Evaluation of anticoagulant methods in newborns undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy: what is the optimum method?


KAYMAZ D., Bayhan S. A., KÖSTEKCİ Y. E., DEMİRTAŞ F., Aslan A. D., HAVAN M., ...Daha Fazla

European Journal of Pediatrics, cilt.184, sa.8, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 184 Sayı: 8
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s00431-025-06314-2
  • Dergi Adı: European Journal of Pediatrics
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, CINAHL, EMBASE
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Citrate, Complications, Continuous renal replacement therapy, Heparin, Neonatal intensive care unit
  • Ankara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Implementing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in neonates is technically challenging due to complexities with vascular access, the risk of hemodynamic instability, and the need for precise anticoagulation management. Regional citrate anticoagulation has been shown to manage bleeding risks more effectively than heparin; however, its use in neonates is controversial due to potential adverse effects. This study aimed to evaluate the association between anticoagulation methods and the incidence of complications in neonates undergoing CRRT. We conducted a retrospective analysis of neonates who underwent CRRT from July 2014 to July 2024. Pre-dialysis characteristics were evaluated in infants receiving regional citrate or heparin anticoagulation. Dialysis duration, filter lifespan, and dialysis-related complications were compared between the two anticoagulation regimens. A total of 27 patients who received CRRT were included in the study. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding gestational age, birth weight, dialysis initiation day, dialysis indications, pre-dialysis organ failure, or dialysis methods employed (p > 0.05). Dialysis-related bleeding, blood product requirements, thermoregulatory disturbances, infections, inotrope requirements, electrolyte imbalances, and metabolic disturbances during dialysis were comparable between the two groups (p > 0.05). A total of 36 dialysis sessions were conducted over 653 h, with a longer filter lifespan in the regional citrate group compared to the heparin group [18 h (10-19 h) vs. 8 h (3-24 h), p = 0.02]. The mortality rates were comparable (p = 0.13). Conclusion: The use of regional citrate as an anticoagulant in neonatal CRRT is a safe and effective alternative to heparin. It prolongs filter lifespan without increasing dialysis-related complications. (Table presented.)