Current state of continuous renal replacement therapy for acute kidney injury in Japanese intensive care units in 2011: analysis of a national administrative database

Hepatic function markers as prognostic factors in patients with acute kidney injury undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy

Acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), secondary to cardiovascular disease and sepsis, is associated with high in-hospital mortality. Although studies have examined cardiovascular disease and sepsis in AKI, the association between AKI and hepatic functional impairment remains unclear. We hypothesized that hepatic function markers would predict mortality in patients undergoing CRRT. We included 1,899 CRRT patients from a multi-centre database. In Phase 1, participants were classified according to the total bilirubin (T-Bil) levels on the day of, and 3 days after, CRRT initiation: T-Bil < 1.2, 1.2 ≤ T-Bil < 2, and T-Bil ≥ 2 mg/dL. In Phase 2, propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to examine the effect of a T-Bil cutoff of 1.2 mg/dL (supported by the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score); creating two groups based on a T-Bil cutoff of 1.2 mg/dL 3 days after CRRT initiation. The primary endpoint was total mortality 90 days after CRRT initiation, which was 34.7% (n = 571). In Phase 1, the T-Bil, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and AST/ALT (De Ritis ratio) levels at CRRT initiation were not associated with the prognosis, while T-Bil, AST, and the De Ritis ratio 3 days after CRRT initiation were independent factors. In Phase 2, T-Bil ≥1.2 mg/dL on day 3 was a significant independent prognostic factor, even after PSM [hazard ratio: 2.41 (95% CI; 1.84-3.17), p < 0.001]. T-Bil ≥1.2 mg/dL 3 days after CRRT initiation predicted 90-day mortality. Changes in hepatic function markers in acute renal failure may enable stratification of high-risk patients.

Dose of nafamostat mesylate during continuous kidney replacement therapy in critically ill patients: a two-centre observational study

BACKGROUND

Nafamostat mesylate is an anticoagulant used for critically ill patients during continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT), characterised by its short half-life. However, its optimal dosage remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the optimal dosage of nafamostat mesylate during CKRT.

METHODS

We conducted a two-centre observational study. We screened all critically ill adult patients who required CKRT in the intensive care unit (ICU) from September 2013 to August 2021; we included patients aged ≥ 18 years who received nafamostat mesylate during CKRT. The primary outcome was filter life, defined as the time from CKRT initiation to the end of the first filter use due to filter clotting. The secondary outcomes included safety and other clinical outcomes. The survival analysis of filter patency by the nafamostat mesylate dosage adjusted for bleeding risk and haemofiltration was performed using a Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

We included 269 patients. The mean dose of nafamostat mesylate was 15.8 mg/hr (Standard deviation (SD), 8.8; range, 5.0 to 30.0), and the median filter life was 18.3 h (Interquartile range (IQR), 9.28 to 36.7). The filter survival analysis showed no significant association between the filter life and nafamostat mesylate dosage (hazard ratio 1.12; 95 CI 0.74-1.69, p = 0.60) after adjustment for bleeding risk and addition of haemofiltration to haemodialysis.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed no dose-response relationship between the dose of nafamostat mesylate (range: 5 to 30 mg/h) and the filter life during CKRT in critically ill patients. The optimal dose to prevent filter clotting safely needs further study in randomised controlled trials.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Not applicable.

Solute Clearance Evaluation and Filter Clotting Prediction in Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy

Unexpected filter clotting is a major problem in continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Reduced solute clearance is observed prior to filter clotting. This single-center, retrospective, observational study aimed to determine whether reduced solute clearance of low- and medium-molecular-weight molecules in CRRT can predict filter clotting. Solute clearances of urea and myoglobin (Mb) were measured at 24 h after initiation of continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF). Clearance per flow (CL/F) was calculated. The primary outcome was clotting of the filter in the subsequent 24 h, and 775 CHDF treatments conducted on 230 patients for at least 24 consecutive hours in our ICU were analyzed. Filter clotting was observed in 127 treatments involving 39 patients. Urea and Mb CL/F at 24 h were significantly lower in the patients who experienced clotting. Further analysis was limited to the first CHDF treatment of each patient to adjust for confounding factors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that both urea CL/F < 94% and Mb CL/F < 64% were significant predictors of clotting within the next 24 h. Lower urea and Mb CL/F measured at 24 h after CRRT initiation were associated with filter clotting in the next 24 h. Further study is necessary to ascertain whether measurement of urea and MB CL/F will help with avoiding unexpected filter clotting.

Prognosis of Patients with Acute Kidney Injury due to Type 1 Cardiorenal Syndrome Receiving Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy

INTRODUCTION

The prognosis of patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) caused by type 1 cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is unclear. We investigated the in-hospital mortality and prognostic factors in these patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified 154 consecutive adult patients who received CRRT for AKI caused by type 1 CRS between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2019. We excluded patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery and those with stage 5 chronic kidney disease. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to analyze independent predictors of in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

The median age of patients at admission was 74.0 years (interquartile range: 63.0-80.0); 70.8% were male. The in-hospital mortality rate was 68.2%. Age ≥80 years (hazard ratio [HR], 1.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-2.87; p = 0.004), previous hospitalization for acute heart failure (HR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.13-2.46; p = 0.01), vasopressor or inotrope use (HR, 5.88; 95% CI, 1.43-24.1; p = 0.014), and mechanical ventilation at CRRT initiation (HR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.46-3.45; p < 0.001) were associated with in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSION

In our single-center study, the use of CRRT for AKI due to type 1 CRS was associated with high in-hospital mortality.

