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Background and Objectives: COVID-19 is responsible for the 2019 novel coronavirus disease pandemic. Despite the vast research about the adult population, there has been little data collected on acute kidney injury (AKI) epidemiology, associated risk factors, treatments, and mortality in pediatric COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU. AKI is a severe complication of COVID-19 among children and adolescents., Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane Center Trials to find all published literature related to AKI in COVID-19 patients, including incidence and outcomes., Results: Twenty-four studies reporting the outcomes of interest were included. Across all studies, the overall sample size of COVID positive children was 1,247 and the median age of this population was 9.1 years old. Among COVID positive pediatric patients, there was an AKI incidence of 30.51%, with only 0.56% of these patients receiving KRT. The mortality was 2.55% among all COVID positive pediatric patients. The incidence of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) among COVID positive patients was 74.29%., Conclusion: AKI has shown to be a negative prognostic factor in adult patients with COVID-19 and now also in the pediatric cohort with high incidence and mortality rates. Additionally, our findings show a strong comparison in epidemiology between adult and pediatric COVID-19 patients; however, they need to be confirmed with additional data and studies., (© 2021. IPNA.)

Kidney replacement therapy (KRT) is a common supportive treatment for renal dysfunction, especially acute kidney injury. However, critically ill or immunosuppressed patients with renal dysfunction often have dysfunction in other organs as well. To improve patient outcomes, clinicians began to initiate kidney replacement therapy in situations where nonrenal conditions may lead to acute kidney injury, such as septic shock, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, veno-occlusive renal disease, cardiopulmonary bypass, chemotherapy, tumor lysis syndrome, hyperammonemia, and various others. In this review, we discuss the use of various modes of kidney replacement therapy in treating renal and nonrenal complications to illustrate why kidney support therapy is a more appropriate terminology than kidney replacement therapy., (© 2020 International Society for Apheresis, Japanese Society for Apheresis, and Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy.)

Background: Intentional or unintentional ingestions among children and adolescents are common. There are a number of ingestions amenable to renal replacement therapy (RRT)., Methods: We systematically searched PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases for literature regarding drugs/intoxicants and treatment with RRT in pediatric populations. Two experts from the PCRRT (Pediatric Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy) workgroup assessed titles, abstracts, and full-text articles for extraction of data. The data from the literature search was shared with the PCRRT workgroup and two expert toxicologists, and expert panel recommendations were developed., Results and Conclusions: We have presented the recommendations concerning the use of RRTs for treatment of intoxications with toxic alcohols, lithium, vancomycin, theophylline, barbiturates, metformin, carbamazepine, methotrexate, phenytoin, acetaminophen, salicylates, valproic acid, and aminoglycosides.

Wide ranges of age and weight in pediatric patients makes renal replacement therapy (RRT) in acute kidney injury (AKI) challenging, particularly in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), wherein children are often hemodynamically unstable. Standard hemodialysis (HD) is difficult in this group of children and continuous veno-venous hemofiltration/dialysis (CVVH/D) has been the accepted modality in the developed world. Unfortunately, due to cost constraints, CVVH/D is often not available and peritoneal dialysis (PD) remains the common mode of RRT in resource-poor facilities. Acute PD has its drawbacks, and intermittent HD (IHD) done slowly over a prolonged period has been explored as an alternative. Various modes of slow sustained IHD have been described in the literature with the recently introduced term prolonged intermittent RRT (PIRRT) serving as an umbrella terminology for all of these modes. PIRRT has been widely accepted in adults with studies showing it to be as effective as CVVH/D but with an added advantage of being more cost-effective. Pediatric data, though scanty, has been promising. In this current review, we elaborate on the practical aspects of undertaking PIRRT in children as well as summarize its current status.

