Discover the Critical Differences: CRRT vs. Dialysis

When kidneys falter, the body accumulates waste products and excess fluids, leading to a potential health crisis Dialysis, a well-established treatment, steps in to remove these toxins and regulate fluids However, for critically ill patients, another option exists: Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT). While both CRRT and dialysis address kidney failure, they differ significantly in their approach Let's discover the critical differences: CRRT vs. dialysis

Delivery Method: Intermittent vs. Continuous Flow

● Dialysis: This traditional method functions in cycles Blood is diverted through a dialyzer, a specialized filter, for several hours, typically three times a week. The cleaned blood is then returned to the body

● CRRT: CRRT offers a continuous process Blood is slowly drawn out, filtered, and returned to the bloodstream simultaneously. This gentler approach mimics healthy kidney function, providing a more consistent removal of waste and fluids

Patient Suitability: Stability is Key

Discover the critical differences: CRRT vs. dialysis in terms of patient suitability Dialysis is often the preferred choice for patients with stable chronic kidney disease (CKD) and even some cases of acute kidney injury (AKI). However, it might not be ideal for critically ill patients who are hemodynamically unstable (having unstable blood pressure) The rapid fluid removal during dialysis can further destabilize their condition.