S Afr J Surg
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In critically ill patients continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration (CVVHD) is a method of renal replacement therapy gaining popularity. The advantage of CVVHD over intermittent haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis lies in the accurate control of ultrafiltration and of solute clearance. Two paediatric patients with acute renal failure treated successfully with CVVHD are described. The role of CVVHD in renal supportive therapy in South African paediatric intensive care units is discussed.
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The incidence and nature of and the outcome following adverse events were studied prospectively in a surgical intensive care unit over a period of 1 year. From a total of 657 patients, 229 (34.8%) suffered 369 adverse events. The number of adverse events per patient ranged from 1 (58.1%) to a maximum of 4 (6.1%). ⋯ There was no significant difference in mortality between patients with single or multiple events. Twenty-two patients died as a direct result of the event, the commonest reason being loss of airway control. Adverse events contribute significantly to mortality in critically ill patients.