Renal Replacement Therapy in Children

Renal Replacement Therapy in Children

Renal Replacement Therapy in Children

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Indications for RRT in Children - RRT SOS Signals

📌 AEIOU Mnemonic:

  • Acidosis: Severe metabolic (pH < 7.1-7.2), refractory to therapy.
  • Electrolytes (refractory):
    • Hyperkalemia (K⁺ > 6.5-7 mEq/L or ECG changes).
    • Symptomatic Na⁺ imbalance.
    • Severe hyperphosphatemia.
  • Intoxications: Dialyzable drugs/toxins (e.g., salicylates, methanol, lithium).
  • Overload: Fluid overload refractory to diuretics, causing respiratory compromise.
  • Uremia: Symptomatic (encephalopathy, pericarditis, uremic bleeding).

⭐ Early RRT is crucial in pediatric AKI with severe fluid overload (>15-20% body weight).

RRT Modalities Overview - The Pediatric Toolkit

ModalityAccessKey Features & Pediatric SuitabilityMain Drawbacks
PDPD CatheterPreferred neonates/infants; home-based; continuous (e.g., CAPD/APD)Peritonitis risk; protein loss; catheter issues
IHDCVC, AVF/GOlder children; efficient; intermittent (e.g., 3-5 hr sessions, 3x/wk)Hemodynamic instability; disequilibrium; access
CRRTCVCPICU unstable patients; continuous (24 hr); slow, precise controlRequires ICU; complex; anticoagulation; costly

Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) Deep Dive - Belly Bath Method

  • Mechanism: Peritoneal membrane as filter for solute & water exchange.
  • Catheter: Tenckhoff common; surgically placed.

  • Solutions: Dextrose (1.5%, 2.5%, 4.25%); Icodextrin for long dwells.
  • Cycles: Fill (infuse), Dwell (exchange), Drain (remove).
  • Types:
    • CAPD: Manual, 3-5 exchanges/day.
    • APD/CCPD: Automated cycler, overnight.
  • Parameters:
    • Fill volume: 800-1100 mL/m² or 30-40 mL/kg.
    • Dwell: CAPD 4-6 hrs; APD 1-2 hrs.
  • Complications: Peritonitis (cloudy fluid, pain), exit-site/tunnel infections, leaks, hernias.

⭐ Peritonitis is the most common serious PD complication; often S. epidermidis or S. aureus.

Hemodialysis (HD) & CRRT - Blood Purifying Power

  • Hemodialysis (HD): Efficiently clears toxins & excess fluid via diffusion/convection.
    • Access: AV fistula/graft, CVC.
    • Anticoagulation: Heparin. BFR: 5-7 ml/kg/min. DFR: ~2x BFR.
    • Adequacy: $Kt/V > extbf{1.2}$. $URR = ((Pre_{BUN} - Post_{BUN}) / Pre_{BUN}) \times 100%$.
    • Key risks: Hypotension, disequilibrium syndrome.
  • CRRT (Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy): For unstable AKI; maintains physiologic balance.
    • Modes: CVVH (convection), CVVHD (diffusion), CVVHDF.
    • Anticoagulation: Regional citrate preferred.
    • Effluent dose: 20-25 ml/kg/hr for optimal clearance.

⭐ CRRT is preferred in hemodynamically unstable children with AKI due to better fluid balance control and cardiovascular stability.

CRRT circuit diagram with oXiris filter

Complications & Special Issues - Navigating RRT Challenges

  • Infections: Peritonitis (PD), CRBSI (HD/CRRT).
  • Cardiovascular: Hypertension, LVH, arrhythmias.
  • Nutrition & Growth: Malnutrition, growth failure (critical).
  • Anemia: ↓EPO, blood loss; manage with ESA, iron.
  • Mineral Bone Disorder (MBD): Monitor Ca, P, PTH, Vit D.
  • Access Issues: Thrombosis, stenosis, infection.
  • Psychosocial: Schooling, adherence, family stress.
  • Fluid/Electrolyte Imbalance: HyperK, hypoCa, acidosis.

⭐ Growth failure is a major long-term complication in children on RRT, impacting final adult height and quality of life.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is preferred in neonates/infants; easier access.
  • Hemodialysis (HD) needs good vascular access; AV fistula ideal but challenging.
  • CRRT for hemodynamically unstable children, mainly in PICU.
  • Indications: AKI with fluid overload, severe electrolyte imbalance, uremia, intoxications.
  • Complications: Peritonitis (PD), hypotension (HD), access issues, electrolyte disturbances.
  • Dialysis dose calculation is critical, based on pediatric body size.
  • Growth failure is a major concern with chronic RRT.

Practice Questions: Renal Replacement Therapy in Children

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Flashcards: Renal Replacement Therapy in Children

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_____ is characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and acute renal failure

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_____ is characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and acute renal failure

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)

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