Case submitted by: Dr. Sonali Gupta (@Neph_sg), Dr. Maureen Brogan (@Maureen1Brogan)
Case Published: November 2022
Diagnosis: Acute Tubular Necrosis (ATN) with complications of continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT)
Case Summary: Great work! Let’s review this case.
Here we have a critically ill patient who develops acute kidney injury requiring kidney replacement therapy. The initial decision of dialysis modality, specifically intermittent hemodialysis versus continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT), is largely influenced by this patient’s cerebral edema. The goal in these cases is to maintain hemodynamic stability and minimize changes in serum osmolality to prevent worsening cerebral edema or midline shift.
This patient is initiated on continuous veno-venous hemodialysis (CVVHD) for solute clearance and volume management. Other options for CKRT include continuous venous-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) and continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF), which are outlined in the diagram below from the Renal Fellow Network.
Once this patient is initiated on CKRT, several issues are encountered. It is crucial as a nephrology fellow or even a member of the ICU team to be able to recognize and respond to circuit issues! In order to do this, we need to understand several terms.
Understanding these pressures helps to create a differential diagnosis for what is going wrong with the circuit. Issues can be identified at the level of the patient, dialysis access/catheter, as well as the filter itself. In particular, the calculated values of Transmembrane Pressure (TMP) and Filter Pressure Drop (∆P Filter) are key to troubleshooting!


Having a better understanding of the workings of CKRT can help prevent complications. Take a comprehensive approach and investigating potential causes at the level of the patient, the circuit, catheter, lines and tubes.
Take a look at the following references to learn more:
- Ricci Z, Baldwin I, Ronco C: Alarms and troubleshooting. In: Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy, edited by Kellum J, Bellomo R, Ronco C, 2009
- Neyra JA, Yessayan L, Bastin ML, Wille K, Tolwani AJ. How to prescribe and troubleshoot continuous renal replacement therapy: A case-based review. Kidney360 2: 371-384, 2021
Case Published: October 2022
Case 55 Index
Case 55 Introduction
Case 55 Physical Exam
Case 55 Diagnostic Testing
Case 55 Next Steps
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