Late Renal Replacement Therapy Research Articles

Differential effect on mortality of the timing of initiation of renal replacement therapy according to the criteria used to diagnose acute kidney injury: an IDEAL-ICU substudy

BackgroundThis substudy of the randomized IDEAL-ICU trial assessed whether the timing of renal replacement therapy (RRT) initiation has a differential effect on 90-day mortality, according to the criteria used to diagnose acute kidney injury (AKI), in patients with early-stage septic shock.MethodsThree groups were considered according to the criterion defining AKI: creatinine elevation only (group 1), reduced urinary output only (group 2), creatinine elevation plus reduced urinary output (group 3). Primary outcome was 90-day all-cause death. Secondary endpoints were RRT-free days, RRT dependence and renal function at discharge. We assessed the interaction between RRT strategy (early vs. delayed) and group, and the association between RRT strategy and mortality in each group by logistic regression.ResultsOf 488 patients enrolled, 205 (42%) patients were in group 1, 174 (35%) in group 2, and 100 (20%) in group 3. The effect of RRT initiation strategy on 90-day mortality across groups showed significant heterogeneity (adjusted interaction p = 0.021). Mortality was 58% vs. 42% for early vs. late RRT initiation, respectively, in group 1 (p = 0.028); 57% vs. 67%, respectively, in group 2 (p = 0.18); and 58% vs. 55%, respectively, in group 3 (p = 0.79). There was no significant difference in secondary outcomes.ConclusionThe timing of RRT initiation has a differential impact on outcome according to AKI diagnostic criteria. In patients with elevated creatinine only, early RRT initiation was associated with significantly increased mortality. In patients with reduced urine output only, late RRT initiation was associated with a nonsignificant, 10% absolute increase in mortality.

Late Dialysis Modality Education Could Negatively Predict Peritoneal Dialysis Selection.

Patients with end-stage renal disease are less likely to choose peritoneal dialysis (PD) as renal replacement therapy (RRT). The reasons for this biased selection are still poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the timing of RRT education on PD selection. This single-center retrospective observational study included patients who initiated maintenance dialysis at our hospital between April 2014 and July 2021. A logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association of RRT education timing with PD selection. Among the 355 participants (median age [IQR] 70 (59–79) years; 28.7% female), 53 patients (14.9%) and 302 patients (85.1%) selected PD and hemodialysis, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that high estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) at RRT education positively predicted PD selection (p < 0.05), whereas old age (p < 0.01) and high Charlson comorbidity index (p < 0.05) were negative predictors of PD selection. Female sex (p = 0.44), welfare public assistance (p = 0.78), living alone (p = 0.25), high geriatric nutritional risk index (p = 0.10) and high eGFR at first visit to the nephrology department (p = 0.83) were not significantly associated with PD selection. Late RRT education could increase the biased selection of dialysis modality.

Identifying the optimal timing of renal replacement therapy initiation among critically ill patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most frequent complications in patients with severe cardiopulmonary dysfunction on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy. Although renal replacement therapy (RRT) is the standard of care for AKI, the timing of initiation of RRT remains controversial. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the optimal timing of RRT initiation among patients receiving ECMO therapy. Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 40 patients in a tertiary hospital centre from March 2014 until December 2019. The patients were divided into two groups according to the timing of RRT initiation, i.e. early RRT (within 72 hours) or late RRT after ECMO treatment. The primary outcome was 60-day mortality. The secondary outcomes were survival predictors of these patients. Results: The 60-day mortality was not significantly different between the two groups (76.9% in the early RRT initiation and 88.9% in the late group; P=0.321). The predictors of survival were RRT start within 72 hours of ECMO initiation (HR: 0.067, 95%, CI: 0.010-0.457), age ≥ 60 years (HR: 6.334, 95% CI: 1.268-31.625), fluid balance on day seven of ECMO (HR: 1.093, 95% CI: 1.007-1.187), and eGFR-EPI ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (HR: 0.970, 95% CI: 0.946-0.996). Conclusion: Among patients with ECMO and RRT, early RRT within 72 hours of ECMO initiation was significantly associated with a decreased risk of death. Our findings suggest the survival benefit of early RRT in critically ill patients treated with ECMO.