Maintaining fluid balance, pre- and post-MA-HCT is essential and usually requires frequent administration of diuretics. Hepatic sinusoidal obstructive syndrome is potentially life-threatening, especially when associated with AKI and MOF. This study describes six patients who developed AKI-associated SOS and diuretic-resistant FO who subsequently underwent CRRT using standardized management guidelines for fluid balance post-HCT. Retrospective chart review was done for HCT patients between September 2011 and October 2013 at a tertiary care children's hospital. Thirty-four patients underwent MA-HCT in the study period. Six patients had SOS complicated by diuretic-resistant FO and underwent CRRT. Defibrotide was used in three patients. Median time on CRRT was 10.5 days. Sixty-six percent (N = 4 of 6) of patients had full resolution of SOS symptoms with a mortality rate of 34% (N = 2 of 6). Among patients who had full recovery of SOS symptoms, one patient developed AKI, end-stage renal diseases and underwent kidney transplantation 34-months post-HCT. Thus, of six included patients, two died and one developed ESRD with only 50% (N = 3 of 6) good outcome. Use of a standardized, evidence-based fluid balance protocol and early initiation of CRRT for HCT-related AKI/SOS was associated with good outcomes., (© 2018 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Purpose: Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) type I is a devastating complication of decompensated cirrhosis. Liver transplantation (LT) offers an excellent survival, and renal replacement therapy (RRT) may be useful until transplantation is available. The survival benefit of RRT in the absence of LT is thought to be short and its benefit in these patients is unknown. To investigate this, we studied the outcome of different therapies (pharmacological, RRT, and LT) in patients with type 1 HRS., Methods: Medical records (2005-2009) of all cirrhotic patients admitted to our facility with abnormal renal function were reviewed. Patients with preexisting renal disease, diagnosis other than type I HRS, or those without long-term follow-up were excluded., Results: Of 380 patients reviewed, 30 were studied. Nineteen (63.3 %) patients underwent liver transplantation. No difference in baseline liver or renal parameters was noted between those who were or were not transplanted. A decreased mortality was noted (5.3 vs. 64.6 %; p = 0.0005) compared to patients who were not transplanted during the study follow-up median period of 7.8 [CI 1.9-34] months. Among non-transplanted patients, no differences in median survival (8.8 vs. 6.5 months; p = 0.62) or in other parameters studied were found in those patients who received RRT compared to those who did not. Similarly, no survival difference was found comparing those who did or did not receive pharmacological therapy without transplant., Conclusion: In type I HRS, LT offers better survival. Among patients who do not receive LT, RRT does not provide an improved survival benefit.

