Continuous renal replacement therapy for the critically ill patient

Since its introduction in 1977, continuous renal replacement therapy has advanced considerably and is now widely used in the management of renal insufficiency in critical illness. Acute kidney injury affects 3.2–18.3% of hospitalized patients, and 35% of critically ill patients (Palevsky et al, 2008; Selby et al, 2012). Whatever the underlying cause, acute kidney injury is associated with increased mortality and is a frequent reason for escalation to critical care for renal replacement therapy.