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Background The optimal dosing of antibiotics in critically ill patients receiving renal replacement therapy (RRT) remains unclear. In this study, we describe the variability in RRT techniques and antibiotic dosing in critically ill patients receiving RRT and relate observed trough antibiotic concentrations to optimal targets. Methods We performed a prospective, observational, multinational, pharmacokinetic study in 29 intensive care units from 14 countries. We collected demographic, clinical, and RRT data. We measured trough antibiotic concentrations of meropenem, piperacillin-tazobactam, and vancomycin and related them to high- and low-target trough concentrations. Results We studied 381 patients and obtained 508 trough antibiotic concentrations. There was wide variability (4–8-fold) in antibiotic dosing regimens, RRT prescription, and estimated endogenous renal function. The overall median estimated total renal clearance (eTRCL) was 50 mL/minute (interquartile range [IQR], 35–65) and higher eTRCL was associated with lower trough concentrations for all antibiotics (P <.05). The median (IQR) trough concentration for meropenem was 12.1 mg/L (7.9–18.8), piperacillin was 78.6 mg/L (49.5–127.3), tazobactam was 9.5 mg/L (6.3–14.2), and vancomycin was 14.3 mg/L (11.6–21.8). Trough concentrations failed to meet optimal higher limits in 26%, 36%, and 72% and optimal lower limits in 4%, 4%, and 55% of patients for meropenem, piperacillin, and vancomycin, respectively. Conclusions In critically ill patients treated with RRT, antibiotic dosing regimens, RRT prescription, and eTRCL varied markedly and resulted in highly variable antibiotic concentrations that failed to meet therapeutic targets in many patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: There is uncertainty about the optimal i.v. fluid volume and timing of vasopressor commencement in the resuscitation of patients with sepsis and hypotension. We aim to study current resuscitation practices in EDs in Australia and New Zealand (the Australasian Resuscitation In Sepsis Evaluation: FLUid or vasopressors In Emergency Department Sepsis [ARISE FLUIDS] observational study). Methods: ARISE FLUIDS is a prospective, multicentre observational study in 71 hospitals in Australia and New Zealand. It will include adult patients presenting to the ED during a 30 day period with suspected sepsis and hypotension (systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg) despite at least 1000 mL fluid resuscitation. We will obtain data on baseline demographics, clinical and laboratory variables, all i.v. fluid given in the first 24 h, vasopressor use, time to antimicrobial administration, admission to intensive care, organ failure and in‐hospital mortality. We will specifically describe (i) the volume of fluid administered at the following time points: when meeting eligibility criteria, in the first 6 h, at 24 h and prior to vasopressor commencement and (ii) the frequency and timing of vasopressor use in the first 6 h and at 24 h. Screening logs will provide reliable estimates of the proportion of ED patients meeting eligibility criteria for a subsequent randomised controlled trial. Discussion: This multicentre, observational study will provide insight into current haemodynamic resuscitation practices in patients with sepsis and hypotension as well as estimates of practice variation and patient outcomes. The results will inform the design and feasibility of a multicentre phase III trial of early haemodynamic resuscitation in patients presenting to ED with sepsis and hypotension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Catecholamines have been the mainstay of pharmacological treatment of cardiogenic shock (CS). Recently, use of epinephrine has been associated with detrimental outcomes. In the present study we aimed to evaluate the association between epinephrine use and short-term mortality in all-cause CS patients.Design: We performed a meta-analysis of individual data with prespecified inclusion criteria: (1) patients in non-surgical CS treated with inotropes and/or vasopressors and (2) at least 15% of patients treated with epinephrine administrated alone or in association with other inotropes/vasopressors. The primary outcome was short-term mortality.Measurements and Results: Fourteen published cohorts and two unpublished data sets were included. We studied 2583 patients. Across all cohorts of patients, the incidence of epinephrine use was 37% (17-76%) and short-term mortality rate