Renal replacement therapy (RRT) is routinely utilized in the CICU. Series co-chairs Dr. Eunice Dugan and Dr Karan Desai along with CardioNerds Co-founder Dr. Daniel Ambinder were joined by FIT lead and CardioNerds Ambassador from University of Washington, Dr. Tomio Tran. Our episode expert is world-renowned nephrologist Dr. Joel Topf. Dr. Topf is Medical Director of Research at St. Clair Nephrology, and editor of the Handbook of Critical Care Nephrology. In this episode, we describe a case of cardiogenic shock due to acute myocardial infarction resulting in renal failure, ultimately requiring continuous RRT (CRRT). We discuss the most common causes of AKI within the cardiac ICU, indications for initiating RRT, evidence on the timing of RRT, different modes of RRT, basic management of the RRT circuit, and how to transition patients off of RRT during renal recovery. Episode notes were drafted by Dr. Tomio Tran. Audio editing by CardioNerds Academy Intern, Dr. Maryam Barkhordarian.
The CardioNerds Cardiac Critical Care Series is a multi-institutional collaboration made possible by contributions of stellar fellow leads and expert faculty from several programs, led by series co-chairs, Dr. Mark Belkin, Dr. Eunice Dugan, Dr. Karan Desai, and Dr. Yoav Karpenshif.
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Pearls and Quotes - Approach to Renal Replacement Therapy in the CICU
Do not commit “Renalism” - withholding lifesaving treatments from patients with renal impairment due to fear of causing renal injury. Shared decision making is key.
In the ICU, most of the time, AKI is caused by ATN due to adverse hemodynamics. Nephrologists can help determine the cause if the patient has an atypical presentation.
Late dialysis initiation is non-inferior to early dialysis initiation. Early initiation may lead to higher rates of prolonged time on dialysis.
Slow low efficiency daily diafiltration (SLEDD) vs CRRT are equivalent in terms of outcomes and are the preferred methods among patients with hypotension. Intermittent Hemodialysis (iHD) can be used once patients are hemodynamically stable.
A “Furosemide Stress Test” can be used to test intact renal function or renal recovery by challenging the nephron to make urine.
Show notes - Approach to Renal Replacement Therapy in the CICU
What are the risk factors and differential for AKI in the CICU?
Start by using the pre-renal vs intrinsic renal vs post-renal framework. Additional considerations in cardiac patients include contrast induced nephropathy, pigment nephropathy, cardiorenal syndrome. Enjoy Episode 262. Management of Cardiorenal Syndrome in the CICU.
In the ICU setting, intrinsic renal injury due to ATN is among the most common etiology of AKI.
Many risk factors for AKI are not modifiable in the ICU. Optimize renal function by avoiding nephrotoxins, minimizing contrast usage, and keeping the MAP >65-75 mmHg.
Contrast nephropathy as an etiology is questionable and may be a marker of a sicker patient population. Avoid “Renalism” - providing substandard care to patients with renal disease due to fear of worsening renal function.
Most etiologies are treated with supportive care.
What is the approach to timing of renal replacement therapy initiation?
Definitions for early vs late vs very late initiation of RRT:Early – Worsening AKI without indications for RRTLate – Worsening AKI with relative indications for RRT
Very late – Worsening AKI with strict indications for RRT
Late initiation is noninferior in terms of mortality; early initiation is associated with higher rates of prolonged/permanent RRT.1,2,3
Very late initiation associated with worse outcomes.4 In general,
