264. CCC: Approach to Renal Replacement Therapy in the CICU with Dr. Joel Topf

Published: Feb. 12, 2023, 7:41 p.m.

Renal replacement therapy (RRT) is routinely utilized in the CICU. Series co-chairs Dr. Eunice Dugan and Dr Karan Desai along with CardioNerds Co-founder Dr. Daniel Ambinder were joined by FIT lead and CardioNerds Ambassador from University of Washington, Dr. Tomio Tran. Our episode expert is world-renowned nephrologist Dr. Joel Topf. Dr. Topf is Medical Director of Research at St. Clair Nephrology, and editor of the Handbook of Critical Care Nephrology. In this episode, we describe a case of cardiogenic shock due to acute myocardial infarction resulting in renal failure, ultimately requiring continuous RRT (CRRT). We discuss the most common causes of AKI within the cardiac ICU, indications for initiating RRT, evidence on the timing of RRT, different modes of RRT, basic management of the RRT circuit, and how to transition patients off of RRT during renal recovery. Episode notes were drafted by Dr. Tomio Tran. Audio editing by\xa0CardioNerds Academy Intern,\xa0Dr. Maryam Barkhordarian.\n\n\n\nThe CardioNerds Cardiac Critical Care Series is a multi-institutional collaboration made possible by contributions of stellar fellow leads and expert faculty from several programs, led by series co-chairs,\xa0Dr. Mark Belkin,\xa0Dr. Eunice Dugan,\xa0Dr. Karan Desai, and\xa0Dr. Yoav Karpenshif.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPearls \u2022 Notes \u2022 References \u2022 Production Team\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCardioNerds Cardiac Critical Care PageCardioNerds Episode PageCardioNerds AcademyCardionerds Healy Honor Roll\n\n\n\n\n\nCardioNerds Journal ClubSubscribe to The Heartbeat Newsletter!Check out CardioNerds SWAG!Become a CardioNerds Patron!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPearls and Quotes - Approach to Renal Replacement Therapy in the CICU \n\n\n\n\nDo not commit \u201cRenalism\u201d - withholding lifesaving treatments from patients with renal impairment due to fear of causing renal injury. Shared decision making is key.\n\n\n\nIn the ICU, most of the time, AKI is caused by ATN due to adverse hemodynamics. Nephrologists can help determine the cause if the patient has an atypical presentation.\n\n\n\nLate dialysis initiation is non-inferior to early dialysis initiation. Early initiation may lead to higher rates of prolonged time on dialysis.\n\n\n\nSlow low efficiency daily diafiltration (SLEDD) vs CRRT are equivalent in terms of outcomes and are the preferred methods among patients with hypotension. Intermittent Hemodialysis (iHD) can be used once patients are hemodynamically stable.\n\n\n\nA \u201cFurosemide Stress Test\u201d can be used to test intact renal function or renal recovery by challenging the nephron to make urine.\n\n\n\n\nShow notes - Approach to Renal Replacement Therapy in the CICU \n\n\n\nWhat are the risk factors and differential for AKI in the CICU?\n\n\n\n\nStart by using the pre-renal vs intrinsic renal vs post-renal framework. Additional considerations in cardiac patients include contrast induced nephropathy, pigment nephropathy, cardiorenal syndrome. Enjoy Episode 262. Management of Cardiorenal Syndrome in the CICU.\n\n\n\nIn the ICU setting, intrinsic renal injury due to ATN is among the most common etiology of AKI.\n\n\n\nMany risk factors for AKI are not modifiable in the ICU. Optimize renal function by avoiding nephrotoxins, minimizing contrast usage, and keeping the MAP >65-75 mmHg.\n\n\n\nContrast nephropathy as an etiology is questionable and may be a marker of a sicker patient population. Avoid \u201cRenalism\u201d - providing substandard care to patients with renal disease due to fear of worsening renal function.\n\n\n\nMost etiologies are treated with supportive care.\n\n\n\n\nWhat is the approach to timing of renal replacement therapy initiation?\n\n\n\n\nDefinitions for early vs late vs very late initiation of RRT:Early \u2013 Worsening AKI without indications for RRTLate \u2013 Worsening AKI with relative indications for RRT\n\nVery late \u2013 Worsening AKI with strict indications for RRT\n\n\n\n\n\nLate initiation is noninferior in terms of mortality; early initiation is associated with higher rates of prolonged/permanent RRT.1,2,3\n\n\n\nVery late initiation associated with worse outcomes.4 In general,