was 49% (21-69%). A positive correlation was found between percentages of epinephrine use and short-term mortality in the CS cohort. The risk of death was higher in epinephrine-treated CS patients (OR [CI] = 3.3 [2.8-3.9]) compared to patients treated with other drug regimens. Adjusted mortality risk remained striking in epinephrine-treated patients (n = 1227) (adjusted OR = 4.7 [3.4-6.4]). After propensity score matching, two sets of 338 matched patients were identified and epinephrine use remained associated with a strong detrimental impact on short-term mortality (OR = 4.2 [3.0-6.0]).Conclusions: In this very large cohort, epinephrine use for hemodynamic management of CS patients is associated with a threefold increase of risk of death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of the present paper is to study the indications for fluid bolus therapy (FBT) and its associated physiological changes in ED patients. Methods Prospective observational study of FBT in a tertiary ED, we recorded indications, number, types and volumes, resuscitation goals and perceived success rates of FBT. Moreover, we studied key physiological variables before, 10 min, 1 h and 2 h after FBT. Results We studied 500 FBT episodes (750 [500-1250] mL). Median age was 59 (36-76) years and 57% were male. Shock was deemed present in 135 (27%) patients, septic shock in 80 (16%), and cardiogenic shock in 30 (6%). Overall, 0.9% saline (84%) was the most common fluid and hypotension the most common indication (70%). 'Avoidance of hospital/ICU admission' was the goal perceived to have the greatest success rate (85%). However, although mean arterial pressure (MAP) increased ( P < 0.01) and heart rate (HR) decreased ( P = 0.04) at 10 min ( P = 0.01), both returned to baseline at 1 and 2 h. In contrast, respiratory rate (RR) increased at 1 ( P < 0.01) and 2 h ( P = 0.03) and temperature decreased at 1 and 2 h (both P < 0.001). In patients with shock, 1 h after FBT, there was a median 3 mmHg increase in MAP ( P = 0.01) but no change in HR ( P = 0.44), while RR increased ( P < 0.01) and temperature decreased ( P = 0.01). Conclusions In ED, FBT is used mostly in patients without shock. However, after an immediate haemodynamic effect, FBT is associated with absent or limited physiological changes at 1 or 2 h. Even in shocked patients, the changes in MAP at 1 or 2 h after FBT are small. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors highlight the side effects of hydroxyethyl starch (HES), an artificial colloid solution used in treating hypovolemia. Topics covered include link of HES in the increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI), trials showing increased risk of bleeding with the use of HES as compared with crystalloid solutions in patients with sepsis, and increased mortality with HES in critically ill patients.

Purpose: To evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of critically ill patients with severe acute kidney injury (AKI) treated and not treated with renal replacement therapy (RRT). Methods: Secondary analysis of a multi-centre cohort study. Primary exposure was RRT. Primary outcome was propensity and multi-variable adjusted-hospital mortality. Results: We studied 1250 patients (71.3%) who received and 502 (28.7%) who did not receive RRT. Reasons for not starting RRT (not mutually exclusive) were limitations of support (33.6%, n=169), adequate urine output (46.2%; n=232), plan to observe (56.4%; n=283), and advanced age (12.6%; n=63). Mortality was higher in those not receiving RRT due to limitations and advanced age but lower for adequate urine output and plan to observe. Propensity and multi-variable adjusted analysis showed no statistical difference in hospital mortality (adj-OR 1.47; 95% CI, 0.93-2.24) in patients receiving RRT. Results were similar in a sensitivity analysis restricted to patients fulfilling risk, injury, failure, loss, end-stage kidney disease-FAILURE criteria (37.0%; n= 446) (adj-OR 1.36; 95% CI, 0.70-2.66). Conclusion: In this cohort, reasons for not starting RRT included limitations of support and perception of impending renal recovery. Despite similar risk of mortality after adjusting for selection bias and confounders, RRT-treated patients were fundamentally different from non-treated patients across a spectrum of variables that precludes valid comparison in observational data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: It is unclear if blood pressure targets for patients with shock should be adjusted to pre-morbid levels. We aimed to