatinine(SCr), uNGAL and uIL-18 in all patients were analyzed. Results The uNGAL in group A and group C[(161.56±71.44) μg/L, (153.69±51.33) μg/L] increased obviously when compared with group B and group D[(33.50±10.76) μg/L, (16.37±6.20) μg/L](all P 0.05). The peak level of uNGAL[(241.76±53.60) μg/L vs (196.32±39.28) μg/L] and uIL-18[(5.15±0.78) μg/L vs (4.30±0.89) μg/L] in critically ill patients with AKI was higher in renal recove-ries than in renal non-recoveries(P<0.05). The levels of uNGAL and uIL-18 critically ill patients at initiation of CVVH were higher in non-survivors when compared with survivors[(213.50±104.78) μg/L vs (79.91±55.81) μg/L, P<0.05], [(4.48±2.32) μg/L vs (1.94±1.88) μg/L, P<0.05]. The levels of uNGAL and uIL-18 of critically ill patients with AKI at initiation of CVVH were higher in non-survivors than in survivors[(256.99±49.33) μg/L vs (127.11±38.99) μg/L, P<0.05], [(5.48±0.67) μg/L vs (3.65±0.98) μg/L, P<0.05]. The levels of uNGAL and uIL-18 at the first diagnosis time of AKI were higher in non-survivors than in survivors(P<0.05). Conclusions uNGAL and urine IL-18 at commencement of CVVH predicts short-term prognosis in critically ill patients with AKI.uNGAL and urine IL-18 can be as a prognostic value in the prediction of the need for renal replacement therapy initiation or mortality in critically ill patients with AKI. Key words: Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin; Interleukin-18; Acute kidney injury; Critically ill; Child; Continuous veno-venous hemofiltration

The effect of bicarbonate administration via continuous venovenous hemofiltration on acid-base parameters in ventilated patients.

Background. Acute kidney injury (AKI) and metabolic acidosis are common in the intensive care unit. The effect of bicarbonate administration on acid-base parameters is unclear in those receiving continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) and mechanical ventilatory support. Methods. Metabolic and ventilatory parameters were prospectively examined in 19 ventilated subjects for up to 96 hours following CVVH initiation for AKI at an academic tertiary care center. Mixed linear regression modeling was performed to measure changes in pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), serum bicarbonate, and base excess over time. Results. During the 96-hour study period, pCO2 levels remained stable overall (initial pCO2 42.0 ± 14.6 versus end-study pCO2 43.8 ± 16.1 mmHg; P = 0.13 for interaction with time), for those with initial pCO2 ≤40 mmHg (31.3 ± 5.7 versus 35.0 ± 4.8; P = 0.06) and for those with initial pCO2 >40 mmHg (52.7 ± 12.8 versus 53.4 ± 19.2; P = 0.57). pCO2 decreased during the immediate hours following CVVH initiation (42.0 ± 14.6 versus 37.3 ± 12.6 mmHg), though this change was nonsignificant (P = 0.052). Conclusions. We did not detect a significant increase in pCO2 in response to the administration of bicarbonate via CVVH in a ventilated population. Additional studies of larger populations are needed to confirm this finding.

Citrate anticoagulation versus systemic heparinisation in continuous venovenous hemofiltration in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury: a multi-center randomized clinical trial.

