枸橼酸抗凝在连续性静脉-静脉血液滤过中的应用

目的研究枸橼酸置换液用于解决高危出血倾向急性肾衰患者行连续性静脉-静脉血液滤过(CVVH)的抗凝问题. 方法选择高危出血倾向急性肾衰患者10例,行CVVH治疗,随机分为A、B两组,A组患者置换液输入速度2 000 ml/h,血流量200 ml/m in;B组患者置换液输入速度4 000 ml/h,血流量250 ml/min.两组患者所用枸橼酸置换液不含钙及镁离子,枸橼酸根浓度分别为13.3 mmol/L和 7 mmol/L,同时通过外周静脉补充钙(A组4 mmol/h,B组5.5 mmo l/h)及镁离子(A组1.3 mmol/h,B组2.4 mmol/h).监测患者治疗前后及治疗中全血活化凝血时间(WBACT)、血清总钙、离子钙水平及酸碱变化,滤器使用时间,治疗中不良反应. 结果10例患者共行CVVH治疗 37次,总治疗时间334.3 h.治疗前后及治疗中血清总钙、离子钙没有大幅度变化 ,置换液输入前WBACT无明显变化,置换液输入后WBACT明显延长,A组比B组更明显(P ＝0.01).治疗后患者碱剩余(BE)及pH无大幅度上升,无碱中毒出现.平均滤器使用时间达[42.99±9.12(30.5～67.6)] h.无出血并发症,无严重不良反应. 结论枸橼酸置换液在CVVH治疗过程中可取得良好局部抗凝效果,对患者全身凝血状态无明显影响,不加重全身出血倾向,无明显副作用.     

枸橼酸抗凝在连续性静脉—静脉血液滤过中的应用

目的 :研究枸橼酸置换液用于解决高危出血倾向急性肾衰患者行连续性静脉 静脉血液滤过 (CVVH)的抗凝问题。　 方法 :选择高危出血倾向急性肾衰患者 1 0例 ,行CVVH治疗 ,随机分为A、B两组 ,A组患者置换液输入速度 2 0 0 0ml/h ,血流量 2 0 0ml/min ;B组患者置换液输入速度 4 0 0 0ml/h ,血流量 2 50ml/min。两组患者所用枸橼酸置换液不含钙及镁离子 ,枸橼酸根浓度分别为 1 3 3mmol/L和 7mmol/L ,同时通过外周静脉补充钙 (A组 :4mmol/h ,B组 :5 5mmol/h)及镁离子 (A组 :1 3mmol/h ,B组 :2 4mmol/h)。监测患者治疗前后及治疗中全血活化凝血时间 (WBACT)、血清总钙、离子钙水平及酸碱变化 ,滤器使用时间 ,治疗中不良反应。　 结果 :1 0例患者共行CVVH治疗 37次 ,总治疗时间 334 3h。治疗前后及治疗中血清总钙、离子钙没有大幅度变化 ,置换液输入前WBACT无明显变化 ,置换液输入后WBACT明显延长 ,A组比B组更明显 (P =0 0 1 )。治疗后患者碱剩余 (BE)及pH无大幅度上升 ,无碱中毒出现。平均滤器使用时间达 [42 99± 9 1 2 (30 5～ 67 6) ]h。无出血并发症 ,无严重不良反应。　 结论 :枸橼酸置换液在CVVH治疗过程中可取得良好局部抗凝效果 ,对患者全身凝血状态无明显影响 ,不加重全身出血倾向 ,无明显副作用     

体外枸橼酸抗凝在不同血液净化方式中的应用效果及其安全性分析

目的 观察体外枸橼酸抗凝技术在不同血液净化方式中的应用效果及其安全性。方法 46例伴有出血倾向患者行血液净化治疗，采用枸橼酸体外抗凝共86例次，根据病情需要分别行血液透析(HD)、透析滤过(HDF)及连续性静脉至静脉血液滤过(CVVH)。监测治疗中活化凝血时间(ACT)、血清离子钙、血钠、二氧化碳结合力的变化、体外循环部分的抗凝效果和有无出血加重的情况。结果 所有患者治疗中体外循环的ACT较治疗前ACT显著延长，治疗后ACT较治疗前ACT无显著变化。HD方式的透析器平均复用5．86次，HDF方式的透析器平均复用5．6次。CVVH连续8小时无凝血情况。无1例出血加重，无枸橼酸引起的高钠及代谢性酸中毒。结论 枸橼酸体外抗凝在HD、HDF和CVVH三种血液净化方式中有良好的体外抗凝效果，不加重患者的出血倾向，无高钠及碱中毒。为当前高危出血患者最佳抗凝方式。     