investigate mean deficit between the achieved mean perfusion pressure (MPP) in vasopressor-treated patients and their estimated basal (resting) MPP, and assess whether MPP deficit has any association with subsequent acute kidney injury (AKI). Materials and Methods: Fifty-one consecutive, non-trauma patients, aged ⩾40 years, with ⩾2 organ dysfunction and requiring vasopressor ⩾4 hours were observed at an academic intensive care unit. Mean MPP deficit [=%(basal MPP - achieved MPP)/basal MPP] and % time spent with >20% MPP deficit were assessed during initial 72 vasopressor hours (T0-T72) for each patient. Results: Achieved MPP was unrelated to basal MPP (P = .99). Mean MPP deficit was 18%(95%CI 15-21). Patients spent 48% (95% CI 39-57) time with >20% MPP deficit. Despite similar risk scores at T0, subsequent AKI (⩾2 RIFLE class increase from T0) occurred more frequently in patients with higher (Nmedian) MPP deficit compared to patients with lower MPP deficit (56% vs 28%; P = .045). Incidence of subsequent AKI was also higher among patients who spent greater % time with >20% MPP deficit (P = .04). Conclusions: Achieved blood pressure during vasopressor therapy had no relationship to the pre-morbid basal level. This resulted in significant and varying degree of relative hypotension (MPP deficit), which could be a modifiable risk factor for AKI in patients with shock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the biochemical effects of Phoxilium (containing phosphate at 1.2 mmol/L; Gambro Lundia AB, Lund, Sweden) and Hemosol-B0 (Gambro Lundia AB) as dialysate and/or replacement fluid during continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Methods: We examined serum biochemistry in critically ill patients for 42 hours of Phoxilium administration for the prevention of hypophosphatemia during CRRT and compared them with corresponding results in random historical controls who received Hemosol-B0. Results: We studied 15 patients in each arm (Phoxilium vs Hemosol-B0). Respective median ages were 57 (49-68) and 64 (57-67) years. Baseline patient illness severity scores, prescribed CRRT effluent rates, and cumulative phosphate intakes were comparable. After 36 to 42 hours of Phoxilium administration, serum phosphate levels increased from 0.95 (0.81-1.13) to 1.44 (1.23-1.78) mmol/L, in contrast to the decline from 1.71 (1.09-2.00) to 0.83 (0.55-1.59) mmol/L with Hemosol-B0 (P = .0001). Serum ionized calcium levels decreased from 1.27 (1.22-1.37) to 1.12 (1.06-1.21) mmol/L with Phoxilium, compared with an increase from 1.09 (0.90-1.19) to 1.20 (1.16-1.25) mmol/L with Hemosol-B0 (P b .0001). Serum bicarbonate, base excess levels, and effective strong ion difference decreased with Phoxilium and were lower than those with Hemosol-B0 at 36 to 42 hours (P b .05). Conclusion: Phoxilium effectively prevented hypophosphatemia during CRRT but was associated with relative metabolic acidosis and hypocalcemia compared with Hemosol-B0 use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: It is controversial whether all critically ill patients with risk, injury, failure, loss, and end-stage renal failure (RIFLE) F class acute kidney injury (AKI) should receive renal replacement therapy (RRT). We reviewed the outcome of open heart surgery patients with severe RIFLE-F AKI who did not receive RRT. Materials and Methods: We identified all patients with AKI after cardiac surgery over 4 years and obtained baseline characteristics, intraoperative details, and in-hospital outcomes. We analyzed physiologic and biochemical features at RRT initiation or at peak creatinine if no RRT was provided. Results: We reviewed 1504 patients. Of these, 137 (9.1%) developed postoperative AKI with 71 meeting RIFLE-F criteria and 23 (32.4% of RIFLE-F cases) not receiving RRT. Compared with RRT-treated RIFLE-F patients, “no-RRT” patients had lower Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III scores, less intra-aortic balloon pump requirements, shorter intensive care stay, and a trend toward lower mortality. At peak RIFLE score, their urinary output, arterial pH, and Pao 2/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio were all significantly higher. Their serum creatinine was also higher (304 vs 262 μmol/L; P = .02). Only 3 RIFLE-F no-RRT patients died in-hospital. Detailed review of cause and mode of death was consistent with non–RRT-preventable deaths. In contrast, 27 patients with RIFLE-R or RIFLE-I class received RRT. Compared with RRT-treated RIFLE-F patients, such RIFLE-R or RIFLE-I treated patients had a more severe presentation and higher mortality (51.8% vs 29.2%; P = .02). Conclusions: After cardiac surgery, RRT was typically applied to patients with the most severe clinical presentation irrespective of creatinine levels. A RIFLE score–based trigger for RRT is unlikely to improve patient survival. