[Use of continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration in diuretic-resistant hypervolemia and electrolyte disorders].

CAVH was carried out in 10 olig/anuric children with diuretic resistant hypervolemia. In addition, three children had hypercalcemia and one child hypernatremia. All but one needed artificial ventilation for pulmonary edema and positive inotropic cardiac support. Mean duration of CAVH for correction of fluid- and electrolyte imbalance was 51.5 hours (range 20-144 hours). The mean fluid removal of 1715 +/- 1479 (SD) ml decreased mean body weight from 21.4 +/- 18.9 (SD) kg to 19.2 +/- 17.0 (SD) kg. The electrolyte disorders were corrected within 18-24 hours. After correction of fluid overload and electrolyte imbalance 7 children could be extubated and cardiac support could be stopped. Two children died because of multiple organ system failure. CAVH was well tolerated by all children, no hemofiltration related complications occurred. CAVH is an effective and safe extracorporal renal replacement therapy system to correct fluid- and electrolyte imbalances in critically ill children. It can be installed easily and quickly, can be performed in every pediatric intensive care unit and is well tolerated even by small children.