危重症患者持续静脉静脉血液滤过局部枸橼酸抗凝与全身普通肝素抗凝的比较研究

目的危重症患者进行连续静脉静脉血液滤过(CVVH)时使用局部枸橼酸抗凝和全身普通肝素抗凝有效性和安全性比较。方法回顾性分析2007年8月至2008年2月北京协和医院内科重症监护病房因急性肾功能衰竭接受CVVH治疗的24例危重症患者共行52次CVVH,按抗凝方式分为局部枸橼酸抗凝组(A组,30次)和全身肝素抗凝组(B组,22次)。比较两组滤器寿命,血滤停止的原因以及与两种抗凝方式相关的代谢异常和出血并发症的发生率。结果 A组滤器寿命明显长于B组[57.0(36.0～71.3)h对18.3(7.9～35.5)h,P0.01]。Kaplan-Meier生存曲线显示,两组滤器寿命差异有统计学意义(P0.01)。因凝血导致血滤终止的比例B组为90.9%(20/22),显著高于A组40.0%(12/30)(P=0.001)。危及生命的出血事件和严重的酸碱失衡或电解质紊乱在两组均未发生。结论与全身普通肝素抗凝相比,内科危重症患者进行CVVH时采用局部枸橼酸抗凝,滤器寿命明显延长,并且不增加代谢异常和严重出血事件的风险。     

连续性静脉-静脉血液滤过对急性呼吸窘迫综合征的治疗作用研究

目的探讨应用连续性静脉-静脉血液滤过(CVVH)治疗急性呼吸窘迫综合征(ARDS)的疗效及机制。方法选择2002年5月至2005年11月重庆医科大学附属第一医院急诊ICU住院的76例ARDS患者,在接受常规治疗的同时,行CVVH治疗,每次治疗至少持续24h。CVVH治疗前后监测病情及动脉血气的变化,并测定血中内毒素。结果CVVH治疗后患者气促、发绀等症状明显缓解,低氧血症及酸中毒纠正,急性生理学与慢性健康状况评分(APACHEⅡ)下降。CVVH治疗6h后,血中的内毒素明显下降。结论在用常规治疗方法治疗ARDS的同时行CVVH治疗,有利于低氧血症的纠正和病情的缓解。     

连续性静脉-静脉血液滤过在重症胰腺炎治疗中的价值

目的 观察在传统治疗重症急性胰腺炎(SAP)的同时行连续性静脉-静脉血液滤过(CVVH)的疗效。方法 53例SAP患者在接受传统治疗的同时行CVVH,每次至少持续24h。监测CVVH前后病情及血清淀粉酶、脂肪酶的变化,行动脉血气分析和APACHlE Ⅱ评分,测血中内毒素水平。结果 CVVH治疗后患者心动过速、呼吸窘迫、腹痛、腹胀等症状明显缓解,APACHEⅡ评分明显降低,淀粉酶、脂肪酶、尿素氮、肌酐明显降低,酸中毒、低氧血症纠正。CVVH治疗6h后,血中内毒素水平下降,24h后又恢复至治疗前的水平。53例患者中38例痊愈出院,存活率为71．7％。结论 在传统治疗SAP的同时行CVVH,能提高抢救的成功率,降低病死率。     

局部枸橼酸抗凝在血浆吸附及血浆置换治疗严重肝损害中的有效性及安全性

[目的]评估严重肝功能损害患者行双重血浆分子吸附及血浆置换时采用枸橼酸抗凝的有效性及安全性。[方法]回顾性分析本院37例接受双重血浆分子吸附系统(DPMAS)及血浆置换(PE)治疗的严重肝功能异常患者的一般资料,治疗前后的实验室指标的变化。[结果]本研究共纳入21例患者(男20例、女1例)接受42次DPMAS+PE治疗,MELD评分平均为26.42。总钙(Catot)与上游离钙(Caion)的比值(Catot/Caion)≥2.5判定为枸橼酸蓄积,18例(42.86%)出现枸橼酸蓄积表现。所有患者均顺利完成治疗,治疗结束后无代谢性酸中毒出现,21.43%患者出现碱中毒(pH>7.5)表现。肝功能损害患者MELD评分≥26.98、INR≥1.91预示着患者有更大可能发生枸橼酸蓄积,敏感度分别是61%、67%,特异性分别是75%、67%。[结论]严重肝功能损害患者行血浆吸附加血浆置换时采用枸橼酸抗凝是可行和安全的,但在治疗过程中需要密切监测患者电解质及代谢情况。对于MELD评分和INR明显升高的患者,需要谨慎选择枸橼酸抗凝治疗。     

