Intensive Care Medicine Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Resource

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) serves the primary purpose of providing renal support in hemodynamically unstable patients. This therapy is particularly advantageous in the intensive care setting due to its gentle and continuous nature, which minimizes fluctuations in fluid and solute balance that can occur with intermittent hemodialysis.

In critically ill patients, particularly those who are hemodynamically unstable, the kidneys may not function adequately due to conditions such as acute kidney injury (AKI) or other severe systemic diseases. CRRT helps by allowing for steady removal of waste products, maintenance of fluid balance, and correction of electrolyte disturbances, all while supporting the patient's hemodynamics.

Unlike other renal therapies which might be more aggressive (such as traditional hemodialysis), CRRT utilizes a slower process that allows for better tolerance in patients who may not handle rapid fluid shifts or large changes in blood chemistry. This characteristic is crucial in managing the delicate balance in these unstable patients while providing essential renal support.