Continuous renal replacement therapy: understanding the foundations applied to pediatric patients

Abstract

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is a well-established supportive treatment for acute kidney injury in pediatric intensive care units. Knowing its basic aspects allows a rational approach to therapy, making this therapeutic option a more adaptable treatment for individual patient. Different strategies may be used in the same child, depending on the clinical situation and the changes that may present throughout the clinical course. This article explains the physical principles, modalities of continuous renal replacement therapies, and membrane and filter characteristics in order to better understand the transmembrane transport of fluids and solutes in continuous renal replacement therapy.