无肝素抗凝技术在连续性静脉-静脉血液滤过中的应用

目的对连续性静脉-静脉血液滤过治疗过程中无肝素抗凝技术进行综合评价。方法2005年1月至4月对四川大学华西医院的42例危重患者行连续性静脉-静脉血液滤过(CVVH)治疗,其中高危出血患者19例采用无肝素技术抗凝,设为观察组;23例采用低分子肝素抗凝,设为对照组(其中3例因故改用无肝素抗凝)。两组置换液速度均为3000mL/h,持续时间12h/d,碳酸氢盐置换液前稀释方式输入。计算溶质下降率,治疗前后检测电解质、酸碱指标、凝血指标;记录心率、平均动脉压、跨膜压及滤器寿命。结果两组治疗后血尿素氮、肌酐均显著下降,但组间比较溶质下降率差异并无显著性意义(P>0.05),对照组活化部分凝血时间(APTT)显著延长(P<0.05)。观察组跨膜压在7h明显升高,而对照组在9h明显升高;观察组滤器的平均寿命短于对照组(P<0.05)。结论CVVH中应用无肝素抗凝技术同样高效、稳定、安全,对于高危出血患者,是保障CVVH治疗持续进行的重要措施。     

连续性静-静脉血液滤过应用于肝肾综合征的护理

目的研究连续性静-静脉血液滤过(continuous veno-venous hemofiltration,CVVH)应用于肝肾综合征(hepatorenal syndrome,HRS)的疗效和护理措施。方法 108例HRS患者行CVVH治疗,观察治疗前后患者水电解质、酸碱平衡、肾功能的变化,并探讨治疗中的护理经验。结果 CVVH治疗后,血K+、CRE、BUN、UA、CO2-CP等指标明显改善,严重电解质紊乱、代谢性酸中毒等并发症得以纠正。结论 CVVH能有效改善HRS患者的肾功能,纠正电解质紊乱及酸中毒,稳定内环境。在CVVH治疗过程中,采用科学的护理方法,能有效提高患者的生存率。     

局部枸橼酸联合小剂量低分子肝素抗凝在连续性肾脏替代治疗中的应用

目的:通过单中心随机、对照、前瞻性临床研究比较局部枸橼酸、低分子肝素( LMWH)、局部枸橼酸联合小剂量LMWH三种抗凝方法在连续性静脉-静脉血液滤过(CVVH)中的疗效及安全性.方法:将2010年11月至2011年9月期问南京军区南京总医院住院行CVVH(预计≥30h)、无抗凝禁忌的危重症患者根据抗凝方式不同,随机分成局部枸橼酸组(A组)、LMWH组(B组)、局部枸橼酸联合小剂量LMWH组(C组).滤器使用时间≤8h、临床需要或明显抗凝相关并发症出现时需更换抗凝方案.主要观察终点为滤器使用寿命,同时观察血红蛋白(Hb)、血小板计数(PLT)、凝血指标、治疗前后血气的变化及出血发生情况.结果:共入组57例患者,其中A及C组各有2例未完成观察,余53例纳入分析,其中男性36例(67.9％),女性17例(32.1％),A、B及C组各有15、19及19例;3组滤器使用寿命分别是(21.22±13.49)h,(25.l±23.97)h,(40.35±30.88)h(P＜0 01).治疗过程中共8例患者因抗凝效果不满意更改抗凝方式,其中A组及B组各3例(20％,15.8％)改为C组即枸橼酸联合小剂量LMWH抗凝(P＞0.05),C组2例(10.5％)增加LMWH剂量;7例因血气分析结果异常更改抗凝方式,分别为A组3例(20％)、C组4例(21.1％),均停用枸橼酸抗凝(P＞0.05),改为碳酸氢盐置换液;4例因出血原因更改抗凝方式的患者均在B组(21％)(P＜0.05).观察过程中A、B、C三组出现Hb、PLT下降达30％以上(三组间P＞0.05).出血观察:仅B组2例(10.5％)(P＞0.05)患者引流液观察到出血.,三组患者CVVH的治疗时间、住院天数、ICU时间、放弃或死亡的比例均无统计学差异(P＞0 05).结论:枸橼酸联合小剂量LMWH抗凝与单用枸橼酸和LMWH抗凝比较,能显著延长滤器使用寿命,而出血相关不良反应并无明显增加.     

