Contributions to nephrology
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Renal replacement therapy (RRT) is an important therapeutic and supportive measure for acute kidney injury (AKI) in the critical care setting. While RRT is extensively used in clinical practice, there remains uncertainty about the ideal circumstances of when to initiate RRT and for what indications. Many factors, including logistics, resource availability, physician experience and patient-related factors are involved in the decision of when to start and stop RRT for those with AKI. ⋯ This algorithm was developed using available clinical evidence, recognizing the inherent limitations of observational studies. It aims to provide a starting point for clinicians and future prospective studies. We also review the available literature on discontinuation of RRT and propose a few simple recommendations on how to 'wean' patients from RRT.
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Different definitions for acute kidney injury (AKI) once posed an important impediment to research. The RIFLE consensus classification was the first universally accepted definition for AKI, and has facilitated a much better understanding of the epidemiology of this condition. The RIFLE classification was adapted by a broad platform of world societies, the Acute Kidney Injury Network group, as the preferred AKI diagnostic and staging system. ⋯ Renal replacement therapy is necessary in approximately 2% of this cohort. AKI that occurs within a 7-day period after cardiac surgery is related to perioperative risk factors, such as preexisting chronic kidney disease, acute ischemia, aorta cross-clamping, or use of cardiopulmonary bypass. AKI that occurs after the first week is mostly a consequence of sepsis or heart failure.
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Intravenous fluids are commonly administered to patients with developing septic acute kidney injury (AKI). Conversely, fluids are just as commonly removed with diuretics or renal replacement therapy (RRT) techniques or ultrafiltration in patients with cardiorenal syndromes (CRS). In both groups, there is controversy regarding fluid management. ⋯ However, in patients with either septic AKI or CRS, hypovolemia and renal hypoperfusion can occur if excessive fluid removal is pursued with diuretics or extracorporeal therapy. Thus, accurate assessment of fluid status and careful definition of targets are needed to improve clinical outcomes. Controlled studies of conservative versus liberal fluid management in patients with AKI or CRS seem justified.
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Dysnatremias (hypo- and hypernatremia) are common in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with a prevalence approaching 20-30% in some studies. Recent data reveals that both hypo- and hypernatremia present on admission to or developing in the ICU are independent risk factors for poor prognosis. The origin of hypernatremia in the ICU is often iatrogenic and due to inadequate free water replacement of ongoing water losses. ⋯ The appropriate use of hypertonic (3%) saline in the treatment of hyponatremic encephalopathy has also shown to be very effective and the use of this therapy is reviewed here. Vasopressin receptor antagonists have also been shown to be effective at increasing serum sodium levels in patients with either euvolemic or hypervolemic hyponatremia and represent another therapeutic option. Recent data demonstrates that proper correction of hyponatremia is associated with improved short- and long-term outcomes.
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Comparative Study
Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and automated peritoneal dialysis: are there differences in outcome?
The proportion of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients on automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) has been steadily increasing over the past decade. In the US, the percentage of PD patients on APD has steadily risen from 9% in 1993 to 54% in 2000. In continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), PD exchanges are performed manually, while in APD a mechanical device to assist the delivery and drainage of dialysate is employed. ⋯ APD is also considered to be more suitable form of PD in patients who have a rapid rate of solute transfer across their peritoneal membrane (high transporters) because of the ability to perform rapid frequent exchanges with shorter dwell times. It is not still clear if, with APD when compared to CAPD, a more rapid decline in residual renal function is present. Since the direct costs of APD are over 20% greater than CAPD and given this increasing trend towards greater use of APD, the aim of this paper is to understand if there are really differences in terms of quality of life and outcomes in favor of APD when compared to CAPD.