Association of Hyperkalemia and Hypokalemia with Patient Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes in Japanese Hemodialysis (HD) Patients

This study aimed to examine the characteristics and clinical outcomes of Japanese hemodialysis patients with dyskalemia. A retrospective study was conducted using a large Japanese hospital group database. Outpatients undergoing thrice-a-week maintenance hemodialysis were stratified into hyperkalemia, hypokalemia, and normokalemia groups based on their pre-dialysis serum potassium (sK) levels during the three-month baseline period. Baseline characteristics of the three groups were described and compared for the following outcomes during follow-up: all-cause mortality, all-cause hospitalization, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), cardiac arrest, fatal arrythmia, and death related to arrhythmia. The study included 2846 eligible patients, of which 67% were men with a mean age of 65.65 (SD: 12.63) years. When compared with the normokalemia group (n = 1624, 57.06%), patients in the hypokalemia group (n = 313, 11.00%) were older and suffered from malnutrition, whereas patients in the hyperkalemia group (n = 909, 31.94%) had longer dialysis vintage. The hazard ratios for all-cause mortality and MACE in the hypokalemia group were 1.47 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–1.92) and 1.48 (95% CI, 1.17–1.86), respectively, whereas that of death related to arrhythmia in the hyperkalemia group was 3.11 (95% CI, 1.03–9.33). Thus, dyskalemia in maintenance hemodialysis patients was associated with adverse outcomes, suggesting the importance of optimized sK levels.

Hyperlactatemia is a predictor of mortality in patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy for acute kidney injury

BACKGROUND

Hyperlactatemia occurs frequently in critically ill patients, and this pathologic condition leads to worse outcomes in several disease subsets. Herein, we addressed whether hyperlactatemia is associated with the risk of mortality in patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) due to acute kidney injury.

METHODS

A total of 1,661 patients who underwent CRRT for severe acute kidney injury were retrospectively reviewed between 2010 and 2020. The patients were categorized according to their serum lactate levels, such as high (≥ 7.6 mmol/l), moderate (2.1-7.5 mmol/l) and low (≤ 2 mmol/l), at the time of CRRT initiation. The hazard ratios (HRs) for the risk of in-hospital mortality were calculated with adjustment of multiple variables. The increase in the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for the mortality risk was evaluated after adding serum lactate levels to the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score-based models.

RESULTS

A total of 802 (48.3%) and 542 (32.6%) patients had moderate and high lactate levels, respectively. The moderate and high lactate groups had a higher risk of mortality than the low lactate group, with HRs of 1.64 (1.22-2.20) and 4.18 (2.99-5.85), respectively. The lactate-enhanced models had higher AUROCs than the models without lactates (0.764 vs. 0.702 for SOFA score; 0.737 vs. 0.678 for APACHE II score).

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperlactatemia is associated with mortality outcomes in patients undergoing CRRT for acute kidney injury. Serum lactate levels may need to be monitored in this patient subset.

Overview of Renal Replacement Therapy Use in a General Intensive Care Unit

OBJECTIVES

Population-based studies regarding renal replacement therapy (RRT) used in critical care populations are useful to understand the trend and impact of medical care interventions. We describe the use of RRT and associated outcomes (mortality and length of intensive care stay) in a level 1 hospital.

DESIGN

A retrospective descriptive observational study.

PATIENTS

Critically ill patients admitted to the ICU from 1 January to 31 December 2018.

INTERVENTIONS

Age, gender, ward of admission, primary organ dysfunction at admission, length of hospital stay (LOS), mechanical ventilation, APACHE, SOFA and ISS scores, the use of vasopressors, transfusion, RRT and the number of RRT sessions were extracted.

RESULTS

1703 critically ill patients were divided into two groups: the RRT-group (238 patients) and the non-RRT group (1465 patients). The mean age was 63.58 ± 17.52 (SD) in the final ICU studied patients (64.72 ± 16.64 SD in the RRT-group), 60.5% being male. Patients admitted from general surgery ward needing RRT were 41.4%. The specific scores, the use of vasopressors, transfusions and mortality were higher in the RRT-group. The ICU LOS was superior in the RRT-group, regardless of the primary organ dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

RRT was practiced in 13.9% of patients (especially after age of 61), with mortality being the outcome for 66.8% of the RRT-group patients. All analyzed data were higher in the RRT group, especially for multiple trauma and surgical patients, or patients presenting cardiac or renal dysfunctions at admission. We found significant increased ISS scores in the RRT-group, a significant association between the need of vasopressors or transfusion requirement and RRT use, and an association in the number of RRT sessions and LOS (p < 0.001).

Surviving Sepsis Campaign: Research Opportunities for Infection and Blood Purification Therapies

Patients with infection can develop sepsis, and their mortality can be high. An important aspect in the treatment of sepsis is adequate management of the infection.

Target value of mean arterial pressure in patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy due to acute kidney injury

Background

Although patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) due to acute kidney injury (AKI) frequently have instability in mean arterial pressure (MAP), no consensus exists on the target value of MAP related to high mortality after CRRT.

Methods

A total of 2,292 patients who underwent CRRT due to AKI in three referral hospitals were retrospectively reviewed. The MAPs were divided into tertiles, and the 3^rd tertile group served as a reference in the analyses. The major outcome was all-cause mortality during the intensive care unit period. The odds ratio (OR) of mortality was calculated using logistic regression after adjustment for multiple covariates. The nonlinear relationship regression model was applied to determine the threshold value of MAP related to increasing mortality.

Results

The mean value of MAP was 80.7 ± 17.3 mmHg at the time of CRRT initiation. The median intensive care unit stay was 5 days (interquartile range, 2–12 days), and during this time, 1,227 (55.5%) patients died. The 1^st tertile group of MAP showed an elevated risk of mortality compared with the 3^rd tertile group (adjusted OR, 1.28 [1.03–1.60]; P = 0.029). In the nonlinear regression analysis, the threshold value of MAP was calculated as 82.7 mmHg. Patients with MAP < 82.7 mmHg had a higher mortality rate than those with ≥ 82.7 mmHg (adjusted OR, 1.21 [1.01–1.45]; P = 0.037).

Conclusions

Low MAP at CRRT initiation is associated with a high risk of mortality, particularly when it is < 82.7 mmHg. This value may be used for risk classification and as a potential therapeutic target.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12882-020-02227-4.

A Review on the Application and Limitations of Administrative Health Care Data for the Study of Acute Kidney Injury Epidemiology and Outcomes in Children

Administrative health care databases contain valuable patient information generated by health care encounters. These "big data" repositories have been increasingly used in epidemiological health research internationally in recent years as they are easily accessible and cost-efficient and cover large populations for long periods. Despite these beneficial characteristics, it is also important to consider the limitations that administrative health research presents, such as issues related to data incompleteness and the limited sensitivity of the variables. These barriers potentially lead to unwanted biases and pose threats to the validity of the research being conducted. In this review, we discuss the effectiveness of health administrative data in understanding the epidemiology of and outcomes after acute kidney injury (AKI) among adults and children. In addition, we describe various validation studies of AKI diagnostic or procedural codes among adults and children. These studies reveal challenges of AKI research using administrative data and the lack of this type of research in children and other subpopulations. Additional pediatric-specific validation studies of administrative health data are needed to promote higher volume and increased validity of this type of research in pediatric AKI, to elucidate the large-scale epidemiology and patient and health systems impacts of AKI in children, and to devise and monitor programs to improve clinical outcomes and process of care.