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of Plasma-Lyte 148 (PL) vs 0.9% saline (NS) fluid resuscitation in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Methods: A multicenter retrospective analysis of adults admitted for DKA to the intensive care unit, who received almost exclusively PL or NS infusion up until 12 hours, was performed. Results: Nine patients with PL and 14 patients with NS were studied. Median serum bicarbonate correction was higher in the PL vs NS groups at 4 to 6 hours (8.4 vs 1.7 mEq/L) and 6 to 12 hours (12.8 vs 6.2 mEq/L) from baseline (P < .05). Median standard base excess improved by 10.5 vs 4.2 mEq/L at 4 to 6 hours and by 16.0 vs 9.1 mEq/L at 6 to 12 hours in the PL and NS groups, respectively (P < .05). Chloride levels increased significantly in the NS vs PL groups over 24 hours. Potassium levels were lower at 6 to 12 hours in the PL group. Mean arterial blood pressure was higher at 2 to 4 hours in the PL group, whereas cumulative urine output was lower at 4 to 6 hours in the NS group. There were no differences in glycemic control or duration of intensive care unit stay. Conclusion: Patients with DKA resuscitated with PL instead of NS had faster initial resolution of metabolic acidosis and less hyperchloremia, with a transiently improved blood pressure profile and urine output. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article reports the treatment of patients with severe H1N1 pneumonitis and immunoglobulin G2 subclass (IgG2) failing antiviral therapy with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). It mentions the report to be the first of its kind in the treatment with IVIG. It informs about the unawareness of the therapeutic benefit of IVIG owing to the heterogeneity of illness duration and severity depending on a patient. It suggests IVIG therapy to be beneficial to patients and proposes further evaluation.

The article offers information on extracorporeal therapy. It states that this kind of therapy has expanded over the past years from solely artificial renal replacement therapy. It also forwards that it is crucial to provide multiple organ support therapy to patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Nanotechnology has also changed the way therapy is delivered to patients with kidney ailments.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of early short-term, isovolaemic haemofiltration at 45 ml/kg/h on physiological and clinical outcomes in patients with septic shock.Design: Retrospective study before and after a change of unit protocol (study period 8 years).Setting: Intensive care unit of metropolitan hospital.Patients: Eighty patients with septic shock.Interventions: Introduction of a new septic shock protocol based on early isovolaemic haemofiltration (EIHF). In the pre-EIHF period (before), 40 patients received conventional supportive therapy. In the post-EIHF period (after), 40 patients received EIHF at 45 ml/kg/h of plasma-water exchange over 6 h followed by conventional continuous venovenous haemofiltration (CVVH). Anticoagulation policy remained unchanged.Measurements and Main Results: The two groups were comparable for age, gender and baseline APACHE II score. Delivered haemofiltration dose was above 85% of prescription in all patients. PaO2/FiO2 ratio increased from 117+/-59 to 240+/-50 in EIHF, while it changed from 125+/-55 to 160+/-50 in the control group (p<0.05). In EIHF patients, mean arterial pressure increased (95+/-10 vs 60+/-12 mmHg; p<0.05), and norepinephrine dose decreased (0.20+/-2 vs 0.02+/-0.2 microg/kg/min; p<0.05). Among EIHF patients, 28 (70%) were successfully weaned from the ventilator compared with 15 (37%) in the control group (p<0.01). Similarly, 28-day survival was 55% compared with 27.5% (p<0.05). Length of stay in the ICU was 9+/-5 days compared with 16+/-4 days (p<0.002).Conclusions: In patients with septic shock, EIHF was associated with improved gas exchange, haemodynamics, greater likelihood of successful weaning and greater 28-day survival compared with conventional therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Optimal cerebral oxygenation is considered fundamental to cerebral protection in cardiac arrest (CA) patients. Hypercapnia increases