Overview
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) is a type of dialysis that is only used on critically ill patients with acute kidney injury, especially those in intensive care units (ICUs). CRRT runs continuously for 24 hours or more, while traditional hemodialysis runs for only a few hours. This slow and steady process gently cleans the blood by getting rid of toxins, extra fluids, and waste. CRRT is especially helpful for people who are unstable, have low blood pressure, or can't handle quick changes in fluid levels. A dialysis machine connected to a central venous catheter delivers the therapy. This allows for constant blood filtration and precise control of fluid balance.
Why It's Done
Patients with severe kidney failure who are very sick and can't handle regular intermittent dialysis get CRRT. People often use it when they have sepsis, major surgery, trauma, or failure of more than one organ. The goal is to carefully control fluid overload, fix electrolyte imbalances, and get rid of toxins while keeping blood pressure and organ function stable.
What to Expect?
A central venous catheter is put into a big vein, usually in the neck or groin, before CRRT starts. This lets blood flow. Blood tests are done to check how well the kidneys are working and how much of certain minerals are in the blood. During CRRT, blood flows constantly from the patient into a dialysis machine. There, a special membrane filters out waste and extra fluids. The body then gets the cleaned blood back. The process takes a long time and goes on for days, depending on how sick the patient is. During treatment, ICU staff closely monitor vital signs, fluid balance, and lab values. During therapy, medications and nutritional support may be changed. Once kidney function improves, CRRT may be discontinued or switched to regular dialysis.
Recovery & Outlook
The underlying illness that caused kidney failure will determine how well the person recovers. Some patients' kidneys work normally again, while others may need dialysis for the rest of their lives. CRRT saves lives in critical situations and keeps patients stable until they can get better or get more treatment.