Continuous modalities of renal replacement therapy. Review of selected aspects.

Severe clinical course of acute renal and acute liver failure is recognized as life-threatening condition, often developing in critically ill patients, demanding intensive care. Continuous renal replacement techniques, including venovenous hemodialysis/hemofiltration/hemodiafiltration/ultrafiltration (CWHD/CWHF/CWHDF/SCUF) are becoming the therapeutic modality of choice in unstable patients with acute renal failure. Recently introduced new technique--albumin dialysis (MARS--Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System) is a very useful extracorporeal method of detoxication in patients with acute liver or kidney/liver failure. It may also serve as bridge to liver transplantation in patients with rapidly deteriorating chronic liver failure. Indications, benefit/risk ratio and specific clinical and technical aspects are briefly described in this review paper.