Journal of hepatology
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Journal of hepatology · Sep 2009
Comparative StudyContinuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in patients with liver disease: is circuit life different?
Clotting of haemofiltration circuits is a major complication of continuous renal replacement therapies (CRRT), yet systemic anticoagulation risks haemorrhage. Traditionally, patients with liver failure are managed with no or minimal anticoagulation, because of abnormal clotting tests and the perceived, increased bleeding risk. ⋯ Despite abnormal laboratory coagulation tests and thrombocytopenia, CCRT circuits clot frequently in liver failure patients. Anticoagulation did improve CRRT circuit survival without an obvious increase in bleeding or blood transfusion requirement. Thus anticoagulation should be considered in these patients with repeated circuit clotting.