Early versus Late Initiation of Renal Replacement Therapy: Have We Reached the Consensus? An Updated Meta-Analysis

Objectives: The objective of this study is to compare early versus late/standard initiation of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). Data Sources: MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Cochrane renal group till August 15, 2020. Study Selection: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing early versus late initiation of RRT in patients with AKI were included. The primary outcome measures were all-cause mortality and dialysis dependence on day 90. Secondary outcome measures were length of stay, recovery of renal functions, and adverse events. Data Extraction: Two authors independently performed study selection and data extraction using data extraction forms. Data Synthesis: A total of 14 RCTs with 5,234 participants were included. Three trials had low risk of bias in all the domains. There was no significant difference in the overall mortality (risk ratio (RR): 0.99; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89, 1.10; moderate certainty of evidence), day 30 mortality (RR: 1.0; 95% CI: 0.91, 1.09; high certainty of evidence), day 90 mortality (RR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.88, 1.13; high certainty of evidence), and ICU mortality (RR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.90, 1.10; moderate certainty of evidence) between the early versus late RRT. Dialysis dependence on day 90 was significantly higher in the patients assigned to early RRT (RR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.15, 2.09; moderate certainty of evidence). The treatment-emergent adverse events (hypophosphatemia and hypotension) were significantly higher in the patients assigned to early RRT. Conclusion: There is no added benefit of early initiation of RRT in patient with AKI; this may lead to treatment-emergent adverse events. Delaying the initiation of RRT with close monitoring and initiating RRT for emergent indications should be the acceptable criterion in critical care nephrology. Prospero Registration: CRD42016043092.

Comparison between watchful waiting strategy and early initiation of renal replacement therapy in the critically ill acute kidney injury population: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe optimal timing of renal replacement therapy (RRT) initiation is debatable. Many articles in this field enrolled trials not based on acute kidney injury. The safety of the watchful waiting strategy has not been fully discussed, and late RRT initiation criteria vary across studies. The effect of early RRT initiation in the AKI population with high plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) has not been examined yet.MethodsIn accordance with PRISMA guidelines, the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were systemically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Trials not conducted in the AKI population were excluded. Data of study characteristics, primary outcome (all-cause mortality), and related secondary outcomes [mechanical ventilation (MV) days, length of hospital stay, RRT days, and length of ICU stay] were extracted. The outcomes were compared between early and late RRT groups by estimating the pooled odds ratio (OR) for binary outcomes and the weighted mean difference for continuous outcomes. Prospective trials were also examined and analyzed using the same method.ResultsNine RCTs with 1938 patients were included. Early RRT did not provide a survival benefit (pooled OR, 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62–1.27). However, the early RRT group had significantly fewer MV days (pooled mean difference, − 3.98 days; 95% CI − 7.81 to − 0.15 days). Subgroup analysis showed that RCTs enrolling the surgical population (P = .001) and the AKI population with high plasma NGAL (P = .031) had favorable outcomes regarding RRT days in the early initiation group. Moreover, 6 of 9 RCTs were selected for examining the safety of the watchful waiting strategy, and no significant differences were found in primary and secondary outcomes between the early and late RRT groups.ConclusionsOverall, early RRT initiation did not provide a survival benefit, but a possible benefit of fewer MV days was detected. Early RRT might also provide the benefit of shorter MV or RRT support in the surgical population and in AKI patients with high plasma NGAL. Depending on the conventional indication for RRT initiation, the watchful waiting strategy is safe on the basis of all primary and secondary outcomes.

