Acetate-free biofiltration in acute renal failure

Hemodialysis treatment for acute renal failure is associated with a high incidence of adverse reactions. Hemodynamic stability and adequate correction of acid-base and hydroelectrolyte imbalance are the main goals of dialytic strategy in acute renal failure. However, the variety of etiology and the diversity of clinical conditions suggest that individualized treatment may be advisable. To this purpose, in 26 patients suffering from "isolated" acute renal failure of different etiologies, we have used acetate-free biofiltration. We have performed 411 dialyses with an extremely low incidence of symptomatic treatments and remarkable cardiovascular stability. Correction of fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base imbalance proved excellent. Dialytic efficacy proved adequate. Our data show that acetate-free biofiltration is an easy technique suitable for individualized treatment and adaptable to changing needs during hemodialysis in patients with isolated acute renal failure.