Benefits of an early cooling phase in continuous renal replacement therapy for ICU patients

BACKGROUND: Lowering the temperature setting in the heating device during continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) is an option. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects on body temperature and hemodynamic tolerance of two different temperature settings in the warming device in patients treated with CVVH. METHODS: Thirty patients (mean age: 66.5 years; mean SAPS 2: 55) were enrolled in a prospective crossover randomized study. After a baseline of 2 h at 38°C, the heating device was randomly set to 38°C (group A) and 36°C (group B) for 6 h. Then, the temperatures were switched to 36°C in group A and to 38°C in group B for another 6 h. Hemodynamic parameters and therapeutic interventions to control the hemodynamics were recorded. RESULTS: There was no significant change in body temperature in either group. During the first 6 h, group B patients showed significantly increased arterial pressure (p = 0.01) while the dosage of catecholamine was significantly decreased (p = 0.04). The number of patients who required fluid infusion or increase in catecholamine dosage was similar. During the second period of the study, hemodynamic parameters were unchanged in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing CVVH, warming of the substitute over 36°C had no impact on body temperature. We showed that setting the fluid temperature at 36°C for a period of time early in the procedure is beneficial in terms of increased mean arterial pressure and decreased catecholamine infusion dosage.