Limiting the gamble: Risk and predictability for renal replacement therapy in patients receiving mechanical circulatory support

The incidence of RRT was high in this patient population. The novel associations in patients requiring MCS who have received prior immunologic therapy or have pre-existing pacemaker/ICDs suggest that an increased systemic inflammatory state exists that escalates the need for RRT. Unfractionated heparin appears to provide minimal protection from the need for RRT in patients requiring MCS. These findings suggest that other options for systemic anticoagulation in patients requiring MCS should be considered. Further investigation into how these background inflammatory conditions contribute to the need for RRT in patients requiring MCS is warranted.