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Comparative Study
. 2012 Sep;40(9):2694-9.
doi: 10.1097/CCM.0b013e318258ff01.

Fluid overload and fluid removal in pediatric patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation requiring continuous renal replacement therapy

Affiliations
Comparative Study

Fluid overload and fluid removal in pediatric patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation requiring continuous renal replacement therapy

David T Selewski et al. Crit Care Med. 2012 Sep.

Abstract

Objective: In pediatric patients, fluid overload at continuous renal replacement therapy initiation is associated with increased mortality. The aim of this study was to characterize the association between fluid overload at continuous renal replacement therapy initiation, fluid removal during continuous renal replacement therapy, the kinetics of fluid removal and mortality in a large pediatric population receiving continuous renal replacement therapy while on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Design: Retrospective chart review.

Setting: Tertiary children's hospital.

Patients: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients requiring continuous renal replacement therapy from July 2006 to September 2010.

Interventions: None.

Measurements and main results: Overall intensive care unit survival was 34% for 53 patients that were initiated on continuous renal replacement therapy while on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation during the study period. Median fluid overload at continuous renal replacement therapy initiation was significantly lower in survivors compared to nonsurvivors (24.5% vs. 38%, p = .006). Median fluid overload at continuous renal replacement therapy discontinuation was significantly lower in survivors compared to nonsurvivors (7.1% vs. 17.5%, p = .035). After adjusting for percent fluid overload at continuous renal replacement therapy initiation, age, and severity of illness, the change in fluid overload at continuous renal replacement therapy discontinuation was not significantly associated with mortality (p = .212). Models investigating the rates of fluid removal in different periods, age, severity of illness, and fluid overload at continuous renal replacement therapy initiation found that fluid overload at continuous renal replacement therapy initiation was the most consistent predictor of survival.

Conclusions: Our data demonstrate an association between fluid overload at continuous renal replacement therapy initiation and mortality in pediatric patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The degree of fluid overload at continuous renal replacement therapy discontinuation is also associated with mortality, but appears to reflect the effect of fluid overload at initiation. Furthermore, correction of fluid overload to ≤ 10% was not associated with improved survival. These results suggest that intervening prior to the development of significant fluid overload may be more clinically effective than attempting fluid removal after significant fluid overload has developed. Our findings suggest a role for earlier initiation of continuous renal replacement therapy in this population, and warrant further clinical studies.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have not disclosed any potential conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Mean Fluid Overload by Day Post-Initiation of CRRT
Figure 2
Figure 2
Change in the Degree of Fluid Overload from Initiation to Discontinuation

Comment in

References

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