Fluid Overload and Precision Net Ultrafiltration in Critically Ill Patients

What is it about?

Most critically ill patients with acute kidney injury in the intensive care unit have fluid overload, which is associated with an increased risk of death. Although continuous dialysis is often used for fluid removal in these patients, the rate at which fluid is removed also influences patient outcomes. This review focuses on how faster and slower rates of fluid removal influence outcomes in these sick patients.

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Photo by Robert Anderson on Unsplash

Photo by Robert Anderson on Unsplash

Why is it important?

A precise rate of fluid removal during continuous kidney replacement therapy is important in critically ill patients. A slower rate of fluid removal results in rapid fluid accumulation leading to organ edema and increased risk of death. Whereas, a faster rate of fluid removal causes hemodynamic instability and cardiac arrhythmias resulting in ischemic injury to the organs, which also increases the risk of death. Moderate rate of fluid removal embracing a slow and steady approach to fluid removal is associated with improved outcomes.

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