cerebral blood flow and may also improve cerebral oxygenation. It is uncertain, however, whether this effect occurs in mechanically ventilated early survivors of CA.Methods: We enrolled mechanically ventilated resuscitated patients within 36h of their cardiac arrest. We performed a prospective double cross-over physiological study comparing the impact of normocapnia (PaCO2 35-45mmHg) vs. mild hypercapnia (PaCO2 45-55mmHg) on regional cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (SctO2) assessed by near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).Results: We studied seven adult CA patients with a median time to return of spontaneous circulation of 28min at a median of 26h and 30min after CA. During normocapnia (median EtCO2 of 32mmHg [30-41mmHg] and PaCO2 of 37mmHg [32-45mmHg]) the median NIRS-derived left frontal SctO2 was 61% [52-65%] and the right frontal SctO2 was 61% [54-68%]. However, during mild hypercapnia (median EtCO2 of 49mmHg [40-57mmHg] and PaCO2 of 52mmHg [43-55mmHg) the median left frontal SctO2 increased to 69% [59-78%] and the right frontal SctO2 increased to 73% [61-76%])(p=0.001, for all comparisons).Conclusion: During the early post-resuscitation period, in mechanically ventilated CA patients, mild hypercapnia increases cerebral oxygenation as assessed by NIRS. Further investigations of the effect of prolonged mild hypercapnia on cerebral oxygenation and patient outcomes appear justified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The optimal time to initiate renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury is controversial. We investigated the effect of such earlier versus later initiation of renal replacement therapy on the primary outcome of 28-day mortality and other patient-centered secondary outcomes.Design: We searched MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, and Cochrane databases to July 17, 2020, and included randomized controlled trials comparing earlier versus later renal replacement therapy.Setting: Multiple centers involved in eight trials.Patients: Total of 4,588 trial participants.Intervention: Two independents investigators screened and extracted data using a predefined form. We selected randomized controlled trials in critically ill adult patients with acute kidney injury and compared of earlier versus later initiation of renal replacement therapy regardless of modality.Measurements and Main Results: Overall, 28-day mortality was similar between earlier and later renal replacement therapy initiation (38.43% vs 38.06%, respectively; risk ratio, 1.01; [95% CI, 0.94-1.09]; I2 = 0%). Earlier renal replacement therapy, however, shortened hospital length of stay (mean difference, -2.14 d; [95% CI, -4.13 to -0.14]) and ICU length of stay (mean difference, -1.18 d; [95% CI, -1.95 to -0.42]). In contrast, later renal replacement therapy decreased the use of renal replacement therapy (relative risk, 0.69; [95% CI, 0.58-0.82]) and lowered the risk of catheter-related blood stream infection (risk ratio, 0.50, [95% CI, 0.29-0.86). Among survivors, renal replacement therapy dependence at day 28 was similar between earlier and later renal replacement therapy initiation (risk ratio, 0.98; [95% CI, 0.66-1.40]).Conclusions: Earlier or later initiation of renal replacement therapy did not affect mortality. However, earlier renal replacement therapy was associated with significantly shorter ICU and hospital length of stay, whereas later renal replacement therapy was associated with decreased use of renal replacement therapy and decreased risk of catheter-related blood stream infection. These findings can be used to guide the management of critically ill patients with acute kidney injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: A new definition of sepsis released by an international task-force has introduced the concept of quick Sequential (Sepsis-Related) Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA). This study aimed to measure the proportion of patients who fulfilled qSOFA criteria during a Rapid Response Team (RRT) review and to assess their associated outcomes.Methods: We conducted a prospective study of adult RRT reviews over a one month period between 6th June and 10th July 2016 in a large tertiary hospital in Melbourne Australia RESULTS: Over a one-month period, there were 282 RRT reviews, 258 of which were included. One hundred out of 258 (38.8%) RRT review patients fulfilled qSOFA criteria. qSOFA positive patients were more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit (29% vs 