707 Factors Associated with Early vs. Late AKI in Burn Patients

Abstract Introduction Acute kidney injury (AKI) in burn patients is known to increase morbidity and mortality, with significant improvement after the initiation of renal replacement therapy (RRT). Our primary objective is to characterize the sub-population of burn patients with early (≤48 hours post-injury) versus late (&amp;gt;48 hours post injury) onset of AKI. We hypothesize that patients with early onset AKI versus late onset AKI have different causalities, risk factors, and outcomes. A secondary aim is to investigate the timing and use of RRT in the setting of early and late AKI with the goal of improving morbidity and mortality. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on all patients admitted to a verified burn center requiring RRT for AKI from 2015 – 2019. Patients were stratified by age, gender, percent total body surface area (TBSA), race, time of onset of AKI, timing of RRT initiation, hospital LOS, pre-admission co-morbidities, admission toxicology, and mortality. Results In total, 1537 burn patients were reviewed and 1.3% (n=20) required RRT for AKI. Out of this cohort, 70% developed early AKI and 30% developed late AKI. Early versus late AKI patients had the same median age (57). Patients with larger TBSA developed early AKI (median TBSA 51%) versus late AKI (median TBSA 21%). Half of the patients who developed late AKI presented with positive alcohol toxicology screens, while 86% of patients with early AKI tested negative. The patient mortality rate in early AKI was 57%, and the mortality rate in late AKI was 17%. Only 14% of early AKI patients required dialysis at discharge, while 33% of late AKI patients required dialysis at discharge. The majority of patients started on early RRT (&amp;lt; 48 hours post injury) did not develop sepsis (43% developed sepsis), while the majority of patients started on late RRT (&amp;gt;48 hours post injury) did develop sepsis (85%). Conclusions Positivity for alcohol on admission may be a predictor for development of late AKI, while larger TBSA may predict early AKI. Mortality is higher for patients with early AKI; however, the need for dialysis at discharge is higher in patients with late AKI. Our data further suggests that early initiation of RRT is negatively correlated with the development of sepsis. Applicability of Research to Practice A deeper understanding of associations and causality of early vs late onset AKI in burn patients will help guide further management and improve outcomes.

Effects of early dialysis on the outcomes of critically ill patients with acute kidney injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The appropriate timing for initiating renal replacement therapy (RRT) in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) remains unknown. This meta-analysis aims to assess the efficacy of early initiation of RRT in critically ill patients with AKI. The Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched up to August 13, 2019. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of early and late RRT on AKI patients were included. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality. Eleven RCTs including 1131 and 1111 AKI patients assigned to early and late RRT strategies, respectively, were enrolled in this meta-analysis. The pooled 28-day mortality was 38.1% (431/1131) and 40.7% (453/1111) in the patients assigned to early and late RRT, respectively, with no significant difference between groups (risk ratio (RR), 0.95; 95% CI, 0.78–1.15, I2 = 63%). No significant difference was found between groups in terms of RRT dependence in survivors on day 28 (RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.67–1.25, I2 = 0%), and recovery of renal function (RR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.89–1.19, I2 = 56%). The early RRT group had higher risks of catheter-related infection (RR, 1.7, 95% CI, 1.01–2.97, I2 = 0%) and hypophosphatemia (RR, 2.5, 95% CI, 1.25–4.99, I2 = 77%) than the late RRT group. In conclusion, an early RRT strategy does not improve survival, RRT dependence, or renal function recovery in critically ill patients with AKI in comparison with a late RRT strategy. However, clinicians should be vigilant because early RRT can carry higher risks of catheter-related infection and hypophosphatemia during dialysis than late RRT.

Outcomes of Patients with Cardiogenic Shock Requiring Early vs Late Renal Replacement Therapy during Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Support

Introduction Acute kidney injury is common in patients with cardiogenic shock supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and it is associated with mortality. Hypothesis We hypothesized that mortality is not different between patients who require early (within 48 hours) vs late (≥48 hours of ECMO) initiation of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Methods We retrospectively reviewed all patients with cardiogenic shock who underwent veno-arterial ECMO at University Hospitals, between 2015 and 2018. Patients who required CRRT during ECMO support were divided into early vs late CRRT initiation. Inpatient mortality, one-year mortality and length of stay were compared between the two patient groups. Results Out of 127 patients supported with ECMO, 56 (44%) required CRRT (40 early and 16 late CRRT). Among patients requiring CRRT, mean age was 57±14 years, 74% were male, median SAVE score was -9 [-14, -5], and median lactate was 7.6 [4.2, 12.4] mmol/L. There were no statistically-significant differences in baseline characteristics (demographics, comorbidities, laboratory values, or hemodynamic measurements) between early and late CRRT (P>0.05 for all comparisons). There were no statistically-significant differences between early and late CRRT with respect to inpatient mortality (62% vs 64%, P>0.99), 1-year mortality (78% vs 67%, P=0.71) or length of stay (median 20 vs 16 days, P=0.61). There was no association between time of CRRT and risk of inpatient mortality (OR 1.00, 95% CI: 0.88-1.15, P=0.95), or one-year mortality (HR 0.96, 9% CI: 0.89-1.05, P=0.39). Conclusions Mortality is high among patients who require CRRT during ECMO support. There was no difference between early (

Renal Replacement Therapy in Critical Care: When to Start?

