HEMOLYSIS ASSOCIATED WITH CONTINUOUS VENOVENOUS RENAL REPLACEMENT CIRCUITS

Extracorporeal circuits can cause haemolysis resulting in an increase in plasma-free haemoglobin (PFHb). High pressures and clots within the circuit have been identified as factors increasing the likelihood of haemolysis. continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration (CVVHD) is associ ated with high circuit pressures as the pump-driven circuit clots over a period of time. PFHb was measured during CVVHD to determine of circ uit life,maximum circuit pressure or the clotting of the haemofilter w as associated with evidence of haemolysis. Circuit life up to 50 hours , circuit pressures or haemofilter clotting had not significant effect on PFHb. There was a small rise in PFHb in the circuits lasting beyon d 50 hours. CVVHD circuits can be run up to 50 hours without concern f or haemolysis.