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Renal replacement therapy in the intensive care unit

Authors Neesh Pannu, RT Noel Gibney

Published 15 July 2005 Volume 2005:1(2) Pages 141—150



Neesh Pannu1, RT Noel Gibney2

1Divisions of Nephrology and Critical Care Medicine, 2Division of Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada

Abstract: Acute renal failure is a common complication in the intensive care unit (ICU). Over the last 25 years, there have been significant technological advances in the delivery of renal replacement therapy, particularly as it pertains to the critically ill patient population. Despite these advances, acute renal failure in critically ill patients continues to carry a poor prognosis. In this article, we review the current literature about timing and initiation of renal replacement therapy in the ICU as well as practical considerations regarding the prescription and delivery of dialysis.

Keywords: acute renal failure, dialysis, continuous renal replacement therapies (CRRT)