Aside from absolute indications, the optimal timing of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in critical care is unknown. In this review, we discuss initiation of RRT in relation to both severity of acute kidney injury (AKI) and fluid accumulation. Results from studies of early vs. late RRT are conflicting, and no definitive conclusions have been made. Observational data points to fluid accumulation as a detrimental factor in critical illness and recent studies have shown that early fluid removal with RRT is feasible and could potentially improve survival. There is a gap in the knowledge regarding when to initiate RRT in the absence of acute life-threatening complications. Recent studies of fluid accumulation in critically ill patients indicate the importance of avoiding fluid overload, and RRT might play an increasing role in the management of fluid balance in critical care.

The effect of renal replacement therapy timing on the outcome of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients

Introduction The timing of renal replacement therapy (RRT) initiation in patients having acute kidney disease has been a controversial issue for many years. A recently published systematic review and meta-analysis on this topic failed to demonstrate measurable benefits of early RRT. Patients and methods We compared RRT initiation timing in critically ill patients and defined early or late RRT in reference to the timing after which stage 3 Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria were met. Patients beginning RRT within 24 h after reaching stage 3 acute kidney injury (AKI) were considered early starters, whereas those beginning RRT past 24 h after reaching stage 3 AKI were considered late starters. Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria were evaluated by both urine output and serum creatinine. Patients with acute-on-chronic kidney disease were excluded. A propensity score methodology was used to control variables. Results A total of 123 critically ill patients were subjected to RRT. Only 40 patients with pure stage 3 AKI were analyzed. Mortality was lower in the early RRT group than in the late RRT group (18.6 vs. 81.1%, P=0.000). Moreover, patients in the early RRT group had a lower duration of mechanical ventilation, RRT duration, vasopressor duration, and ICU discharge creatinine level. Conclusion Using a time-based approach could be a better means of assessing the association between RRT initiation and outcomes in patients with AKI. In patients with stage 3 AKI, RRT initiation within 24 h should be considered.

Timing of Renal Replacement Therapy and its impact on the Outcome of Acute Kidney Injury Patients

Background: Previous studies using Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN)/RIFLE criteria to classify early initiation of renal replacement therapy (RRT) have defined it as the therapy started in less severe AKIN/RIFLE stages. Generally, these studies failed in demonstrating measurable benefits. Aim: To evaluate RRT in critically ill patients and its timing and its impact on critically ill patients. Methods: We compared RRT initiation in critically ill patients and defined early or late RRT in reference to timing after stage 3 AKIN was met: patients beginning RRT within 24 hours after acute kidney injury (AKI) stage 3 were considered early starters. AKIN criteria were evaluated by both urine output (UO) and serum creatinine (sCr) and patients with acute-on-chronic kidney disease were excluded. A propensity score methodology was used to control variables. Results: A total of 358 critically ill patients were submitted to RRT. Only 150 patients with pure AKI at stage 3 were analyzed. Mortality was lower in the early RRT group (51.5 vs. 77.9%, P = 0.001). After achieving balance between the groups using a propensity score, there was a significant 30.5 (95% confidence interval [CI] 14.4 to 45.2%, P = 0.002) relative decrease of mortality in the early RRT group. Moreover, patients on the early RRT group had lower duration of mechanical ventilation, time on RRT and a trend to lower intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay. Conclusions: For the first time, AKIN was used with UO criterion to evaluate early and late RRT. Using a time based approach could be a better parameter to access the association between RRT initiation and outcomes in patients with AKI.

Long-term quality of life postacute kidney injury in cardiac surgery patients.

Background:Acute renal failure after cardiac surgery is known to be associated with significant short-term morbidity and mortality. There have as yet been no major reports on long-term quality of life (QOL). This study assessed the impact of acute kidney injury (AKI) and renal replacement therapy (RRT) on long-term survival and QOL after cardiac surgery. The need for long-term RRT is also assessed.Materials and Methods:Patients who underwent cardiac surgery between 2005 and 2011 (n = 6087) and developed AKI (RIFLE criteria, n = 570) were included. They were propensity-matched 1:1 to patients without renal impairment (control). Data were prospectively collected, and health-related QOL questionnaire was sent to patients who were alive at least 1-year postoperatively at the time of the study.Results:There was no significant difference in the preoperative characteristics between the two groups (age, gender, left ventricular ejection fraction, procedure, urgency, logistic Euroscore), respectively. Median follow-up was 52 months. Survival data were available in all patients. Questionnaires were returned in 64% of eligible patients. Long-term survival was significantly lower, and QOL, in particular the physical aspect, was significantly worse for the AKI group as compared to non-AKI group (38.8 vs. 44.2, P = 0.002), especially so in patients who required RRT. In alive respondents, despite an 18% (66/359) incidence of ongoing renal follow-up, the need for late RRT was only in 1.1% (4/359).Conclusion:AKI and especially the need for RRT following cardiac surgery are associated with increased long-term mortality as well as worse quality of life in a propensity-matched control group.

