Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy During Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a therapy option for patients with severe respiratory failure, cardiogenic shock, or combined cardiorespiratory failure. The reported incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients treated with ECMO varies from 26% to 85%, while renal replacement therapy (RRT) is initiated in 40 to 60% of patients on ECMO. Combining ECMO and RRT systems can provide a more comprehensive therapy that enhances patient outcomes in critical care settings. Therefore, this book chapter focuses on current evidence regarding the incidence, pathophysiology, technical options, and outcomes of patients on ECMO requiring RRT.