Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT)

Overview

Types

• Dialysis

  • Haemodialysis

  • Peritoneal

• Renal Transplant

Indications

• Refractory hyperkalaemia

• Refractory fluid overload

• Uraemic encephalopathy

• Refractory acidosis

RRT should be considered in patients with a eGFR < 15, however it is not an indication. 

Uraemic encephalopathy

• Pericardial rub can be a sign of uraemic pericarditis

Downsides

Cautions, contraindications

Complications

• arterial and venous clots

Dialysis dependent bleeding: fibrinogen better than PT or APTT

Renal Reg Notes

• HbA1c falsely low in dialysis due to reduced RBC half life

References & Resources

Written in 2025