Timing of renal replacement therapy and long-term risk of chronic kidney disease and death in intensive care patients with acute kidney injury

BackgroundThe optimal time to initiate renal replacement therapy (RRT) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) is unclear. We examined the impact of early RRT on long-term mortality, risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and end-stage renal disease (ESRD).MethodsThis cohort study included all adult patients treated with continuous RRT in the ICU at Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Denmark (2005–2015). Data were obtained from a clinical information system and population-based registries. Early treatment was defined as RRT initiation at AKI stage 2 or below, and late treatment was defined as RRT initiation at AKI stage 3. Inverse probability of treatment (IPT) weights were computed from propensity scores. The IPT-weighted cumulative risk of CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/minute/1.73 m2), ESRD, and mortality was estimated and compared using IPT-weighted Cox regression.ResultsThe mortality, CKD, and ESRD analyses included 1213, 303, and 617 patients, respectively. The 90-day mortality in the early RRT group was 53.6% compared with 46.0% in the late RRT group (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.03–1.48). The 90-day to 5-year mortality was 37.7% and 41.5% in the early and late RRT groups, respectively (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.70–1.29). The 5-year risk of CKD was 35.9% in the early RRT group and 44.9% in the late RRT group (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.46–1.18). The 5-year risk of ESRD was 13.3% in the early RRT group and 16.7% in the late RRT group (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.47–1.32).ConclusionsEarly initiation was associated with increased 90-day mortality. In patients surviving to day 90, early initiation was not associated with a major impact on long-term mortality or risk of CKD and ESRD. Despite potential residual confounding due to the observational design, our findings do not support that early RRT initiation is superior to late initiation.

Early versus late initiation of renal replacement therapy in patients with acute kidney injury: a meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials.

The optimal timing of renal replacement therapy (RRT) initiation in acute kidney injury (AKI) remains a matter of debate. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to better estimate the effects of early initiation of RRT compared with late initiation of RRT among patients with AKI and in patients at risk for AKI. A Medline literature research was conducted in PubMed for RCTs in adult patients with AKI that compared different RRT initiation strategies (early vs late). The meta-analysis outcomes were in-hospital or ≤60 day mortality, and renal recovery. Nine trials meeting inclusion criteria and four trials investigating preventive dialysis in patients at risk for AKI were identified. Early initiation of RRT was not associated with reduced in-hospital or 60-day mortality: risk ratio (RR) 0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72-1.16, p = 0.46, I2 = 49%). When only the four trials that offered RRT within 6 to 12 hours of eligibility were included in the analysis, the results were similar (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.82-1.06) without significant heterogeneity. The percentage of patients among survivors who recovered enough kidney function to be off dialysis was similar with early compared with late RRT: RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.99-1.06, p = 0.16. Early initiation of RRT was associated with higher incidence of catheter-related infections: RR 1.82, 95% CI 1.03-3.21, p = 0.04. No survival benefit was identified in patients undergoing preventive dialysis: RR 0.85 (95% CI 0.52-1.41, p = 0.54). Early RRT in patients with AKI (or at risk for AKI) does not appear to provide a significant reduction in mortality rates compared with late RRT. The data did not suggest any apparent impact on renal recovery with early dialysis.