18%, P=0.04), to have repeat RRT reviews (27% vs 13%; p=0.007) and die in hospital (31% vs 10%, P<0.001). qSOFA positive patients with suspected infection were more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit compared to patients with infection alone (37% vs 15%, P=0.002). Eleven of 42 patients (26%) who had infection and qSOFA died whilst in hospital, compared to 8/55 (15%) of patients with infection alone (P=0.2).Conclusion: Adult patients who are qSOFA positive at the time of their RRT review are at increased risk of in-hospital mortality. The assessment of qSOFA may be a useful triage tool during a RRT review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Angiotensin II is an emerging therapy for septic acute kidney injury, but it is unknown if its vasoconstrictor action induces renal hypoxia. We therefore examined the effects of angiotensin II on intrarenal PO2 in ovine sepsis. We also assessed the validity of urinary PO2 as a surrogate measure of medullary PO2.Design: Interventional study.Setting: Research Institute.Subjects: Sixteen adult Merino ewes (n = 8/group).Interventions: Sheep were instrumented with fiber-optic probes in the renal cortex, medulla, and within a bladder catheter to measure PO2. Conscious sheep were infused with Escherichia coli for 32 hours. At 24-30 hours, angiotensin II (0.5-33.0 ng/kg/min) or saline vehicle was infused.Measurements and Main Results: Septic acute kidney injury was characterized by hypotension and a 60% ± 6% decrease in creatinine clearance. During sepsis, medullary PO2 decreased from 36 ± 1 to 30 ± 3 mm Hg after 1 hour and to 20 ± 2 mm Hg after 24 hours; at these times, urinary PO2 was 42 ± 2, 34 ± 2, and 23 ± 2 mm Hg. Increases in urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (12% ± 3%) and serum creatinine (60% ± 23%) were only detected at 8 and 24 hours, respectively. IV infusion of angiotensin II, at 24 hours of sepsis, restored arterial pressure and improved creatinine clearance, while not exacerbating medullary or urinary hypoxia.Conclusions: In septic acute kidney injury, renal medullary and urinary hypoxia developed several hours before increases in currently used biomarkers. Angiotensin II transiently improved renal function without worsening medullary hypoxia. In septic acute kidney injury, angiotensin II appears to be a safe, effective therapy, and urinary PO2 may be used to detect medullary hypoxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Augmented renal clearance (ARC) is known to influence β-lactam antibiotic pharmacokinetics. This substudy of the BLING-II trial aimed to explore the association between ARC and patient outcomes in a large randomised clinical trial. BLING-II enrolled 432 participants with severe sepsis randomised to receive β-lactam therapy by continuous or intermittent infusion. An 8-h creatinine clearance (CL Cr ) measured on Day 1 was used to identify ARC, defined as CL Cr  ≥ 130 mL/min. Patients receiving any form of renal replacement therapy were excluded. Primary outcome was alive ICU-free days at Day 28. Secondary outcomes included 90-day mortality and clinical cure at 14 days following antibiotic cessation. A total of 254 patients were included, among which 45 (17.7%) manifested ARC [median (IQR) CL Cr 165 (144–198) mL/min]. ARC patients were younger ( P  <   0.001), more commonly male ( P  = 0.04) and had less organ dysfunction ( P  <   0.001). There was no difference in ICU-free days at Day 28 [ARC, 21 (12–24) days; no ARC, 21 (11–25) days; P  = 0.89], although clinical cure was significantly greater in the unadjusted analysis in those manifesting ARC [33/45 (73.3%) vs. 115/209 (55.0%) P  = 0.02]. This was attenuated in the multivariable analysis. No difference was noted in 90-day mortality. There were no statistically significant differences in clinical outcomes in ARC patients according to the dosing strategy employed. In this substudy of a large clinical trial of β-lactam antibiotics in severe sepsis, ARC was not associated with any differences in outcomes, regardless of dosing strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides a systematic review of randomized trials comparing intermittent renal replacement therapy (IRRT) and continuous RRT (CRRT) modality for critically-ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). The review's objectives were to evaluate whether modality influences mortality, renal recovery, treatment-related complications and physiologic outcomes. The study found no difference in mortality or renal recovery to RRT independence.