Regional citrate anticoagulation reduces polymorphonuclear cell degranulation in critically ill patients treated with continuous venovenous hemofiltration

Citrate which chelates ionized calcium can be used as regional anticoagulation in continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH). This is the first study conducted to examine the potentially additive benefit effect of regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) on polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell degranulation of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and cytokines production in patients with critically acute kidney injury (AKI) undergoing CVVH treatment. This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted in 20 critically ill patients with AKI who underwent CVVH. The patients were randomized into regional citrate group (n=10) and heparin group (n=10). The pre-dilution CVVH with polyethersulfone dialyzers were utilized in both groups. The levels of pre-filter and post-filter MPO as well as inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines were measured at baseline, 6h, and 24 h after initiating CVVH. In the heparin group, the post-filter serum MPO levels were significantly higher than the pre-filter (median 49.0 vs. 60.5 ng/mL, P<0.05) at 6 h. There were no significant differences between pre- and post-dialyzer MPO levels in the citrate group. Citrate could significantly decrease systemic pre-filter serum MPO levels from baseline at 6 h (median 43.5 vs. 17.3 ng/mL, P<0.01) as well as IL-8 levels (P<0.05) whereas heparin provided only significant TNF-α reduction (P<0.05). The CVVH circuit survival in the citrate group was longer than the heparin group. In conclusion, citrate, utilized as a regional anticoagulant in CVVH, can reduce both membrane bioincompatibility-induced and systemic oxidative stress and inflammation, and can prolong CVVH circuit survival time.     

Regional Citrate Anticoagulation in Predilution Continuous Venovenous Hemofiltration Using Prismocitrate 10/2 Solution

Regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is associated with a longer filter life and fewer bleeding events. Complexity of the regimen is the major hurdle preventing widespread application. This study describes a simple predilution continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) protocol utilizing a commercially prepared replacement solution containing citrate (Prismocitrate 10/2). Ten patients with acute renal failure were evaluated. The Prismaflex system was used for predilution CVVH, with Prismocitrate 10/2 running at 2500 mL/h as the main predilution replacement. An 8.4% sodium bicarbonate solution was infused at 50 mL/h in the first 2 h followed by 30 mL/h; 10% calcium gluconate was given to achieve an ionized calcium (iCa) level of 1–1.2 mmol/L. The circuit was run for 72 h unless there was filter clotting, transportation was required, or the patient did not require further CRRT. Total treatment duration was 504.5 h. The post‐dilution equivalent ultrafiltration rate was 32.9 mL/kg/h (interquartile range [IQR] 31.6–38.2) and the median circuit life was 50.3 h (IQR 25.5–72.0). None of the circuit was changed due to circuit clotting. The median systemic iCa was 0.98 mmol/L (IQR 0.91–1.08). The total calcium‐to‐iCa ratio was 2.33 (IQR 2.21–2.45). None of the patients developed hypernatremia (Na ≥ 150 mmol/L) or citrate toxicity (total Ca‐to‐iCa ratio > 2.5 plus increasing metabolic acidosis), and metabolic alkalosis (pH ≥ 7.5) occurred in one patient. This simple RCA CVVH protocol using commercially‐prepared solution could be a feasible, relatively safe, and effective alternative to the conventional regimen for patients with a body weight up to 80 kg.     

Regional citrate anticoagulation during hemodialysis: a simplified procedure using Duocart biofiltration

BACKGROUND: Regional citrate anticoagulation during hemodialysis is promising, but its clinical implementation is routinely cumbersome because a continuous adjustment of calcium infusion at the dialyzer outlet is needed. Duocart biofiltration (DCB) is a new hemodialysis method using a calcium and magnesium-free dialysate containing only sodium chloride and bicarbonate combined with the infusion into the venous line of a solution containing the ionic complement (K, Ca, Mg) and glucose. Since the dialysate is calcium- and magnesium-free and infusion rate of the solution containing calcium is automatically determined by the dialysis delivery system according to the on-line measured value of ionic dialysance, DCB seems a technique especially suitable for citrate anticoagulation procedure. METHODS: Thirty DCB sessions were performed in 10 patients with increased risk of bleeding. A commercially available mixture of trisodium citrate, citric acid and glucose was infused into the arterial line at a rate equal to 3% of dialyzer blood flow. The ionic complement (K: 48 mM, Ca: 42 mM, Mg: 14 mM, glucose: 110 mM) was infused at a rate equal to 1/24 ionic dialysance value automatically determined each 15 min by the dialysis monitor. DCB sessions were compared to 21 conventional bicarbonate hemodialysis (BHD) sessions with low-molecular-weight heparin anticoagulation. RESULTS: Whole blood activated clotting time (WBACT) measured in the venous line (before infusion of ionic complement) was 200% of the WBACT value in the arterial line. Clotting and citrate-related adverse events were not observed. Postdialysis compression time of the arteriovenous access is significantly (p<0.001) shorter after DCB sessions (3.9+/-1.1 min) compared with BHD sessions (8.7+/-4.6 min). CONCLUSION: Citrate anticoagulation during Duocart biofiltration is effective, safe and suitable for routine use because calcium infusion rate is automatically adjusted without the need of monitoring degree of anticoagulation and level of ionized calcium.     

