Factors affecting filter lifespan in patients receiving continuous renal replacement therapy at a tertiary hospital in South Korea: a cross-sectional descriptive study

Purpose: Although multiple factors influencing filter lifespan during continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) have been identified, the impact of alarm management remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate factors affecting filter lifespan during CRRT, with particular focus on alarm management variables. Methods: Data were collected from 114 filters used in 57 patients who underwent CRRT at a university hospital in Korea. Patient factors included hematologic parameters; CRRT prescription factors encompassed set-up parameters; and catheter-related factors included catheter type and location. Alarm management factors were defined as the frequency and duration of alarm occurrences per unit of filter operating time. Their influence on filter lifespan was analyzed. Results: The mean filter lifespan was 31.38 hours. Hematocrit (p = .007), alarm duration (p < .001), and maximum alarm duration (p < .001) were negatively correlated with filter lifespan, whereas CRRT prescription and catheter-related factors showed no significant associations. Multiple regression analysis identified lower hematocrit (p = .026) and shorter alarm duration (p < .001) as significant predictors of longer filter lifespan. Conclusion: Alarm duration was the most influential factor affecting filter lifespan, providing empirical evidence of the crucial role nurses play in effective alarm management during CRRT.