Continuous renal replacement therapy: a potential source of calories in the critically ill.

Overfeeding can lead to multiple metabolic and clinical complications and has been associated with increased mortality in the critically ill. Continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) represents a potential source of calories that is poorly recognized and may contribute to overfeeding complications. We aimed to quantify the systemic caloric contribution of acid-citrate-dextrose regional anticoagulation and dextrose-containing replacement fluids in the CVVH circuit.

Levetiracetam Pharmacokinetics During Continuous Venovenous Hemofiltration and Acute Liver Dysfunction.

Background: Levetiracetam clearance is dependent on renal (major) and hepatic (minor) elimination pathways. In the setting of organ dysfunction, dose reductions are recommended to prevent accumulation. Continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) has been shown to eliminate levetiracetam, but the preferred dosing regimen when a patient is on CVVH and has concomitant acute liver dysfunction is unknown.

Polymeric plasticizer extends the lifetime of PVC-membrane ion-selective electrodes.

The nature of the plasticizer plays a pivotal role in the analytical performance of polymer membrane ion sensors. Conventional plasticizers suffer leaching or migration from the membrane and exudation, both of which could limit the lifetime of sensors based on plasticized membranes. Herein, we describe the use of polyester sebacate (PES), a model polymeric plasticizer, in the preparation of poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) membrane ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) using valinomycin as ionophore.