Continuous veno-venous haemofiltration in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis: 6-year experience

Background. Continuous veno-venous haemofiltration (CVVH) could be reasonable for attenuation of systemic complications in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). The aim of the study was implementation and feasibility assessment of the CVVH in the treatment protocol of SAP. Patients and methods. CVVH was applied to 111 SAP patients during 2000–2005. APACHE II, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), serum lipase, C-reactive protein (CRP), complication rate and main outcomes were analysed comparing two periods. Results. Overall, 39 patients corresponded to Balthazar grade E SAP and 72 patients to necrotizing SAP (NSAP), with an average APACHE II score of 7 and 8.5, respectively, on admission. CVVH was started within 48 h in 82% of patients. Duration of CVVH was significantly augmented in NSAP patients during the routine period, comprising 92 h (p=0.006). The clinical presentation of SIRS and MODS was similar in both periods, with more initial pulmonary dysfunctions in NSAP (p=0.048). Peripancreatic infection decreased in the routine period; surgical interventions were performed in 34.8% vs 72.4% of patients. Hospital stay comprised on average 15.9 days for grade E SAP and 29.4 days for NSAP in the routine period, with overall mortality of 10.26% and 30.5%, respectively. Discussion. Application of CVVH in the treatment protocol of SAP is obscure due to relative invasiveness, a poorly understood mechanism of action and scarce clinical experience. We conclude that early pre-emptive application of CVVH is safe and feasible in the treatment of SAP. Duration of the procedure seems to be essential. Randomized clinical trials are justified. Our results are in favour of clinical application of CVVH in the treatment of SAP.