Dialysis and Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy Overview

Dialysis

Technique for removing waste via semipermeable membrane.

Dialysate

Solution used in dialysis to facilitate waste removal.

Osmosis

Fluid movement from lesser to greater solute concentration.

Diffusion

Solute movement from greater to lesser concentration.

Ultrafiltration

Water removal mimicking kidney function through gradients.

Convection

Solutes move with water across a membrane.

Adsorption

Binding of substances to filter or membrane surface.

Peritoneal Dialysis

Uses peritoneal membrane to remove wastes and water.

Intermittent Hemodialysis

Regular sessions of blood filtration through a machine.

AV Fistula

Surgical connection for long-term dialysis access.

BUN

Blood urea nitrogen; indicator of kidney function.

Creatinine

Waste product; elevated levels indicate kidney dysfunction.

GFR

Glomerular filtration rate; measures kidney filtering ability.

CRRT

Continuous therapy mimicking normal kidney function over time.

Fluid Overload

Excess fluid in the body requiring removal.

Electrolyte Disturbances

Imbalances in body electrolytes needing correction.

CVVH

Continuous venovenous hemofiltration for fluid and solute removal.

CVVHD

Continuous venovenous hemofiltration-dialysis using dialysate.

CVVHDF

Combination of CVVH and CVVHD for solute removal.

SCUF

Slow continuous ultrafiltration for water removal only.

Hyperkalemia

Elevated potassium levels; can be life-threatening.

Metabolic Acidosis

Acid-base imbalance; often treated with bicarbonate.

Erythropoietin

Hormone stimulating red blood cell production.

Renal Diet

Diet high in protein, low in potassium and phosphorus.