Continuous veno-venous haemodialysis with a novel bicarbonate dialysis solution: prospective cross-over comparison with a lactate buffered solution.

Objective: To compare acid-base balance, lactate concentration and haemodynamic parameters during continuous veno-venous haemodialysis (CVVHD) using bicarbonate or a lactate buffered dialysate.

Design: prospective randomized cross-over design;

Setting: Multicentre combined adult surgical and medical intensive care units. Patients; 26 critically ill patients starting CVVHD for acute renal failure.