Many kidney patients are curious: even though they can easily get regular dialysis as outpatients, doctors sometimes recommend hospitalization for CRRT. What exactly is the difference between CRRT and conventional dialysis?
First, let's look at the treatment duration:
Conventional dialysis usually takes about 4 hours per session, 2 to 3 times a week. CRRT, on the other hand, can run continuously for over 24 hours or even longer.
Next, the treatment speed:
Conventional dialysis clears toxins and excess fluid at a faster rate, which may cause discomforts such as low blood pressure or muscle cramps. CRRT uses a slow and continuous approach, making it much better tolerated by patients.
Finally, the target patients:
Conventional dialysis is suitable for chronic kidney failure patients whose condition is relatively stable. CRRT is more commonly used for critically ill patients with hemodynamic instability, such as those with severe infections, shock, or heart failure complicated by kidney injury.
In clinical practice, doctors will choose the most appropriate treatment based on the patient's specific condition, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes.