Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Also written as: CRRT — Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
A form of dialysis that runs continuously over 24 hours, used in critically ill pediatric patients with acute kidney injury.
Full Definition
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) is a form of extracorporeal blood purification that operates continuously, typically over 24 hours per day, used primarily in critically ill pediatric patients with acute kidney injury. CRRT provides gentle, continuous removal of fluid and toxins, making it ideal for hemodynamically unstable patients who cannot tolerate the rapid fluid shifts associated with conventional intermittent hemodialysis. Modalities include continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH), continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD), and continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF). The therapy requires specialized nursing care and careful monitoring of circuit function, fluid balance, and electrolyte management.
Usage
Usage note: Often simply called CRRT in clinical documentation; specify the exact modality (CVVH, CVVHD, CVVHDF) when precision is needed.
In Context
- "The patient's hemodynamic instability necessitated initiation of continuous renal replacement therapy." — Intensive care unit progress note
- "CRRT was discontinued after 72 hours when kidney function began to recover." — Nephrology consultation note