Answer to Question 1
CRRT is a type of dialysis, or a renal replacement procedure that removes excessive and toxic by-products of metabolism from the blood, thus replacing the filtering function of healthy kidneys. CRRT is generally the mode of treatment for AKI because it will provide dialysis over a continuous period of time that will allow for a significant amount of fluid (1-2 L) to be removed.
It is meant to slowly remove fluids and solutes while correcting the electrolyte and metabolic abnormalities associated with AKI.
Two types of CRRT:
- Arteriovenous renal replacement therapies: continuous dialysis/hemofiltration by cannulation of an artery or vein; the patient's blood pressure is used to pump blood through the dialysis filter.
- Venovenous renal replacement therapies involve continuous dialysis/hemofiltration by a venovenous circuit and a pump to assist blood flow through the dialysis circuit.
Venovenous renal replacement is usually used in the critical patient as the patient's blood pressure is usually unstable.
Answer to Question 2
Elevated cholesterol
HTN
Overweight/obesity
Increasing age
African American
Former smoker
Physical inactivity