Acute Kidney Injury in Sepsis: Evidence From Asia

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most frequent complications of sepsis. Because sepsis and AKI synergistically worsen the outcomes of critically ill patients, better therapeutics against septic AKI urgently are required. In addition to the complexity of disease mechanisms of both sepsis and AKI, there is substantial regional variation in clinical practice, which further hampers the development of new treatments for septic AKI. To overcome this problem, evidence accumulation is necessary for building the foundation for developing novel septic AKI treatments. This review provides a summary of updated evidence regarding septic AKI from Asian regions.

Pharmacological interventions for preventing clotting of extracorporeal circuits during continuous renal replacement therapy

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major comorbidity in hospitalised patients. Patients with severe AKI require continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) when they are haemodynamically unstable. CRRT is prescribed assuming it is delivered over 24 hours. However, it is interrupted when the extracorporeal circuits clot and the replacement is required. The interruption may impair the solute clearance as it causes under dosing of CRRT. To prevent the circuit clotting, anticoagulation drugs are frequently used.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of pharmacological interventions for preventing clotting in the extracorporeal circuits during CRRT.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies up to 12 September 2019 through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register are identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We selected randomised controlled trials (RCTs or cluster RCTs) and quasi-RCTs of pharmacological interventions to prevent clotting of extracorporeal circuits during CRRT.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data were abstracted and assessed independently by two authors. Dichotomous outcomes were calculated as risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The primary review outcomes were major bleeding, successful prevention of clotting (no need of circuit change in the first 24 hours for any reason), and death. Evidence certainty was determined using the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

MAIN RESULTS

A total of 34 completed studies (1960 participants) were included in this review. We identified seven ongoing studies which we plan to assess in a future update of this review. No included studies were free from risk of bias. We rated 30 studies for performance bias and detection bias as high risk of bias. We rated 18 studies for random sequence generation,ààsix studies for the allocation concealment, three studies for performance bias, three studies for detection bias,à nine studies for attrition bias,à14 studies for selective reporting and nine studies for the other potential source of bias, as having low risk of bias. We identified eight studies (581 participants) that compared citrate with unfractionated heparin (UFH). Compared to UFH, citrate probably reduces major bleeding (RR 0.22, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.62; moderate certainty evidence) and probably increases successful prevention of clotting (RR 1.44, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.87; moderate certainty evidence). Citrate may have little or no effect on death at 28 days (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.30, moderate certainty evidence). Citrate versus UFH may reduce the number of participants who drop out of treatment due to adverse events (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.15 to 1.49; low certainty evidence). Compared to UFH, citrate may make little or no difference to the recovery of kidney function (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.21; low certainty evidence). Compared to UFH, citrate may reduceàthrombocytopenia (RR 0.39, 95% CI 0.14 to 1.03; low certainty evidence). It was uncertain whether citrate reduces a cost to health care services because of inadequate data. For low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) versus UFH, six studies (250 participants) were identified. Compared to LMWH, UFH may reduce major bleeding (0.58, 95% CI 0.13 to 2.58; low certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether UFH versus LMWH reduces death at 28 days or leads to successful prevention of clotting. Compared to LMWH, UFH may reduce the number of patient dropouts from adverse events (RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.02 to 3.53; low certainty evidence). It was uncertain whether UFH versus LMWH leads to the recovery of kidney function because no included studies reported this outcome. It was uncertain whether UFH versus LMWH leads to thrombocytopenia. It was uncertain whether UFH reduces a cost to health care services because of inadequate data. For the comparison of UFH to no anticoagulation, one study (10 participants) was identified. It is uncertain whether UFH compare to no anticoagulation leads to more major bleeding. It is uncertain whether UFH improves successful prevention of clotting in the first 24 hours, death at 28 days, the number of patient dropouts due to adverse events, recovery of kidney function, thrombocytopenia, or cost to health care services because no study reported these outcomes. For the comparison ofàcitrate to no anticoagulation,àno completed study was identified.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Currently,àavailable evidence does not support the overall superiority of any anticoagulant to another. Compared to UFH, citrate probably reduces major bleeding and prevents clotting and probably has little or no effect on death at 28 days. For other pharmacological anticoagulation methods, there is no available data showing overall superiority to citrate or no pharmacological anticoagulation. Further studies are needed to identify patient populations in which CRRT should commence with no pharmacological anticoagulation or with citrate.

Change in right ventricular systolic function after continuous renal replacement therapy initiation and renal recovery

OBJECTIVE

To describe the associations between right ventricular (RV) function and outcomes of patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT).

METHODS

This is a retrospective study, conducted 2006-2015 at an academic hospital in USA. We included patients with AKI requiring CRRT who had paired echocardiograms within 2 weeks before and after CRRT initiation. We defined improvement in RV systolic function as 2-point improvement on the semiquantitative scale.

RESULTS

The cohort included 201 patients. The mean(±SD) age was 59(±16) years with 83(41%) female. The median time of the pre and post echocardiograms relative to CRRT initiation were - 1 day (IQR-3;0) prior to and 3 days (IQR1;7) after CRRT initiation. Thirty-one (15%) patients showed an improvement in their RV function. Using a multivariable logistic regression model, improvement in RV systolic function was associated with lower odds of major adverse kidney events (composite of mortality, need for dialysis or persistently elevated serum creatinine) at 90 days with odds ratio (OR) of 0.37(95%CI:0.17-0.84, p.016). Positive cumulative fluid balance was associated with lower odds of improvement in RV function (OR 0.95 per 1-l increase, p 0.045).

CONCLUSION

Serial assessment of RV function among patients with AKI requiring CRRT could provide prognostic value.