A comparison of early versus late initiation of renal replacement therapy for acute kidney injury in critically ill patients: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundTo investigate the impact of timing the initiation of renal replacement therapy (RRT) on clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI), focusing on the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in this field.MethodsThe PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched between January 1, 1985, and June 30, 2016, to identify randomized trials that assessed the timing of initiation of RRT in patients with AKI.ResultsNine RCTs, with a total of 1636 patients, were enrolled in this meta-analysis. A pooled analysis of the studies indicated no mortality benefit with “early” RRT, with an RR of 0.98 (95% CI 0.78 to 1.23, P = 0.84). There was no significant difference in intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS) or hospital LOS between the early and late RRT groups for survivors or nonsurvivors. Pooled analysis also demonstrated no significant change in renal function recovery (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.19, I2 = 59%), RRT dependence (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.42 to 1.37, I2 = 0%), duration of RRT (Mean difference 1.43, 95% CI -1.75 to 4.61, I2 = 78%), renal recovery time (Mean difference 0.73, 95% CI -2.09 to 3.56, I2 = 70%) or mechanical ventilation time (Mean difference − 0.95, 95% CI -3.54 to 1.64, I2 = 64%) between the early and late RRT groups. We found no significant differences in complications between the groups.ConclusionsOur meta-analysis revealed that the “early” initiation of RRT in critically ill patients did not result in reduced mortality. Pooled analysis of secondary outcomes also showed no significant difference between the early and late RRT groups. More well-designed and large-scale trials are expected to confirm the result of this meta-analysis.

The optimal time of initiation of renal replacement therapy in acute kidney injury: A meta-analysis.

BackgroundThe impact on the timing of renal replacement therapy (RRT) initiation on clinical outcomes for patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) remains controversial.Materials and methodsWe searched the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Global Health, MEDLINE, PubMed, the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and Web of Science.ResultsWe included 49 studies involving 9698 patients. Pooled analysis of 5408 critically ill patients with AKI showed that early RRT was significantly associated with reduced mortality compared to late RRT [odds ratio (OR), 0.40; 95% confidential intervals (CI), 0.32 - 0.48; I2, 50.2%]. For 4290 non-critically ill patients with AKI, there was no statistically significant difference in the risk of mortality between early and late RRT (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.79 - 1.45; I2, 73.0%). Early RRT was markedly associated with shortened intensive care units (ICU) length of stay (LOS) and hospital LOS compared to late RRT in both critically ill and non-critically ill patients with AKI.ConclusionsEarly RRT probably reduce the mortality, ICU and hospital LOS in critically ill patients with AKI. Inversely, early RRT in non-critically ill patients with AKI did not decrease the mortality, but shortened the ICU and hospital LOS.

Renal Support for Acute Kidney Injury in the Developing World

There is wide variation in the management of acute kidney injury (AKI) and the practice of renal replacement therapy (RRT) around the world. Clinicians in developing countries face additional challenges due to limited resources, reduced availability of trained staff and equipment, cultural and socioeconomic aspects, and administrative and governmental barriers. In this article, we report the consensus recommendations from the 18th Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative conference in Hyderabad, India. We provide the minimal requirements for provision of acute RRT in developing countries, including patient selection, choice of RRT modality and monitoring, transition, and termination of acute RRT. We also discuss areas of uncertainty and propose themes for future research. These recommendations can serve as a foundation for clinicians to implement renal support for AKI in low resource settings.

The effect of early versus late initiation of renal replacement therapy in patients with acute kidney injury: A meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundThe optimal timing for initiating renal replacement therapy (RRT) in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) remains controversial.MethodsWe conducted a meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis (TSA) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using PUBMED, Cochrane Library databases, and Web of Science (from January 1, 1985, to August 21, 2016). Adult patients with AKI who received RRT with different timing were included. The primary outcome was mortality. The secondary outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS) and hospital LOS.ResultsWe included 9 RCTs with a total of 1636 participants. No differences between the early RRT group and the late RRT group were found with respect to mortality (38% vs 41.4%; relative risk, 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74–1.18). However, TSA showed that the cumulative Z-curve did not cross either the conventional boundary for benefit or the trial sequential monitoring boundary, indicating insufficient evidence. Similarity, there were no findings of benefits in terms of reduction in the ICU LOS (standard difference in the means, −0.32 days; 95% CI, −0.71 to 0.07 days) and hospital LOS (standard difference in the means, −1.11 days; 95% CI, −2.28 to 0.06 days). Meanwhile, the results of TSA did not confirm this conclusion.ConclusionsAlthough conventional meta-analysis showed that early initiation of RRT in patients with AKI was not associated with decreased mortality, ICU LOS and hospital LOS, TSA indicated that the data were far too sparse to make any conclusions. Therefore, well-designed, large RCTs are needed.

Early Renal Replacement Therapy Versus Standard Care in the ICU: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Cost Analysis.

