Sustained low-efficiency dialysis in septic shock: Hemodynamic tolerability and efficacy

AIM OF THE STUDY: Acute kidney injury (AKI) in septic shock has poor outcomes. Sustained low-efficiency dialysis (SLED) is increasingly replacing continuous renal replacement therapy as the preferred modality in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). However, the essential aspects of hemodynamic tolerability and efficacy of SLED in septic shock AKI has been minimally studied. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We describe hemodynamic tolerability using modified vasopressor index (VI) and vasopressor dependency (VD) and efficacy using a combination of Kt/v, correction of acidosis, electrolyte, and fluid overload. Adult ICU patients of septic shock in AKI requiring SLED were included in this study. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-four patients of septic shock AKI requiring SLED were enrolled in the study. There were 74 nonsurvivors (NSs). Approximately, 56% (278/498) of the sessions in which vasopressors were required were studied. Metabolic acidosis (49%) was the predominant indication for the initiation of SLED in these patients. Baseline characteristics between survivors and NSs were comparable, except for age, severity scores, AKI stage, and coexisting illness. VI and VD prior to the initiation of SLED and delta VI and VD during SLED were significantly higher in NSs. Hemodynamic tolerability and efficacy of SLED was achievable only at lower vasopressor doses. CONCLUSION: VI, VD, and combination of Kt/v together with correction of acidosis, electrolyte, and fluid overload can be used to describe hemodynamic tolerability and efficacy of SLED in septic shock AKI. However, at higher vasopressor doses in septic shock, hemodynamic tolerability and efficacy of SLED requires further evidence.