Fluid Balance in Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy: Prescribing, Delivering, and Review.

Background: Historically IV and enteral fluids given during acute kidney injury (AKI) were restricted before the introduction of continuous renal replacement therapies (CRRTs) when more liberal fluids improved nutrition for the critically ill. However, fluid accumulation can occur when higher volumes each day are not considered in the fluid balance prescribing and the NET ultrafiltration (NUF) volume target.

Key Messages: The delivered hours of CRRT each day are vital for achievement of fluid balance and time off therapy makes the task more challenging.

Vancomycin and Gentamicin Removal with the HA380 Cartridge during Experimental Hemoadsorption.

Introduction: Hemoadsorption has emerged as an adjunctive therapy for sepsis, but its impact on antibiotic levels remains poorly defined. We conducted an in vivo experimental study to investigate the removal of vancomycin and gentamicin during hemoadsorption using the HA380 cartridge, a novel styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer cartridge.

Methods: Six surgically prepared sheep were administered 2 g of vancomycin and 400 mg of gentamicin over 30 min, followed by a continuous infusion of vancomycin (20 mg/h).

Plasma exchange in the intensive care unit: a 10 year retrospective audit.

Background And Aims: Plasma exchange (PE) is a therapeutic technique for the removal of illness-associated antibodies and toxins. Little is currently known about the prescription and technique for PE in the Intensive Care setting. In addition, different illnesses require specific PE regimens to optimise the clinical outcome for the patient.

Evaluation of a radial artery cannulation training program for intensive care nurses: a descriptive, explorative study.

Background: Radial arterial line is required for critically ill patients to provide continuous blood pressure monitoring and arterial blood sampling. A program training experienced ICU nurses to perform radial artery cannulation was introduced in a Melbourne metropolitan ICU to allow early treatment and intervention to be delivered to patients while medical staff attend to more urgent diagnostic care. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of the training program for radial artery cannulation in the ICU.