Continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration using bicarbonate dialysate

We report our experience with 11 children treated by continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration. The median age was 5.0 years (range 3 days to 14 years). Access was via dual-lumen subclavian or femoral vein catheters. Hemofilters were chosen on the basis of patient size and dialysis requirements. Bicarbonate-buffered dialysis solution was prepared shortly before use by supplementation of a specially prepared base solution with commercially available electrolyte solutions. The mean ultrafiltration rate was 37.4±27 ml/kg body weight per hour. Urea and creatinine clearances were 15.1±6.4 ml/kg body weight per min and 16.4±8.4 ml/kg body weight per min, respectively. Metabolic acidosis was readily controlled in all patients. Of the 11 patients, 7 ultimately recovered normal renal function. Received August 3, 1995; received in revised form February 19, 1997; accepted March 13, 1997