The utilization of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) increases throughout the world. Technological improvements have made its administration easier and safer. However, CRRT remains associated with numerous pitfalls and issues. CRRT circuits’ maximum recommended lifespan (72 h) can often not be achieved. Such early artificial kidney failures are typically related to two processes: circuit clotting and membrane clogging. Although these processes are to some degree inevitable, they are facilitated by poor therapy management. Indeed, the majority of device-triggered alarms are associated with blood pump interruption, which through blood stasis, enhance clotting and clogging. This review describes CRRT circuits, measured and calculated pressures and the way their knowledge might improve therapy adequacy.

Read More