A quick reference guide to haemofiltration and renal failure March ...

The ability to modify replacement fluid (for CVVH) and dialysate
(for CVVHD) in order to change plasma composition is one of the
major advantages of CRRT. For instance, the concentration of
ions such as potassium can be manipulated and the concentration
of bicarbonate can be varied to correct a metabolic acidosis (Mehta
2002:344).
The composition of the replacement fluid or dialysate is most
commonly a standard solution with predetermined concentrations
of base (usually lactate) and ions, however, there may be
occasions where customising the solutions proves beneficial.
(Mehta 2002:344).
Since high serum potassium is common in acute renal failure, such
commercially prepared solutions are low in this ion, and so it may
be necessary to add this to the replacement fluid.
Lactate is used as a buffer in prepared solutions, and is stable in
this environment. Solutions containing lactate are suitable for use
in most patients, but in the critically ill patient who may have
difficulty clearing lactate, as with liver failure, a bicarbonate
solution may be necessary.
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