Crit Care Resusc
-
To present an overview of the principles of renal replacement therapy, its application in the critically ill patient, and an update of recent research in this area. ⋯ Continuous renal replacement therapy has become commonplace in the management of critically ill patients with acute renal failure. It has the advantage of causing less hypotension and a more gradual return of the fluid and electrolyte status, when compared with intermittent haemodialysis. Recent evidence suggests that it may also be a useful immunomodulator and may be beneficial in the management of patients with multiple organ failure.
-
To review the pathophysiology of gastroparesis and present a practical approach to the management of this disorder in the critically ill patient. ⋯ Gastric dysmotility is common in the critically ill patient. However, treatment of the underlying conditions leading to gastroparesis and the introduction of prokinetic agents will allow the majority of patients to be successfully fed enterally.