Hypertriglyceridemia as a Cause of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy Circuit Clotting: A Case Series

Hypertriglyceridemia is a rarely reported cause of early continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) circuit clotting.

We have identified and will present 11 published cases in the literature where hypertriglyceridemia has led to CRRT circuit clotting or dysfunction.

The majority of cases (8/11) are related to propofol use leading to hypertriglyceridemia. The other cases (3/11) are due to total parenteral nutrition administration.

Due to the propensity of propofol use for critically ill patients in intensive care units, and the rather common occurrence of CRRT circuit clotting, hypertriglyceridemia may be underappreciated and undiagnosed. The exact pathophysiology behind hypertriglyceridemia-induced CRRT clotting has not been fully elucidated, although there are some hypotheses which include fibrin and fat droplet deposition (identified after electron microscopic examination of the hemofilter), increased blood viscosity, and development of a procoagulant state. Premature clotting poses a multitude of problems including inadequate treatment time, increased costs, increasing nursing workload, and patient blood loss. With earlier identification, discontinuation of the inciting agent, and possible therapeutic management, we could expect improvement in CRRT hemofilter patency and decreased costs.