Self-Limited Dehydration during Continuous A-V Hemofiltration

Abstract

Continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration is a new technique in which fluid and solutes can be removed from the body by means of ultrafiltration generated only by the arteriovenous gradient. No machinery or specialized staff are required.Very small forces are operating in the system, making the kinetics of ultrafiltration different from any other extracorporeal circulation. Factors generally negligible – as protein concentration – play an important role in the ultrafiltrate production. A study of a patient in a condition of marked dehydration and, subsequently, with reinfusion fluid shows that even in the absence of adequate monitoring or care, the dehydration can be self-limited and may avoid dangerous complications.