RRT Selection for AKI Patients With Critical Illness

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a critical burden on intensive care units in Asia. Renal replacement therapy (RRT) acts as strong supportive care for severe AKI. However, various RRT modalities are used in Asia because of the diversity in ethics, climate, geographic features, and socioeconomic status. Extracorporeal blood purification is used commonly in Asian intensive care units; however, intermittent RRT is preferred in developing countries because of cost and infrastructure issues. Conversely, continuous RRT is preferred in developed countries, indicating the predominance of hospital-acquired AKI patients with complications of hemodynamic instability. Peritoneal dialysis is delivered less frequently, although several studies have suggested promising results for peritoneal dialysis in AKI treatment. Of note, not all RRT modalities are available as a standard procedure in some Asian regions, and it is absolutely necessary to develop a sustainable infrastructure that can deliver optimal care for all AKI patients.

A Simple Scoring Method for Predicting the Low Risk of Persistent Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Adult Patients

The renal angina index has been proposed to identify patients at high risk of persistent AKI, based on slight changes in serum creatinine and patient conditions. However, a concise scoring method has only been proposed for pediatric patients, and not for adult patients yet. Here, we developed and validated a concise scoring method using data on patients admitted to ICUs in 21 Japanese hospitals from 2012 to 2014. We randomly assigned to either discovery or validation cohorts, identified the factors significantly associated with persistent AKI using a multivariable logistic regression model in the discovery cohort to establish a scoring system, and assessed the validity of the scoring in the validation cohort using receiver operating characteristic analysis and the calibration slope. Among 8,320 patients admitted to the ICUs, persistent AKI was present in 1,064 (12.8%) patients. In the discovery cohort (n = 4,151), ‘hyperbilirubinemia’, ‘sepsis’ and ‘ventilator and/or vasoactive’ with small changes in serum creatinine were selected to establish the scoring. In the validation cohort (n = 4,169), the predicting model based on this scoring had a c-statistic of 0.79 (95%CI, 0.77–0.81) and was well calibrated. In conclusion, we established a concise scoring method to identify potential patients with persistent AKI, which performed well in the validation cohort.

Pharmacological interventions for preventing clotting of extracorporeal circuits during continuous renal replacement therapy

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major comorbidity in hospitalised patients. Patients with severe AKI require continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) when they are haemodynamically unstable. CRRT is prescribed assuming it is delivered over 24 hours. However, it is interrupted when the extracorporeal circuits clot and the replacement is required. The interruption may impair the solute clearance as it causes under dosing of CRRT. To prevent the circuit clotting, anticoagulation drugs are frequently used.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of pharmacological interventions for preventing clotting in the extracorporeal circuits during CRRT.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies up to 12 September 2019 through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register are identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We selected randomised controlled trials (RCTs or cluster RCTs) and quasi-RCTs of pharmacological interventions to prevent clotting of extracorporeal circuits during CRRT.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data were abstracted and assessed independently by two authors. Dichotomous outcomes were calculated as risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The primary review outcomes were major bleeding, successful prevention of clotting (no need of circuit change in the first 24 hours for any reason), and death. Evidence certainty was determined using the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

MAIN RESULTS

A total of 34 completed studies (1960 participants) were included in this review. We identified seven ongoing studies which we plan to assess in a future update of this review. No included studies were free from risk of bias. We rated 30 studies for performance bias and detection bias as high risk of bias. We rated 18 studies for random sequence generation,  six studies for the allocation concealment, three studies for performance bias, three studies for detection bias,  nine studies for attrition bias, 14 studies for selective reporting and nine studies for the other potential source of bias, as having low risk of bias. We identified eight studies (581 participants) that compared citrate with unfractionated heparin (UFH). Compared to UFH, citrate probably reduces major bleeding (RR 0.22, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.62; moderate certainty evidence). Citrate may have little or no effect on death at 28 days (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.30, moderate certainty evidence), while citrate versus UFH may have little or no effect on successful prevention of clotting (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.32; moderate certainty evidence). Citrate versus UFH may reduce the number of participants who drop out of treatment due to adverse events (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.15 to 1.49; low certainty evidence). Compared to UFH, citrate may make little or no difference to the recovery of kidney function (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.36; low certainty evidence). Compared to UFH, citrate may reduce thrombocytopenia (RR 0.39, 95% CI 0.14 to 1.03; low certainty evidence). It was uncertain whether citrate reduces a cost to health care services because of inadequate data. For low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) versus UFH, six studies (250 participants) were identified. Compared to LMWH, UFH may reduce major bleeding (0.58, 95% CI 0.13 to 2.58; low certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether UFH versus LMWH reduces death at 28 days or leads to successful prevention of clotting. Compared to LMWH, UFH may reduce the number of patient dropouts from adverse events (RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.02 to 3.53; low certainty evidence). It was uncertain whether UFH versus LMWH leads to the recovery of kidney function because no included studies reported this outcome. It was uncertain whether UFH versus LMWH leads to thrombocytopenia. It was uncertain whether UFH reduces a cost to health care services because of inadequate data. For the comparison of UFH to no anticoagulation, one study (10 participants) was identified. It is uncertain whether UFH compare to no anticoagulation leads to more major bleeding. It is uncertain whether UFH improves successful prevention of clotting in the first 24 hours, death at 28 days, the number of patient dropouts due to adverse events, recovery of kidney function, thrombocytopenia, or cost to health care services because no study reported these outcomes. For the comparison of citrate to no anticoagulation, no completed study was identified.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Currently, available evidence does not support the overall superiority of any anticoagulant to another. Compared to UFH, citrate probably reduces major bleeding and probably has little or no effect on preventing clotting or death at 28 days. For other pharmacological anticoagulation methods, there is no available data showing overall superiority to citrate or no pharmacological anticoagulation. Further studies are needed to identify patient populations in which CRRT should commence with no pharmacological anticoagulation or with citrate.

Continuous renal replacement therapy in elderly with acute kidney injury

The objective of this article is to raise awareness among physicians of the increasing incidence of acute kidney injury in the elderly population and the utility of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in its management. While CRRT is frequently applied in younger patients, its use in elderly patients is less frequent, for various reasons, including resistance to such an aggressive intervention from the family and the healthcare team. However, predictors of prognosis have been identified and some studies have concluded that advanced age is not associated with poor outcomes. Decisions regarding management are more complex when dealing with the elderly but like very other patient, the approach should be patient- centered.

