title: Failure of low molecular weight dextran to prevent clotting during continuous renal replacement therapy.
abstract: Clotting of the extracorporeal circuit during continuous renal replacement therapy results in decreased ultrafiltration rates, impaired solute clearance and, ultimately, occlusion of the extracorporeal circuit. The authors conducted an open-label randomized controlled trial to determine whether low molecular weight dextran could prevent hemofilter clotting in patients undergoing continuous venovenous hemodialysis. Eleven patients were randomized to receive a continuous infusion of 10% low molecular weight dextran at 25 mL/hr; 8 patients served as control subjects. No differences in the frequency of hemofilter clotting or hemofilter lifespan were detected. The authors concluded that continuous infusion of low dose low molecular weight dextran is not effective in preventing clotting during continuous renal replacement therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania 15261, USA.
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Palevsky
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Burr
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Moreland
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Tokiwa
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Greenberg
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001777:Blood Coagulation / Q000187:drug effects; D001778:Blood Coagulation Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000187:drug effects; D003911:Dextrans / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005112:Extracorporeal Circulation; D005260:Female; D006440:Hemofiltration / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008970:Molecular Weight; D010976:Platelet Count / Q000187:drug effects; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D003911:Dextrans