Continuous renal replacement therapy.

Abstract

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is a blood purification modality that uses a combination of convection and diffusion to eliminate uremic toxins and correct electrolyte imbalances. Although CRRT is usually associated with the treatment of acute renal failure, it can also be useful in treating many types of toxicoses and drug overdoses. Unlike intermittent hemodialysis, in which the patient is treated at set intervals for a specified number of hours, CRRT continues until kidney function is restored. CRRT's array of blood purification techniques and its slow, continuous nature more closely approximate normal kidney function than does intermittent dialysis. Although easier to maintain than traditional dialysis systems, CRRT requires specialized equipment, training, and nursing care.