Regional citrate anticoagulation in critically ill patients treated with plasma filtration and adsorption

BACKGROUND: In high-risk bleeding conditions conventional systemic anticoagulation with heparin is a contraindication to renal replacement therapy. We evaluate the feasibility and safety of regional citrate anticoagulation in high-risk bleeding conditions during coupled plasma filtration adsorption (CPFA). METHODS:Thirteen critically ill patients (9 severely burned, 4 polytraumas) with septic shock and acute renal failure treated with CPFA-CVVHD by using bicarbonate-based solutions (heparin-CPFA group, 58 sessions) or with CPFA-CVVHF using citrate (citrate-CPFA group, 36 sessions). RESULTS: Plasma flow and used cartridges showed no differences between the citrate-CPFA and heparin-CPFA groups, while lost clotted cartridges were significantly lower in the citrate-CPFA group. Blood ionized calcium (iCa2+), Ca2+ infusion, pH and bicarbonates remained constant during citrate-CPFA, with no difference between pre- and post-cartridge plasma citrate. A significant positive correlation between iCa2+ in blood and ultrafiltrate was present. CONCLUSIONS: These suits demonstrate the feasibility and safety of regional citrate anticoagulation in severely burned and polytrauma septic patients treated by CPFA.     

Comparison of Citrate Anticoagulation During Plasma Exchange With Different Replacement Solutions

The aim of our retrospective study was to compare the application of regional citrate anticoagulation and citrate‐related side‐effects in plasma exchange (PE) with different replacement solutions. We included 35 patients treated with PE with regional citrate anticoagulation and divided them into three groups according to the replacement solution used: human albumin (HA) group (40 PE treatments), fresh frozen plasma (FFP) group (86 PE treatments), or a combination of the two (63 PE treatments). The citrate anticoagulation parameters, ionized calcium and metabolic consequences of citrate were compared. The blood flow and citrate infusion rates were similar in all groups. To maintain comparable values of ionized calcium during PE, significantly more calcium was replaced in the combination group (7.6 ± 1.3 vs. 6.2 ± 2.7 mL/h, P < 0.001) and even more in the FFP group (10.8 ± 1.7 vs. 6.2 ± 2.7 mL/h, P < 0.001) as compared to the HA group. The pH increased significantly and comparably in all groups, but the increase in bicarbonate was significantly higher in the FFP group (4.4 ± 3.0 vs. 2.6 ± 2.1 mmol/L, P = 0.01). A short, heparin‐free hemodialysis session was performed after the PE treatment, because of significant metabolic alkalosis (mainly with pH ≥ 7.5), significantly more often in the FFP group (14/86 PE, P < 0.01) as compared to the HA group (0/40), and only rarely in the combination group (2/63). To conclude, when FFP is used as a replacement solution during PE with citrate anticoagulation, significantly more calcium needs to be replaced and the increase in bicarbonate is greater during PE. The additional citrate contained in FFP, combined with frequent PE treatments, often causes significant metabolic alkalosis, which can be efficiently corrected with a short heparin‐free hemodialysis.     

Regional citrate anticoagulation: towards a first-choice treatment

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is the most widely used technique for the treatment of severe acute kidney injury in the critically ill. The need for prolonged anticoagulation is the most important drawback of CRRT and clinically important bleeding significantly increases the risk of death. Therefore, alternative anticoagulation methods should be more widely adopted. Among the potential alternatives to systemic heparin anticoagulation, regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) is the most promising. By reducing ionized calcium inside the extracorporeal circuit, citrate is able to block the coagulation cascade at different levels. Compared with unfractionated heparin, several studies reported better filter survival times and a marked reduction of transfusion rates with RCA. Despite the positive reports about the efficacy and safety of RCA, the use of this alternative method of anticoagulation appears to be relatively limited. Desirable future improvements in RCA should be focused on simplifying protocols, minimizing the need for calcium and magnesium supplementation, increasing the flexibility of buffer balance, and introducing customized dialysis systems able to deliver automated RCA. In particular, safe protocols with automated delivery of citrate and calcium can allow easy parameter settings that can be adapted to a wide range of clinical situations, facilitating the wider use of RCA in the coming years.     