Net ultrafiltration rate and its impact on mortality in patients with acute kidney injury receiving continuous renal replacement therapy

Background

Fluid overload, a critical consequence of acute kidney injury (AKI), is associated with worse outcomes. The optimal fluid removal rate per day during continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is unknown. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of the ultrafiltration rate on mortality in critically ill patients with AKI receiving CRRT.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study where we reviewed 1398 patients with AKI who received CRRT between December 2006 and November 2015 at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA. The net ultrafiltration rate (UF^NET) was categorized into low- and high-intensity groups (<35 and ≥35 mL/kg/day, respectively). The impact of different UF^NET intensities on 30-day mortality was assessed using logistic regression after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, fluid balance from intensive care unit (ICU) admission to CRRT initiation, Acute Physiologic Assessment and Chronic Health Evaluation III and sequential organ failure assessment scores, baseline serum creatinine, ICU day at CRRT initiation, Charlson comorbidity index, CRRT duration and need of mechanical ventilation.

Results

The mean ± SD age was 62 ± 15 years, and 827 (59%) were male. There were 696 patients (49.7%) in the low- and 702 (50.2%) in the high-intensity group. Thirty-day mortality was 755 (54%). There were 420 (60%) deaths in the low-, and 335 (48%) in the high-intensity group (P < 0.001). UF^NET ≥35 mL/kg/day remained independently associated with lower 30-day mortality (adjusted odds ratio = 0.47, 95% confidence interval 0.37–0.59; P < 0.001) compared with <35 mL/kg/day.

Conclusions

More intensive fluid removal, UF^NET ≥35 mL/kg/day, among AKI patients receiving CRRT is associated with lower mortality. Future prospective studies are required to confirm this finding.

Complete post-operative resolution of "temporary" end-stage kidney disease secondary to aortic dissection without static renal artery obstruction: a case study

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI), which may progress to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), is a potential complication of aortic dissection. Notably, in all reported ESKD cases secondary to aortic dissection, imaging evidence of static obstruction of the renal arteries always shows either renal artery stenosis or extension of the dissection into the renal arteries.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present the case of a 58-year-old man with hypertension who was diagnosed with a Stanford type B aortic dissection and treated with medications alone because there were no obvious findings indicative of dissection involving the renal arteries. He had AKI, which unexpectedly progressed to ESKD, without any radiological evidence of direct involvement of the renal arteries. Thus, we failed to attribute the ESKD to the dissection and hesitated to perform any surgical intervention. Nevertheless, the patient's hormonal levels, fractional excretion values, ankle brachial indices, and Doppler resistive indices seemed to indirectly suggest kidney malperfusion and implied renal artery hypo-perfusion. However, abdominal computed tomography imaging only revealed progressive thrombotic obstruction of the false lumen and compression of the true lumen in the descending thoracic aorta, despite the absence of anatomical blockage of renal artery perfusion. Later, signs of peripheral malperfusion, such as intermittent claudication, necessitated surgical intervention; a graft replacement of the aorta was performed. Post-operatively, the patient completely recovered after 3 months of haemodialysis, and the markers that had pre-operatively suggested decreased renal bloodstream normalised with recovery of kidney function.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of severe AKI, secondary to aortic dissection, without direct renal artery obstruction, which progressed to "temporary" ESKD and was resolved following surgery. This case suggests that only coarctation above the renal artery branches following an aortic dissection can progress AKI to ESKD, despite the absence of radiological evidence confirming an obvious anatomical blockage. Further, indirect markers suggestive of decreased renal blood flow, such as ankle brachial indices, renal artery resistive indices, urinary excretion fractions, and hormonal changes, are useful for evaluating concomitant AKI and may indicate the need for surgical intervention after a Stanford type B aortic dissection.

Seasonality of acute kidney injury incidence and mortality among hospitalized patients

Background

Understanding disease seasonality is important for improving clinical practice, hospital resource utilization and community-based preventive care. However, no studies have investigated the seasonality of acute kidney injury (AKI).

Methods

In the Tokushukai Medical Database, which includes 38 Japanese community hospitals, we identified hospitalized patients with AKI based on the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes serum creatinine criteria from January 2012 to December 2014. We plotted the number and proportion of patients with AKI among hospitalized patients by month of hospital admission. Subgroup analyses were conducted by the admission diagnosis category, timing of AKI diagnosis and age. We also examined the association between month of hospital admission and AKI, adjusting for patient characteristics and AKI risk factors. Finally, we assessed seasonal variations in disease severity and 30-day mortality of patients with AKI.

Results

We identified 81 279 (14.6%) patients with AKI among 555 940 hospitalized patients. The proportion of patients with AKI was highest in January (16.7%) and lowest in June (13.4%). Subgroup analyses suggested that the seasonality of AKI incidence was driven by community-acquired AKI associated with the admission diagnosis of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases among older patients. The adjusted odds ratio for AKI (January versus June) was 1.24 (95% confidence interval, 1.17-1.31). Patients with AKI showed a larger number of failing organs in winter, and their 30-day mortality was 16.4% in spring, 14.5% in summer, 15.6% in autumn and 18.4% in winter.

Conclusion

AKI is more common among hospitalized patients and patients with AKI are more severely ill in winter.

Association between intravenous contrast media exposure and non-recovery from dialysis-requiring septic acute kidney injury: a nationwide observational study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to examine the association between the use of intravenous contrast and non-recovery from dialysis-requiring acute kidney injury (AKI-D) and in-hospital mortality among patients with sepsis.

METHODS

This was a retrospective observational study using the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination inpatient database between January 2011 and December 2016. We identified patients with septic AKI who began continuous renal replacement therapy (RRT) within 2-days of admission and underwent computed tomography. We compared patients with AKI-D with and without the use of intravenous contrast for computed tomography and performed propensity score matching to adjust for confounders for the association between exposure to intravenous contrast and outcomes, including a composite outcome of in-hospital mortality and RRT dependence at discharge and RRT duration.

