Background and objectives
Acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring dialysis after cardiac surgery is accompanied by high mortality. Continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) and extended daily dialysis (EDD) are commonly used for critically ill patients with AKI. The aim of this prospective randomized comparative pilot trial was to compare the efficacy of CVVHDF and EDD in patients with AKI after cardiac surgery.
Patients and methods
A total of 80 patients who developed AKI and who needed renal replacement therapy (RRT) after cardiac surgery were included in this prospective randomized comparative trial. Patients were randomized to receive either CVVHDF or EDD. The outcomes assessed were renal recovery, mortality rate at day 30, and cost of RRT in the ICU.
Results
Both groups were comparable with respect to demographic data and APACHE II score. The frequencies of renal recovery and mortalities were comparable in both groups. The cost of RRT was significantly lower in the EDD group compared with the CVVHDF group ( < 0.001).
Conclusion
Both CVVHDF and EDD are effective in patients with AKI after cardiac surgery, with EDD having the advantage of lower cost.