Pitt Pediatrics congratulations Dana Y. Fuhrman, DO, MS, for her recent publication in Pediatric Nephrology titled, "Current practices in pediatric continuous kidney replacement therapy: a systematic review-guided multinational modified Delphi consensus study." 
This study, in which Fuhrman is lead author, and joined by colleagues Katja M. Gist, DO, MSc, from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and Ayse Akcan-Arikan, MD, from Texas Children’s Hospital, was designed to examine ongoing practices in pediatric continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT) and to collaborate on developing a consensus for its continuing best practices. Future areas of investigation that may help for refinements and improvements in the use of this therapy in pediatric populations were also explored.
CKRT is generally used as an alternative treatment to standard hemodialysis for patients suffering acute kidney-related injury and related issues. The analysis uncovered significant consensus across worldwide institutions in many aspects of the use of CKRT in pediatric patients. However, in the areas of anticoagulation monitoring and quality of treatment, the was less agreement among the expert panel on optimal clinical care parameters.
The clinical implications of these findings are significant. The study highlights the ongoing need for standardization of CKRT practices in pediatric patients, as well as the need for further research to clarify areas of disagreement and to develop evidence-based guidelines for CKRT use in pediatric patients. Read the initial release from UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh to learn more.