RESULTS

From 3782 and 6619 patients with septic AKI-D with and without intravenous contrast exposure, respectively, 3485 propensity score-matched pairs were generated. No significant differences were found in the outcomes between the propensity score-matched groups: a composite outcome of in-hospital mortality and RRT dependence, 49.6% vs. 50.2% (odds ratio (OR) 0.98; 95% CI (confidence interval) 0.88, 1.07); in-hospital mortality, 45.3% vs. 46.1% (OR 0.97; 95% CI 0.87, 1.06); RRT dependence, 4.4% vs 4.1% (OR 1.08; 95% CI 0.85, 1.31); and median (interquartile range) of RRT duration, 4 [2-11] days vs. 4 [2-11] days (P = 0.58).

CONCLUSIONS

This large observational study did not support an association between intravenous contrast media and adverse in-hospital outcomes in patients with septic AKI-D. Further studies are warranted to assess the generalizability.

Hypotension within one-hour from starting CRRT is associated with in-hospital mortality

PURPOSE

To investigate early hemodynamic instability and its implications on adverse outcomes in patients who require continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and underwent CRRT at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota between December 2006 through November 2015.

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of in-hospital mortality and major adverse kidney events (MAKE) at 90 days. Hypotension was defined as any of the following criteria occurring during the first hour of CRRT initiation: mean arterial pressure < 60 mmHg, systolic blood pressure (SBP) <90 mmHg or a decline in SBP >40 mmHg from baseline, a positive fluid balance >500 mL or increased vasopressor requirement. The analysis included 1743 patients, 1398 with acute kidney injury (AKI). In-hospital mortality occurred in 884 patients (51%). Early hypotension occurred in 1124 patients (64.6%) and remained independently associated with in-hospital mortality (OR 1.56, 95% CI: 1.25-1.9).

CONCLUSION

Hypotension occurs frequently in patients receiving CRRT despite having a reputation as the dialysis modality with better hemodynamic tolerance. It is an independent predictor for worse outcomes. Further studies are required to understand this phenomenon.

Temporal change in characteristics and outcomes of acute kidney injury on renal replacement therapy in intensive care units: analysis of a nationwide administrative database in Japan, 2007-2016

Background

We aimed to examine recent trends in patient characteristics and mortality in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) receiving renal replacement therapy (RRT), including continuous RRT (CRRT) and intermittent RRT (IRRT), in intensive care units (ICUs).

Methods

From the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database in Japan during 6 months (July–December) from 2007 to 2016, we identified patients with AKI who received RRT in ICUs. We restricted the study participants to those admitted to hospitals (in which both CRRT and IRRT were available) that participated in the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database for all 10 years. We examined the trends in patient characteristics and mortality overall, by RRT modality, and by main diagnosis category subgroup. Logistic regression was used to adjust for patient characteristics.

Results

We identified 51,758 patients starting RRT in 287 hospitals, including 39,471 (76.3%) and 12,287 (23.7%) patients starting CRRT and IRRT. The crude in-hospital mortality declined from 44.9 to 36.1% (P for trend < 0.001). Compared with 2007, the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for in-hospital mortality was 0.66 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60–0.72) in 2016, and the decreasing trend was observed in both patients starting CRRT (aOR 0.67, 95% CI 0.61–0.75) and IRRT (0.58, 0.45–0.74), and in all subgroups except for coronary artery disease: sepsis aOR 0.68 (95% CI 0.57–0.81); cardiovascular surgery 0.58 (0.45–0.76); coronary artery disease 0.84 (0.60–1.19); non-coronary heart disease 0.78 (0.64–0.94); central nervous system disorders 0.42 (0.28–0.62); trauma 0.39 (0.21–0.72); and other 0.64 (0.50–0.82).

Conclusions

This nationwide study confirmed a consistent decline in mortality among patients with AKI on RRT in ICUs. The adjusted mortality also declined during the study period; however, physiological variables were not measured in this study and it is possible that RRT may have been indicated for patients with less severe AKI in more recent years.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13054-019-2468-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Predictors of long-term prognosis in acute kidney injury survivors who require continuous renal replacement therapy after cardiovascular surgery

The long-term prognosis of patients with postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) after cardiovascular surgery is unclear. We aimed to investigate long-term renal outcomes and survival in these patients to determine the risk factors for negative outcomes. Long-term prognosis was examined in 144 hospital survivors. All patients were independent and on renal replacement therapy at hospital discharge. The median age at operation was 72.0 years, and the median pre-operative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 39.5 mL/min/1.73 m2. The median follow-up duration was 1075 days. The endpoints were death, chronic maintenance dialysis dependence, and a composite of death and chronic dialysis. Predictors for death and dialysis were evaluated using Fine and Gray's competing risk analysis. The cumulative incidence of death was 34.9%, and the chronic dialysis rate was 13.3% during the observation period. In the multivariate proportional hazards analysis, eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 at discharge was associated with the composite endpoint of death and dialysis [hazard ratio (HR), 2.1; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.1-3.8; P = 0.02]. Hypertension (HR 8.7, 95% CI, 2.2-35.4; P = 0.002) and eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 at discharge (HR 26.4, 95% CI, 2.6-267.1; P = 0.006) were associated with dialysis. Advanced age (≥75 years) was predictive of death. Patients with severe CRRT-requiring AKI after cardiovascular surgery have increased risks of chronic dialysis and death. Patients with eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 at discharge should be monitored especially carefully by nephrologists due to the risk of chronic dialysis and death.

Metabolic Support of the Patient on Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is the modality of choice in critically ill patients with hemodynamic instability requiring renal replacement therapy. The goal of this review is to discuss an overview of CRRT types, components, and important considerations for nutrition support provision. Evidence basis for guidelines and our recommendations are reviewed. Nutrition support-related implications include the possibility of calorie gain with citrate-based anticoagulation, calorie loss with glucose-free replacement fluids and dialysate, and significant amino acid losses in effluent. We challenge nutrition support clinicians to develop a keen understanding of the specific CRRT modalities that are employed in their intensive care units and to be able to determine how the CRRT prescription may impact a patient's nutrition support prescription.

The Japanese clinical practice guideline for acute kidney injury 2016

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a syndrome which has a broad range of etiologic factors depending on different clinical settings. Because AKI has significant impacts on prognosis in any clinical settings, early detection and intervention is necessary to improve the outcomes of AKI patients. This clinical guideline for AKI was developed by a multidisciplinary approach with nephrology, intensive care medicine, blood purification, and pediatrics. Of note, clinical practice for AKI management which was widely performed in Japan was also evaluated with comprehensive literature search.