IntroductionBecause of ongoing controversy, renal and vital outcomes are compared between systemically administered unfractionated heparin and regional anticoagulation with citrate-buffered replacement solution in predilution mode, during continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI).MethodsIn this multi-center randomized controlled trial, patients admitted to the intensive care unit requiring CVVH and meeting inclusion criteria, were randomly assigned to citrate or heparin. Primary endpoints were mortality and renal outcome in intention-to-treat analysis. Secondary endpoints were safety and efficacy. Safety was defined as absence of any adverse event necessitating discontinuation of the assigned anticoagulant. For efficacy, among other parameters, survival times of the first hemofilter were studied.ResultsOf the 139 patients enrolled, 66 were randomized to citrate and 73 to heparin. Mortality rates at 28 and 90 days did not differ between groups: 22/66 (33%) of citrate-treated patients died versus 25/72 (35%) of heparin-treated patients at 28 days, and 27/65 (42%) of citrate-treated patients died versus 29/69 (42%) of heparin-treated patients at 90 days (P = 1.00 for both). Renal outcome, i.e. independency of renal replacement therapy 28 days after initiation of CVVH in surviving patients, did not differ between groups: 29/43 (67%) in the citrate-treated patients versus 33/47 (70%) in heparin-treated patients (P = 0.82). Heparin was discontinued in 24/73 (33%) of patients whereas citrate was discontinued in 5/66 (8%) of patients (P < 0.001). Filter survival times were superior for citrate (median 46 versus 32 hours, P = 0.02), as were the number of filters used (P = 0.002) and the off time within 72 hours (P = 0.002). The costs during the first 72 hours of prescribed CVVH were lower in citrate-based CVVH.ConclusionsRenal outcome and patient mortality were similar for citrate and heparin anticoagulation during CVVH in the critically ill patient with AKI. However, citrate was superior in terms of safety, efficacy and costs.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT00209378. Registered 13th September 2005.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13054-014-0472-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effect of early and intensive continuous venovenous hemofiltration on patients with cardiogenic shock and acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is currently the mainstay renal support for critically ill patients. However, the optimal intensity of CRRT remains debated owing to the heterogeneity of the study populations and CRRT techniques across centers. The present study investigated the beneficial effects of early and intensive continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) on patients with shock after cardiotomy. Patients who had received CRRT for cardiogenic shock and acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery from January 2003 to December 2007 were retrospectively recruited. They were divided into 2 groups according to the delivered dosage of hemofiltration. The mean duration between intensive care unit admission and initiation of CVVH was 1.4±0.8 days. The all-cause mortality by day 30 was 73.3% and 45.4% in the low- and high-dose groups, respectively (P=.002). The corresponding in-hospital mortality rate was 82.2% and 61.8% (P=.02). No significant difference was seen in the renal recovery of the survivors between the 2 groups. In patients developing postoperative cardiogenic shock and acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery, an early higher CVVH dose was associated with better in-hospital and long-term survival. Moreover, the beneficial effect of intensive treatment might be more critical in the early perioperative period.

Role of Early Initiation of Continuous Veno-Venous Hemofiltration (CVVH) for Management of Sinusoidal Obstructive Syndrome (SOS) Following Stem Cell Transplant (SCT)

Role of Early Initiation of Continuous Veno-Venous Hemofiltration (CVVH) for Management of Sinusoidal Obstructive Syndrome (SOS) Following Stem Cell Transplant (SCT)

The plasma level and biomarker value of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury are not affected by continuous venovenous hemofiltration and anticoagulation applied.

IntroductionNeutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a biomarker of acute kidney injury (AKI), and levels reflect severity of disease in critically ill patients. However, continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) may affect plasma levels by clearance or release of NGAL by activated neutrophils in the filter, dependent on the anticoagulation regimen applied. We therefore studied handling of NGAL by CVVH in patients with AKI.MethodsImmediately before initiation of CVVH, prefilter blood was drawn. After 10, 60, 180, and 720 minutes of CVVH, samples were collected from pre- and postfilter (in- and outlet) blood and ultrafiltrate. CVVH with the following anticoagulation regimens was studied: no anticoagulation in case of a high bleeding tendency (n = 13), unfractionated heparin (n = 8), or trisodium citrate (n = 21). NGAL levels were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsConcentrations of NGAL at inlet and outlet were similar, and concentrations did not change over time in any of the anticoagulation groups; thus no net removal or production of NGAL occurred. Concentrations of NGAL at inlet correlated with disease severity at initiation of CVVH and at the end of a CVVH run. Concentrations of NGAL in the ultrafiltrate were lower with citrate-based CVVH (P = 0.03) and decreased over time, irrespective of anticoagulation administered (P < 0.001). The sieving coefficient and clearance of NGAL were low and decreased over time (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe plasma level and biomarker value of NGAL in critically ill patients with AKI are not affected by CVVH, because clearance by the filter was low. Furthermore, no evidence exists for intrafilter release of NGAL by neutrophils, irrespective of the anticoagulation method applied.

Management of abdominal compartment syndrome in severe acute pancreatitis patients with early continuous veno-venous hemofiltration.

