Continuous arterio-venous ultrafiltration in cirrhotic patients with ascites or renal failure

To assess whether continuous arteriovenous ultrafiltration (CAVU) might constitute a useful alternative to hemodialysis in the management of patients with advanced liver failure, we carried out CAVU in 3 patients with decompensated Laennec's cirrhosis. CAVU was utilized in two patients with acute renal failure and pulmonary edema to stabilize renal function and facilitate administration of large amounts of fluid. In the third case, CAVU was successfully utilized to mobilize fluid in a patient refractory to conventional diuretic regimens. We conclude that CAVU may constitute an appropriate alternative to traditional hemodialysis in patients with advanced liver disease and renal functional impairment.