The Japanese Clinical Practice Guideline for acute kidney injury 2016

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a syndrome which has a broad range of etiologic factors depending on different clinical settings. Because AKI has significant impacts on prognosis in any clinical settings, early detection and intervention are necessary to improve the outcomes of AKI patients. This clinical guideline for AKI was developed by a multidisciplinary approach with nephrology, intensive care medicine, blood purification, and pediatrics. Of note, clinical practice for AKI management which was widely performed in Japan was also evaluated with comprehensive literature search.

Impact of end-stage renal disease on hospital outcomes among patients admitted to intensive care units: A retrospective matched-pair cohort study

AIM

We aimed to estimate the burden of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) among patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs), by comparing hospital outcomes between patients with and without ESRD.

METHODS

Using the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database, we identified patients aged 20 years or older who were admitted to ICUs for ≥3 days (2 nights) in 2011. We created a matched cohort of patients with and without ESRD for hospital, age, sex, main diagnosis category, and ICU admission type (medical or surgical) at a maximum ratio of 1:3. For these matched patients, we compared patient characteristics, treatment regimens at ICU admission, and hospital outcomes. We also performed a multivariable logistic regression analysis for the associations between ESRD and 28-day (counting from ICU admission) and in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

Among the 164 423 eligible patients, 7998 (4.9%) had ESRD, from which 5228 ESRD and 12 274 non-ESRD patients were matched for the aforementioned factors. Compared to non-ESRD patients, ESRD patients were on more intensive treatment regimens, including mechanical ventilation, vasoactive drugs, and blood transfusion. Patients with ESRD showed significantly higher ICU, 28-day, and in-hospital mortality and longer lengths of stay in the ICU and hospital (28-day mortality: 11.7% vs. 8.3%; P < 0.001, in-hospital mortality: 21.1% vs. 12.0%; P < 0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors, ESRD was independently associated with 28-day mortality (adjusted odds ratio: 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22-1.52) and in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.69-2.02).

CONCLUSION

This study involving the Japanese national inpatient database, with a matched-pair cohort design, suggested that ESRD is an important burden in the critical care setting.

Response to different furosemide doses predicts AKI progression in ICU patients with elevated plasma NGAL levels

BACKGROUND

Furosemide responsiveness (FR) is determined by urine output after furosemide administration and has recently been evaluated as a furosemide stress test (FST) for predicting severe acute kidney injury (AKI) progression. Although a standardized furosemide dose is required for FST, variable dosing is typically employed based on illness severity, including renal dysfunction in the clinical setting. This study aimed to evaluate whether FR with different furosemide doses can predict AKI progression. We further evaluated the combination of an AKI biomarker, plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and FR for predicting AKI progression.

RESULTS

We retrospectively analyzed 95 patients who were treated with bolus furosemide in our medical-surgical intensive care unit. Patients who had already developed AKI stage 3 were excluded. A total of 18 patients developed AKI stage 3 within 1 week. Receiver operating curve analysis revealed that the area under the curve (AUC) values of FR and plasma NGAL were 0.87 (0.73-0.94) and 0.80 (0.67-0.88) for AKI progression, respectively. When plasma NGAL level was < 142 ng/mL, only one patient developed stage 3 AKI, indicating that plasma NGAL measurements were sufficient to predict AKI progression. We further evaluated the performance of FR in 51 patients with plasma NGAL levels > 142 ng/mL. FR was associated with AUC of 0.84 (0.67-0.94) for AKI progression in this population with high NGAL levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Although different variable doses of furosemide were administered, FR revealed favorable efficacy for predicting AKI progression even in patients with high plasma NGAL levels. This suggests that a combination of FR and biomarkers can stratify the risk of AKI progression in a clinical setting.

Prognostic Factors and Efficacy for Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in Critically Ill Patients: A Chinese Single-Center Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

There is controversy about the efficacy and prognostic factors for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in China due to practice variation. Our aim is to investigate these questions.

METHOD

A total of 613 adult patients receiving CRRT in last 3 years from one Chinese ICU were enrolled. The analysis of demographic data, vital signs, and laboratory tests prior to CRRT and outcomes were performed. The data between pre- and post-CRRT were compared for efficacy analysis.

RESULTS

Prior to CRRT, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2), systolic blood pressure (SBP), gender, age, bilirubin, cystatin C, and mechanical ventilation were correlated with in-hospital mortality. In a binary logistic regression, PCO2, SBP, age, and gender were significant in predicting mortality. Cox regression analysis demonstrated PCO2 independent association with mortality, and lower SBP worse mortality. CRRT could eliminate the fluid and metabolites.

CONCLUSION

CO2 retention and low SBP prior to CRRT were associated with increased mortality. CRRT significantly improved hemeostasis.

The role of the specialized team in the operation of continuous renal replacement therapy: a single-center experience

Background

The requirement of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is increasing with the growing incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI). The decision to initiate CRRT is not difficult if an adequate medical history is obtained. However, the handling and maintenance of CRRT constitute a labor-intensive intervention that requires specialized skills. For these reasons, our center organized a specialized CRRT team in March 2013. The aim of this study is to report on the role of a specialized CRRT team and to evaluate the team’s outcome.

Methods

This retrospective single-center study evaluated AKI patients who underwent CRRT in the intensive care unit (ICU) from March 2011 to February 2015. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether they received specialized CRRT team intervention. We collected information on demographic characteristics, laboratory parameters, SOFA score, CRRT initiation time, actual delivered dose and CRRT down-time. In-hospital mortality was defined by medical chart review. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to define factors associated with in-hospital mortality.

Results

A total of 1104 patients were included in this study. The mean patient age was 63.85 ± 14.39 years old, and 62.8% of the patients were male. After the specialized CRRT team intervention, there was a significant reduction in CRRT initiation time (5.30 ± 13.86 vs. 3.60 ± 11.59 days, p = 0.027) and CRRT down-time (1.78 ± 2.23 vs. 1.38 ± 2.08 h/day, p = 0.002). The rate of in-hospital mortality decreased after the specialized CRRT team intervention (57.5 vs. 49.2%, p = 0.007). When the multivariable analysis was adjusted, delayed CRRT initiation (HR 1.054(1.036–1.072), p < 0.001) was a significant factor in predicting in-hospital mortality, along with an increased SOFA score, lower serum albumin and prolonged prothrombin time.