Renal replacement therapy (RRT) is the treatment of choice for severe acute kidney injury, but there are no firm guidelines as to the time of initiation of RRT in the critically ill. The primary objective of this study is to determine 1-month mortality rates of early versus late dialysis in critical care. As secondary end points, we provide a cost analysis of early versus late RRT initiation, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS, and number of patients on dialysis at day 60 postrandomization. We identified all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) through EMLINE and MEDBASE that examined adult patients admitted to critical care who were randomized to receiving early dialysis versus standard of care. Inclusion criteria: (1) RCTs conducted after the year 2000, (2) the population evaluated had to be adults admitted to ICU, (3) the intervention had to be early RRT versus standard care, and (4) outcomes had to measure patient mortality. Two independent investigators reviewed search results and identified appropriate studies. Information was extracted using standardized case report forms. Overall, 7 RCTs were included with a total of 1400 patients. Early RRT showed no survival benefit when compared to standard treatment (odds ratio [OR], 0.90 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.70-1.15, P = .39). There was no significant difference in length of hospital stay in patients with early RRT (-1.55 days [95% CI -4.75 to 1.65, P = .34]), in length of ICU stay (-0.79 days [95% CI -2.09 to 0.52], P = .24), or proportion of patients on dialysis at day 60 (OR 0.93 [95% CI 0.62 to 1.43], P = .79). Per patient, there is likely a small increase in costs (<US$1000) owing to increased total dialysis. Across all measured domains, there is no clear benefit to early RRT. Moreover, this intervention may result in increased costs and exposes patients to an invasive therapy with potential harm.

Early versus late initiation of renal replacement therapy in patients with acute kidney injury-a systematic review & meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication in the critically ill patients and associated with a substantial morbidity and mortality. Severe AKI may be associated with up to 60% hospital mortality. Over the years, renal replacement therapy (RRT) has emerged as the mainstay of the treatment for AKI. However, the exact timing of initiation of RRT for better patient outcome is still debatable with conflicting data from randomized controlled trials. Thus, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to assess the impact of “early” versus “late” initiation of RRT.MethodsAll the published literature through the major databases including Medline/Pubmed, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched from 1970 to October 2016. Reference lists from the articles were reviewed to identify additional pertinent articles. Retrieved papers concerning the effect of “early/prophylactic” RRT versus “late/as and when required” RRT were reviewed by the authors, and the data were extracted using a standardized data collection tool. Randomized trials (RCTs) comparing early initiation of RRT or prophylactic RRT with late or as and when required RRT were included. The primary outcome measures were all cause mortality and dialysis dependence on day 90. The secondary outcome measures were: length of ICU stay, length of hospital stay, recovery of renal function and adverse events.ResultsOf the 547 citation retrieved, full text of 44 articles was assessed for eligibility. Of these a total of 10 RCTs with 1,636 participants were included. All the trials were open label; six trials have unclear or high risk of bias for allocation concealment while four trials have low risk of bias for allocation concealment. There was a variable definition of early versus late in different studies. Thus, the definition of early or late was taken according to individual study definition. Compared to late RRT, there was no significant benefit of early RRT on day 30 mortality [6 studies; 1301 participants; RR, 0.92;95% CI: 0.76, 1.12); day 60 mortality [3 trials;1075 participants; RR, 0.94; 95% CI: 0.78, 1.14)]; day 90 mortality [3 trials; 555 participants; RR,0.94;95% CI: 0.67, 1.33)]; overall ICU or hospital mortality; dialysis dependence on day 90 [3 trials; (RR, 1.06; 95% CI:0.53, 2.12)]. There was no significant difference between length of ICU or hospital stay or recovery of renal functions. A subgroup analysis based on modality of RRT or mixed medical and surgical vs. surgical or based on severity of illness showed no difference in outcome measure. The trials with high or unclear risk of bias for allocation concealment showed benefit of early RRT (RR, 0.74; 95% CI: 0.59, 0.91) while the trials with low risk of bias for allocation concealment showed no difference in the mortality (RR, 1.02; 95% CI: 0.89, 1.17). Grade evidence generated for most of the outcomes was “low quality”.ConclusionThis updated meta-analysis showed no added benefit of early initiation of RRT for patients with AKI. The grade evidence generated was of “low quality” and there was a high heterogeneity in the included trials.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42016043092.