Renal replacement therapy for the critically ill--precarious progress. Part II. Technical aspects and clinical...

Renal replacement therapy has evolved significantly in the last 15 years. Evolution has produced diversity in both techniques and terminology. Theoretical advantages of the continuous over intermittent techniques in critically ill patients exist. Limited clinical evidence supports this, but a clear reduction in mortality or morbidity has yet to be shown. In Part I of this review the terms and techniques used were defined and the physiological aspects of renal replacement therapy discussed. In this part the technical aspects and associated problems are discussed and a prescription for an effective application of the technique in critically ill patients is provided.