ICU Dialysis: Renal Replacement Therapy for Acute Kidney Injury
A comprehensive guide to renal replacement therapy, the dialysis support provided in the ICU when the kidneys fail suddenly during critical illness.
Treatment begins with
Assessment & Access Placement
Choosing the Right Method
Ongoing Renal Replacement Therapy
Monitoring for Recovery
This treatment is used when the kidneys cannot adequately manage fluid, electrolytes or waste products.
You may need this if...
These signs may indicate that this treatment is the recommended course of care:
- Significantly reduced or absent urine output
- Dangerous electrolyte levels, such as high potassium
- Fluid overload affecting breathing
- Rising waste product levels not responding to other treatment
A critical care specialist's evaluation confirms whether this treatment is the right course of care for your situation.
What Does This Treatment Involve?
This treatment temporarily takes over the kidneys' role of removing waste and excess fluid from the blood, using either a continuous or intermittent method chosen based on your stability.
Dialysis supports you while your kidneys recover; most ICU patients do not need long-term dialysis afterward.
When This Treatment is Considered
This treatment is used when the kidneys cannot adequately manage fluid, electrolytes or waste products.
- Significantly reduced or absent urine output
- Dangerous electrolyte levels, such as high potassium
- Fluid overload affecting breathing
- Rising waste product levels not responding to other treatment
The Care Pathway
1. Assessment & Access Placement
A temporary catheter is placed to allow blood to be filtered.
2. Choosing the Right Method
Continuous or intermittent dialysis is chosen based on your blood pressure stability.
3. Ongoing Renal Replacement Therapy
Your blood is filtered to remove waste and excess fluid, with settings adjusted regularly.
4. Monitoring for Recovery
Kidney function is reassessed regularly to determine when dialysis can be stopped.
“Our critical care team supports you and your family through every stage, from admission to recovery and follow-up.”
Expected Benefits and Possible Risks
Renal replacement therapy effectively supports the body while giving the kidneys time to recover from acute injury.
Every critical care treatment has potential risks. Your care team will explain your individual risks as treatment proceeds.
Recovery & Follow-up
Most patients with acute kidney injury in the ICU regain independent kidney function once the underlying illness improves.
Your care team will monitor your kidney function closely as dialysis is reduced and eventually stopped.
Careful follow-up and coordinated rehabilitation all play an important role in achieving the best possible outcome.
Questions to Ask Your Care Team
- 1.Why do I need dialysis now?
- 2.Is this expected to be temporary?
- 3.How will I know when my kidneys are recovering?
- 4.Will I need any follow-up kidney monitoring after discharge?
Not Sure What You Need?
Speak to a Care Guide and we'll help you coordinate the right critical care specialist or ICU transfer.
Talk to Care GuideA care guide can help coordinate your critical care consultation or ICU transfer.
Share your concern or existing reports. We will help you choose the right hospital, doctor and appointment.
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