Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Critical Care Medicine · Procedure
Continuous, 24 hours a day for days
Duration
Inpatient
Setting
Treatment continues until kidney function recovers sufficiently or the patient stabilises enough to switch to intermittent haemodialysis. Kidney function is monitored daily through blood tests to track recovery, which can take days to several weeks depending on the severity of the initial injury. Some patients with severe or pre-existing kidney disease may transition to long-term dialysis if kidney function does not recover.
Recovery
₹15,000+
Cost
📖About Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Continuous renal replacement therapy is a slow, continuous form of dialysis used in critically ill patients with acute kidney failure who are too haemodynamically unstable to tolerate standard intermittent haemodialysis. Blood is continuously filtered through a machine that removes excess fluid, waste products, and toxins, then returns the cleaned blood to the patient over 24 hours a day. This gentler, continuous approach avoids the rapid fluid and electrolyte shifts of conventional dialysis, making it better tolerated by unstable intensive care patients. It is typically used as a bridge until kidney function recovers or a more stable dialysis modality can be started.
Duration
Continuous, 24 hours a day for days
Setting
Inpatient
Recovery
Treatment continues until kidney function recovers sufficiently or the patient stabilises enough to switch to intermittent haemodialysis. Kidney function is monitored daily through blood tests to track recovery, which can take days to several weeks depending on the severity of the initial injury. Some patients with severe or pre-existing kidney disease may transition to long-term dialysis if kidney function does not recover.
Cost Range
₹15,000 – ₹40,000 per day
Specialty
Critical Care Medicine
Success Rate
Effective for supporting kidney function in critical illness
Hospital Admission Required
This treatment requires hospital admission. Plan for time off work and arrange home support for your recovery period. Duration of stay depends on your response to treatment.
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📋Indications — Who Needs This Treatment?
- 1Acute kidney injury with haemodynamic instability, severe fluid overload, life-threatening electrolyte imbalances, multi-organ failure, drug or toxin removal in unstable patients
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🔬How the Treatment is Performed
- 1A large central venous catheter with two lumens is inserted to allow blood to be continuously withdrawn, passed through the dialysis filter, and returned to the patient. The machine is programmed with specific fluid removal rates and dialysate flow based on the patient's fluid balance and electrolyte needs, with anticoagulation used to prevent the circuit from clotting. The critical care team continuously monitors electrolytes, fluid balance, and the circuit itself, adjusting settings as needed throughout treatment.
📝Pre-Treatment Preparation
- 1Consult a Critical Care Medicine specialist to confirm suitability for Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
- 2Complete all pre-treatment investigations as directed — blood tests, imaging, ECG, or specialist clearance
- 3Disclose all current medications, supplements, and allergies to your treating physician
- 4Fast (nil by mouth) for 6–8 hours if the treatment involves anaesthesia or sedation
- 5Arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you, especially for procedures requiring sedation
- 6Follow all specific pre-treatment instructions issued by your care team regarding diet or medication changes
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Comprehensive health cover for individuals & families from ₹299/month. Cashless treatment at 14,000+ hospitals across India.
⚠️Possible Side Effects & Risks
- 1Bleeding from anticoagulation, low blood pressure, catheter-related infection, electrolyte imbalance, circuit clotting requiring filter replacement, temperature loss from extracorporeal blood flow
🩹Recovery & Aftercare
- 1Treatment continues until kidney function recovers sufficiently or the patient stabilises enough to switch to intermittent haemodialysis. Kidney function is monitored daily through blood tests to track recovery, which can take days to several weeks depending on the severity of the initial injury. Some patients with severe or pre-existing kidney disease may transition to long-term dialysis if kidney function does not recover.
Treatment Journey — What to Expect
Before Treatment
Pre-treatment workup, consent signing, and preparation as instructed by your care team. Baseline tests and imaging completed.
During Treatment
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy is administered over Continuous, 24 hours a day for days. Vital signs monitored. Your specialist manages any immediate side effects.
Immediate Post-Treatment
Recovery observation, assessment of initial response, discharge instructions provided. Follow-up appointment scheduled.
Long-term Recovery (Treatment continues until kidney function recovers sufficiently or the patient stabilises enough to switch to intermittent haemodialysis. Kidney function is monitored daily through blood tests to track recovery, which can take days to several weeks depending on the severity of the initial injury. Some patients with severe or pre-existing kidney disease may transition to long-term dialysis if kidney function does not recover.)
Return to normal activities as tolerated. Monitoring for treatment response and side effects. Ongoing support from your specialist.
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy Cost in India (2024–25)
| Component | Govt / Budget | Private |
|---|---|---|
| Specialist Consultation | ₹300 – ₹800 | ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 |
| Procedure / Session Cost | ₹2,000 – ₹10,000 | ₹10,000 – ₹50,000 |
| Medications | ₹500 – ₹3,000 | ₹2,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Follow-up & Monitoring | ₹300 – ₹1,000 | ₹1,000 – ₹5,000 |
| Rehabilitation / Aftercare | ₹1,000 – ₹5,000 | ₹5,000 – ₹25,000 |
* Estimates for India 2024–25. CGHS / Ayushman Bharat may cover eligible treatments. Individual costs vary by hospital, city, and complexity.
Treatment Outcomes
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy has a documented success rate of Effective for supporting kidney function in critical illness when performed by qualified specialists at accredited facilities. Individual outcomes vary based on disease stage, patient health, and adherence to the treatment plan and aftercare instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy?+
Continuous renal replacement therapy is a slow, continuous form of dialysis used in critically ill patients with acute kidney failure who are too haemodynamically unstable to tolerate standard intermittent haemodialysis. Blood is continuously filtered through a machine that removes excess fluid, waste products, and toxins, then returns the cleaned blood to the patient over 24 hours a day. This gentler, continuous approach avoids the rapid fluid and electrolyte shifts of conventional dialysis, making it better tolerated by unstable intensive care patients. It is typically used as a bridge until kidney function recovers or a more stable dialysis modality can be started.
Who is a candidate for Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy?+
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy is recommended for patients diagnosed with specific conditions where other approaches have been insufficient. Your Critical Care Medicine specialist will assess your suitability based on your diagnosis, health history, and treatment goals.
How long does Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy take?+
The typical duration is Continuous, 24 hours a day for days. This may vary based on the complexity of your case and individual response to treatment.
What is the recovery time after Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy?+
Recovery typically takes Treatment continues until kidney function recovers sufficiently or the patient stabilises enough to switch to intermittent haemodialysis. Kidney function is monitored daily through blood tests to track recovery, which can take days to several weeks depending on the severity of the initial injury. Some patients with severe or pre-existing kidney disease may transition to long-term dialysis if kidney function does not recover.. Your care team will provide specific instructions based on your response and overall health.
What are the risks or side effects of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy?+
Side effects vary by individual and are detailed in the section above. Your specialist will discuss all risks and benefits with you before treatment begins. Serious adverse effects are uncommon but are part of the informed consent process.
What is the success rate of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy?+
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy has a documented success rate of Effective for supporting kidney function in critical illness at accredited facilities. Outcomes depend on disease stage, patient health, and adherence to the treatment plan and aftercare instructions.
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⚕️ Medical Disclaimer
This page is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified specialist before deciding on any treatment. In emergencies, call 112.