Conclusions

Our study shows that specialized CRRT team intervention reduced CRRT initiation time, down-time and in-hospital mortality. This study could serve as a logical basis for implementing specialized CRRT teams hospital-wide.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12882-017-0746-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Associations of Polyethylenimine-Coated AN69ST Membrane in Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy with the Intensive Care Outcomes: Observations from a Claims Database from Japan

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Polyethylenimine-coated polyacrylonitrile (AN69ST) membrane is expected to improve the outcomes of critically ill patients treated by continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT).

METHODS

Using a Japanese health insurance claim database, we identified adult patients receiving CRRT in intensive care units (ICUs) from April 2014 to October 2015. We used a multivariable logistic regression model to assess in-hospital mortality and Fine and Gray's proportional subhazards model to assess the ICU length of stay (ICU-LOS) accounting for the competing risks.

RESULTS

Of 2,469 ICU patients, 156 were treated by AN69ST membrane. Crude in-hospital mortality was 50.0% in the AN69ST group and 54.0% in the non-AN69ST group. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) of AN69ST membrane use for in-hospital mortality was 0.65 (95% CI 0.45-0.93). The use of AN69ST membrane was also independently associated with shorter ICU-LOS.

CONCLUSION

This retrospective observational study suggested that CRRT with AN69ST membrane might be associated with better in-hospital outcomes.

Factors associated with poor outcomes of continuous renal replacement therapy

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is one of the dialysis modalities for critically ill patients. Despite intensive dialysis care, a high mortality rate is found in these patients. Our objective was to investigate the factors associated with poor outcomes in these patients. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the National Health Insurance Research Database. Records of critically ill patients who received CRRT between 2007 and 2011 were retrieved, and the patients were categorized into two groups: those with acute kidney injury (AKI) and those with history of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Our primary and secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and long-term survival and non-renal recovery (long-term dialysis dependence), respectively, in the AKI group. We enrolled 15,453 patients, with 13,204 and 2249 in the AKI and ESRD groups, respectively. Overall, 66.5% patients died during hospitalization. In-hospital mortality did not differ significantly between groups (adjusted odds ratio, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.84–1.02). Age, chronic liver disease, and cancer history were identified as independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality in both groups. Hypertension was associated with higher risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with AKI. Age, coronary artery disease, and admission to the medical intensive care unit (MICU) were risk factors for long-term dialysis dependence in patients with AKI. Patients with AKI and ESRD have similarly poor outcomes after CRRT. Older age and presence of chronic liver disease and cancer were associated with higher mortality. Older age, presence of coronary artery disease, and admission to MICU were associated with lower renal recovery rate in patients with AKI.

Short- and Long-Term Mortality Rates of Elderly Acute Kidney Injury Patients Who Underwent Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy

Background

The world’s population is aging faster and the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) needing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is increasing in elderly population. The outcome of AKI needing CRRT in elderly patients is known to be poor. However, the definitions of elderly used in the previous literatures were diverse and, there were few data that compared the long-term mortality rates of these patients with middle aged patients. This study was aimed to evaluate this issue.

Methods

This study was a single-center, retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent CRRT from January 2013 to December 2015. The patients were divided into the following four age cohorts: middle-aged (55–64), young-old (65–74), middle-old (75–84), and old-old (≥85). The short- and long-term mortality rates for each age cohort were compared.

Results

A total of 562 patients met the inclusion criteria. The short-term mortality rate was 57.3% in the entire cohort. Compared with the middle-aged cohort, the middle-old cohort (HR 1.48 (1.09–2.02), p = 0.012) and the old-old cohort (HR 2.33 (1.30–4.19), p = 0.005) showed an increased short-term mortality rate along with an increased SOFA score, acidemia and a prolonged prothrombin time. When we analyzed the long-term mortality rate of the 238 survived patients, the middle-old cohort (HR 3.76 (1.84–7.68), p<0.001), the old-old cohort (HR 4.40(1.20–16.10), p = 0.025), a lower BMI, the presence of liver cirrhosis, the presence of congestive heart failure and a history of sepsis were independent risk factors for the prediction of long-term mortality.

Conclusion

Compared with the middle-aged cohort, the middle-old and the old-old cohort showed an increased short-term and long-term mortality rate. However, in the young-old cohort, neither the short-term nor the long-term mortality rate was increased.

Outcomes of patients with acute kidney injury with regard to time of initiation and modality of renal replacement therapy - first data from the Silesian Registry of Intensive Care Units

Introduction

Acute kidney injury (AKI) remains a serious clinical problem in the intensive care unit (ICU). It constitutes an independent risk factor for mortality, especially when renal replacement therapy (RRT) is required.

Aim

Due to limited evidence pertaining to timing, choice of RRT modality and lack of studies investigating AKI in Polish ICUs, we sought to analyse outcomes of adult AKI-RRT ICU patients in the Silesian Voivodeship.

Material and methods

We analysed data regarding 1,380 patients with AKI who required RRT (AKI-RRT) (9.2% of all subjects in the registry) hospitalized between October 2011 and December 2014 in Silesian ICUs. The primary outcome was crude ICU mortality. Length of ICU stay (LOS) was considered the secondary outcome.

Results

Of 15,030 patients 1,380 (9.2%) individuals developed AKI requiring RRT. The overall mortality in the registry was 43.9%, but it was significantly higher (69.1%) in AKI-RRT patients (p < 0.01). Mortality with regard to timing of institution of RRT was 67.1% in the group with RRT instituted prior to ICU admission (RRT-prior-ICU) and 69.4% in patients with RRT instituted during ICU hospitalization (RRT-in-ICU) (p = 0.58).

Conclusions

Multiple patient- and hospitalization-related factors determine mortality in this specific cohort. There are no differences in mortality with regard to RRT being initiated before or during hospitalization in the ICU. Due to multiple confounders, differences in mortality in terms of modality of RRT should be interpreted with caution.