Acute kidney injury (AKI), a common and severe complication following burn injuries, presents a significant challenge due to its broad clinical manifestations and diverse etiologies. AKI, previously known as acute renal failure, can present abruptly following burns or thermal injuries, causing detrimental health outcomes such as progressive kidney dysfunction, increased hospital length of stay, and requirement of renal replacement therapy (RRT). AKI affects the maintenance of homeostasis of fluid and electrolytes, elimination of metabolic wastes and byproducts, and acid–base balance. Aggressive nutritional support is particularly necessitated in burn patients to prevent protein-energy wasting and a negative nitrogen balance. Understanding the pathogenesis of AKI in burns and improving its prevention and early diagnosis are active areas of research in this field. Despite the potential benefits, the optimal timing and threshold for RRT initiation in burn patients with AKI remain unclear, warranting further studies. Ongoing investigations focus on refining RRT techniques, evaluating biomarkers for early detection of AKI, and exploring adjunctive therapies to enhance renal recovery. The aim of this study is to review the etiology, diagnostic tools, and interventions that improve outcomes associated with AKI in burn-related settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT) is the preferred modality in critically ill children with acute kidney injury. Upon improvement, intermittent hemodialysis is usually initiated as a step‐down therapy, which can be associated with several adverse events. Hybrid therapies such as Sustained low‐efficiency daily dialysis with pre‐filter replacement (SLED‐f) combines the slow sustained features of a continuous treatment, ensuring hemodynamic stability, with similar solute clearance along with the cost effectiveness of conventional intermittent hemodialysis. We examined the feasibility of using SLED‐f as a transition step‐down therapy after CKRT in critically ill pediatric patients with acute kidney injury. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in children admitted to our tertiary care pediatric intensive care units with multi‐organ dysfunction syndrome including acute kidney injury who received CKRT for management. Those patients receiving fewer than two inotropes to maintain perfusion and failed a diuretic challenge were switched to SLED‐f. Results: Eleven patients underwent 105 SLED‐f sessions (mean of 9.55 +/− 4.90 sessions per patient), as a part of step‐down therapy from continuous hemodiafiltration. All (100%) our patients had sepsis associated acute kidney injury with multiorgan dysfunction and required ventilation. During SLED‐f, urea reduction ratio was 64.1 +/− 5.3%, Kt/V was 1.13 +/− 0.1, and beta‐2 microglobulin reduction was 42.5 +/−4%. Incidence of hypotension and requirement of escalation of inotropes during SLED‐f was 18.18%. Filter clotting occurred twice in one patient. Conclusion: SLED‐f is a safe and effective modality for use as a transition therapy between CKRT and intermittent hemodialysis in children in the PICU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of severe burn injuries and contributes to morbidity and mortality. It is exacerbated in burn patients by elevated serum creatinine and pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to immune dysregulation. Chronic renal replacement therapy is standard of care and removes cytokines to return the body to homeostasis. Continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) is a high-filtration method to enhance cytokine clearance; we analyze a step-down approach for improved outcomes in burn patients. Methods: This study reviewed 15 burn patients at Akron Children's Hospital stratified into 2 groups: high-flow CVVHDF with step-down approach versus standard CVVHDF. A normocarbia bicarbonate-based dialysate solution and citrate anticoagulation was applied, and blood flow rate was maintained greater than 200 mL/min. Results: Fifteen burn patients at Akron Children's Hospital were separated into groups managed with high-flow CVVHDF (n = 9) and standard-flow CVVHDF (n = 6). All 15 developed AKI symptoms and diuretic-resistant fluid overload, with 4/15 displaying fluid overload greater than 40%. The most common indication for hemofiltration was acute tubular necrosis (11/15). Average time on CVVHDF was 20.2 days and length of admission was 58.6 days. Vasodepressor dependency index was significantly reduced in the high-flow group at 48 h, but no significant difference in mortality was identified. No significant difference was identified in adverse reactions, notably electrolyte imbalances. Conclusion: The literature on the efficacy of high-flow CVVHDF is limited. This study suggests improved mortality rates and length of stay with high flow compared to the literature. Further studies with multicenter involvement are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pediatric sepsis is a significant public health issue. This condition is exacerbated by rising serum creatinine and inflammatory cytokines that lead to deleterious effects upon the body. The current standard of care involves the use of continuous kidney replacement therapy to remove harmful cytokines until the body returns to homeostasis. In order to promote faster clearance and reduced stay in the ICU, high-volume hemofiltration (HVHF) has shown promise. However, there is a paucity of studies to fully elucidate its benefits. Methods: A literature search was done using PubMed/ MEDLINE and Embase. The literature was reviewed by two independent reviewers, who independently assessed the quality of randomized controlled trials by using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for RCTs and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for assessing the quality of nonrandomized controlled trials. Data were combined from studies with a similar design. Results: The primary endpoint of all-cause mortality was found to be reduced by 40% across all of the pooled studies. For secondary endpoints, significant reductions of serum creatinine were found. Additionally, duration of ICU stays and treatment course was found to be significantly shorter in HVHF patients than the current standard of care. The rate of adverse effects was analyzed, and there was no difference in the proportion of patients developing hypokalemia, hyperkalemia, hypernatremia, or hyponatremia. The proportion of patients developing hyperglycemia was higher in patients undergoing HVHF, whereas the proportions of patients developing bleeding were significantly less in patients undergoing HVHF. One study reported a total number of adverse events between the two groups which were significantly lesser in patients undergoing HVHF. Conclusion: HVHF shows promise as a modality to treat pediatric patients with sepsis. In order to confirm the benefits of this modality, future studies need significantly more patients for analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kidney replacement therapy (KRT) is used to provide supportive therapy for critically ill patients with severe acute kidney injury and various other non-renal indications. Modalities of KRT include continuous KRT (CKRT), intermittent hemodialysis (HD), and sustained low efficiency daily dialysis (SLED). However, circuit clotting is a major complication that has been investigated extensively. Extracorporeal circuit clotting can cause reduction in solute clearances and can cause blood loss, leading to an upsurge in treatment costs and a rise in workload intensity. In this educational review, we discuss the pathophysiology of the clotting cascade within an extracorporeal circuit and the use of various types of anticoagulant methods in various pediatric KRT modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID‐19 has challenged the global healthcare system through rapid proliferation and lack of existing treatment resulting in over 180 million cases and 3.8 million deaths since December 2019. Although pediatric patients only comprise 1%–2% of diagnosed cases, their incidence of acute kidney injury ranges from 8.2% to 18.2% compared to 49% in adults. Severe infection, initiated by dysregulated host response, can lead to multiorgan failure. In this review, we focus on the use of various blood filters approved for use in pediatric kidney replacement therapy to mitigate adverse effects of severe illness. Therapeutic effects of these blood filters range from cytokine removal (CytoSorb, HA330, HCO/MCO), endotoxin removal (Toraymyxin, CPFA), both cytokine and endotoxin removal (oXiris), and nonspecific removal of proteins (PMMA) that have already been established and can be used to mitigate the various effects of the cytokine storm syndrome in COVID‐19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a clinical condition characterized by an abrupt increase in serum creatinine levels due to functional changes in the kidneys from a newfound insult or injury. For supportive treatment, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is one of the most widely used modalities due to its precise control of fluid balance over extended periods of time. However, its complications include circuit clotting, the most frequent cause for CRRT interruption. Vascular access and circuit management were found to be major determinants of performance efficiency. Anticoagulation required to prevent clotting has the downside of increasing the risk of bleeding, especially in the setting of overdosage. Hence, a delicate balance needs to be maintained consistently. Methods: This study explores the adequacy of non‐anticoagulation measures in the prevention of circuit clotting. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed/Medline and Embase databases to include all relevant studies. Findings The most‐effective CRRT catheter would be made of nonthrombogenic material, noncuffed and nontunneled with separate lumens for arterial and venous blood. Further, studies show that blood flow during the process is optimized at 200 ml/min, which can be lowered in the pediatric population due to more narrow catheters. Platelet count and hematocrit need to be closely monitored as levels above 450,000 × 106/L and 0.40, respectively, increase risk of clotting. Predilution is a non‐anticoagulation technique to reduce the risk of clotting by returning replacement solution to the blood before it reaches the filter. Also, biocompatible membranes such as polyacrylonitrile or polysulfone activate the coagulation cascade significantly less than the conventional cellulose‐based membranes, thereby reducing clotting chances. Discussions: With the advent of such techniques and maneuvers, anticoagulation can be efficiently maintained in patients undergoing CRRT without increasing the risk of bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]