Acute renal replacement therapy in the intensive care unit: theoretical foundations and terms

*László Medve¹, Emil Préda¹, Tibor Gondos²

Summary
The incidence of acute renal failure (ARF) in intensive care units (ICUs) has been continuously on the rise over the years. In the current education system nurses do not receive adequate training to carry out RRT in the ICUs; therefore, in the following, we will provide an overview of the theoretical basics of ARF and will summarize the problems of current treatment modalities. The AKIN Working Group created the concept of acute kidney injury (AKI), replacing the nomenclature of ARF, and set the stages. Recent prospective studies have demonstrated that an early start of RRT is beneficial and increases the patient survival rate. Many factors can affect the completion of treatment and the modality of treatment. RRT needs a well equipped intensive care unit with a well trained staff. During the training process, it is worth for at least one or two specialists to spend a few weeks at a chronic dialysis station, and in an intensive care unit, where haemodialysis is routinely administered. After becoming familiar with the theoretical basis of RRT and after fulfilling the requirements for optimal treatment conditions, our department may begin the introduction and selection of optimal treatment modalities for renal replacement procedures. During the practical application of the chosen treatment method, we may still encounter problems.

To jest tylko fragment artykułu. Aby przeczytać całość, przejdź do Czytelni medycznej.