Advances in End-Stage Renal Diseases 2001
International Conference on Dialysis III, January 18–19, 2001, Miami Beach, Fla.
Editors: Nathan W. Levin, New York, N.Y.; Claudio Ronco, Vicenza

Paper

Indications for Dialysis in the ICU: Renal Replacement vs. Renal Support
Ravindra L. Mehta

Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of California, San Diego, Calif., USA

Address of Corresponding Author

Blood Purif 2001;19:227-232 (DOI: 10.1159/000046946)

  Abstract

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Whether or not to provide dialytic support, and if so, when, are two of the most fundamental questions facing nephrologists and intensivists in most cases of acute renal failure (ARF) in the ICU. Although these decisions are integral to the management of any critically ill patient with renal failure in the ICU, there is limited information on what should determine the decision to dialyze. Over the last decade significant advances have been made in the availability of different dialysis methods for replacement of renal function. The advances have ranged from modifications in intermittent dialysis, e.g. biocompatible membranes, bicarbonate dialysate and smarter dialysis machines with volumetric ultrafiltration controls, to the development of several modalities for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) [1–6]. Several of these techniques may be used to treat ARF in the ICU, but there is little information on when dialysis should be offered and which therapies are most appropriate in a given circumstance. This article outlines the current concepts in the use of dialysis techniques for ARF in the ICU and suggests an approach for providing dialysis support for the critically ill patient.

Copyright © 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Ravindra L. Mehta, MD, FACP
UCSD Medical Center, 8342
200 W Arbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92103 (USA)
Tel. +1 619 294 6083, Fax +1 619 291 3353, E-Mail rmehta@ucsd.edu

  Article Information

Number of Print Pages : 6
Number of Figures : 2, Number of Tables : 5, Number of References : 38