Citrate anticoagulation for single-needle hemodialysis: safety and efficacy

Single-needle hemodialysis can be the only option in some patients and requires full heparinization. The aim of our retrospective clinical study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of regional citrate anticoagulation for single-needle hemodialysis. Citrate anticoagulation was performed during 41 single-needle hemodialysis procedures in 24 patients at risk of bleeding, using 4% trisodium citrate, 1 M CaCl2 and calcium-free dialysate. Safety was assessed by the percentage of procedures that were terminated prematurely or changed to another modality due to citrate-related complications and by incidence of important hypocalcemia. Efficacy was evaluated by visually assessing clot formation in the circuit. Five per cent of the procedures were terminated prematurely. Important hypocalcemia was recorded in 34% of the procedures. Anticoagulation was suboptimal in 17% of the procedures, but none of the systems clotted. The median dialyzer assessment grade was excellent. The average protocol parameters were: blood flow 244 +/- 27 mL/min, starting rate of citrate 191 +/- 19 mL/h, starting rate of calcium 6.7 +/- 1.1 mL/h. In the first hour, ionized calcium decreased in 67% of the procedures by 0.08 +/- 0.05 mmol/L. During the entire procedure, ionized calcium decreased in 80% of the cases by 0.17 +/- 0.09 mmol/L. There was a significant, but small increase in sodium (135 +/- 4 vs 137 +/- 4 mmol/L) and no increase in bicarbonate. Citrate anticoagulation during single-needle hemodialysis, according to our protocol, is safe and effective. Close monitoring of ionized calcium is mandatory. The calcium infusion rate should frequently be increased to correct hypocalcemia. The increased starting rate of calcium should be evaluated.     

Regional Citrate Anticoagulation for High Volume Continuous Venovenous Hemodialysis in Surgical Patients With High Bleeding Risk

Acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy occurs in up to 10% of all intensive care unit patients. Those who are hemodynamically unstable are often treated with continuous renal replacement therapy requiring continuous anticoagulation of the extracorporeal circuit. This is usually achieved by infusion of unfractionated heparin, which subsequently increases the risk of bleeding. To avoid systemic anticoagulation for continuous renal replacement therapy, regional anticoagulation with citrate has been introduced. We studied safety and efficacy of regional citrate anticoagulation for continuous venovenous hemodialysis in surgical patients requiring high dialysis doses. This was an observational prospective study in a 40‐bed surgical intensive care unit at a university hospital. During a 12‐month study period, all consecutive critically ill patients with high risk of bleeding requiring continuous renal replacement therapy continuous renal replacement therapy were treated with citrate anticoagulation for continuous venovenous hemodialysis. Prescribed dialysis dose was 45 mL/kg per h with a 10% increase for expected downtime. We studied filter lifetime, delivered dialysis dose, control of acid–base status, bleeding episodes, and adverse effects, that is, citrate intolerance. The total number of filters analyzed in 75 patients was 100. Mean (± standard deviation) filter running time was 78 ± 25 h. Fifty‐one circuits had to be renewed because of extended filter running time (96 ± 18 h), 33 discontinued for reasons not related to renal replacement therapy (62 ± 19 h), and 13 due to filter clotting (58 ± 18 h). The mean dialysis dose during the first 72 h was 49 ± 14 mL/kg per h. Overall, acid–base status after 72 h was well controlled in 62% of patients, metabolic alkalosis (pH > 7.45) occurred in 29%, and metabolic acidosis (pH < 7.35) in 9%. In one patient, treatment was stopped because of citrate accumulation. Citrate intoxication or overt bleeding episodes were not observed. Regional citrate anticoagulation for continuous venovenous hemodialysis is a safe and effective method to deliver a high dialysis dose in critically ill patients with a high risk of bleeding. Filter patency was excellent, acid–base status was well controlled, and clinically relevant adverse effects were not observed. Therefore, citrate anticoagulated continuous venovenous hemodialysis is a useful treatment option for patients with acute kidney injury requiring high dialysis doses and at risk of bleeding.