Is regional citrate superior to systemic heparin anticoagulation for continuous renal replacement therapy? A prospective observational study in an adult regional critical care system.
OBJECTIVE
Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is commonly used in the care of critically ill patients although the optimal means of anticoagulation is not well defined. We report our regional CRRT protocol that was developed using the principles of quality improvement and compare the effect of regional citrate with systemic heparin anticoagulation on filter life span.


METHODS
Prospective observational cohort study in a Canadian adult regional critical care system. A standardized protocol for CRRT has been implemented at all adult intensive care units in the Calgary Health Region since August 1999. All patients with acute renal failure treated with CRRT during October 1, 2002, to September 30, 2003, were identified and followed up prospectively until hospital discharge or death.


RESULTS
Eighty-seven patients with acute renal failure requiring CRRT were identified, 54 were initially treated with citrate, 29 with heparin, and 4 with saline flushes. Citrate and heparin were used in 212 (66%) and 97 (30%) of filters for 8776 and 2651 hours of CRRT, respectively. Overall median (interquartile range) filter life span with citrate was significantly greater than heparin (40 [14-72] vs 20 [5-44] hours, P < .001). The median time to spontaneous filter failure was significantly greater with citrate compared with heparin (>72 vs 33 hours, P < .001). Citrate anticoagulation resulted in greater completion of scheduled filter life span (59% vs 10%, P > .001). Citrate anticoagulation was well tolerated with no patient requiring elective discontinuation for hypernatremia, metabolic alkalosis, or hypocalcemia.


CONCLUSIONS
Regional citrate anticoagulation was associated with prolonged filter survival and increased completion of scheduled filter life span compared with heparin. These data support small studies suggesting that citrate is a superior anticoagulant for CRRT and suggest the need for a future definitive randomized controlled trial.
Bagshaw
Sean M
SM
Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary and Calgary Health Region, Foothills Medical Centre, Alberta, Canada.
Laupland
Kevin B
KB
Boiteau
Paul J E
PJ
Godinez-Luna
Tomas
T
D058186:Acute Kidney Injury / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000368:Aged; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002170:Canada; D002951:Citrates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000075202:Contraindications; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006493:Heparin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017582:Renal Replacement Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D002951:Citrates; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D006493:Heparin