The present study investigates whether early continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) is effective for decreasing intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and serum TNF-α in abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) patients of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), and to study the correlation between IAP and serum TNF-α level. Twenty-five ACS patients of SAP were treated in the ICU and underwent CVVH. IAP and blood level of TNF-α were measured daily to investigate their time-course of changes and the correlation between the two parameters. IAP on admission to the ICU was high (22.9±2.1 mmHg). The IAP was significantly lower (17.2±2.2 mmHg; p <0.01) 24 h after initiation of CVVH, and thereafter decreased rapidly. Mean the blood level of TNF-α was high (59.9±18.2 ng/L) on admission. However, it significantly decreased (41.1±12.8 ng/L; p <0.01) 24 h after initiation of CVVH, and subsequently decreased. There was a significant positive correlation between blood level of TNF-α and IAP (r = 0.53, p <0.01). CVVH significantly decreased IAP and TNF-α in ACS patients of SAP. TNF-α was significantly correlated with IAP, suggesting that TNF-α may play an important role in the pathogenesis of ACS. Early CVVH can improve vascular permeability through elimination of cytokines such as TNF-α, and thereby decrease interstitial edema to lower IAP and should be applied in the early stages of ACS.

Early Renal Replacement Therapy During Pediatric Cardiac Extracorporeal Support Increases Mortality

Acute kidney injury is a common comorbidity for children placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) because of primary cardiac disease. Continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) can optimize fluid status and lessen inflammatory response during ECMO. However, published data are derived primarily from children without primary cardiac disease. A retrospective analysis of our institutional ECMO database from 2002 to 2011 was performed. To limit the bias that CVVH initiation was after evidence of end-organ injury, we considered "early CVVH" to be instituted within 48 hours of ECMO initiation. Multivariate logistic regression was undertaken to adjust for covariates. Of 153 cardiac ECMO patients, 59 (39%) received early CVVH. Time from ECMO initiation to CVVH initiation was 1.7±0.7 days (median 1 day). Pre-ECMO and post-ECMO serum creatinine levels were similar in both groups. However, peak serum creatinine was 1.1±0.4 mg/dL (median 1.0 mg/dL) in the ECMO and CVVH group and 0.9±0.4 mg/dL (median 0.8 mg/dL) in the ECMO alone group (p=0.003). Patients who received CVVH had a higher mortality (p<0.0001), were less likely to have had ECPR (p=0.004), and had a longer duration on ECMO (p<0.0001). In multivariate analysis subjects receiving CVVH support within 48 hours of ECMO cannulation were 3 times more likely to die during their hospitalization (odds ratio 3.02; 95% confidence interval 1.32 to 6.9, p=0.009) after adjusting for other significant risk factors. Early CVVH in pediatric cardiac patients requiring ECMO is associated with increased mortality. Early CVVH in the cardiac ECMO population does not appear justified.

Hypophosphatemia during continuous veno-venous hemofiltration is associated with mortality in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury

IntroductionThe primary aim of this study was to determine whether hypophosphatemia during continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) is associated with the global outcome of critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI).Methods760 patients diagnosed with AKI and had received CVVH therapy were retrospectively recruited. Death during the 28-day period and survival at 28 days after initiation of CVVH were used as endpoints. Demographic and clinical data including serum phosphorus levels were recorded along with clinical outcome. Hypophosphatemia was defined according to the colorimetric method as serum phosphorus levels < 0.81 mmol/L (2.5 mg/dL), and severe hypophosphatemia was defined as serum phosphorus levels < 0.32 mmol/L (1 mg/dL). The ratio of CVVH therapy days with hypophosphatemia over total CVVH therapy days was calculated to reflect the persistence of hypophosphatemia.ResultsThe Cox proportional hazard survival model analysis indicated that the incidence of hypophosphatemia or even severe hypophosphatemia was not associated with 28-day mortality independently (p = 0.700). Further analysis with the sub-cohort of patients who had developed hypophosphatemia during the CVVH therapy period indicated that the mean ratio of CVVH therapy days with hypophosphatemia over total CVVH therapy days was 0.58, and the ratio independently associated with the global outcome. Compared with the patients with low ratio (< 0.58), those with high ratio (≥ 0.58) conferred a 1.451-fold increase in 28-day mortality rate (95% CI 1.103–1.910, p = 0.008).ConclusionsHypophosphatemia during CVVH associated with the global clinical outcome of critically ill patients with AKI. The ratio of CVVH therapy days with hypophosphatemia over total CVVH therapy days was independently associated with the 28-day mortality, and high ratio conferred higher mortality rate.