Regional citrate anticoagulation versus low molecular weight heparin for CRRT in hyperlactatemia patients: A retrospective case-control study

Introduction: There were controversial opinions on the use of regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) versus low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in hyperlactatemia patients, which was considered as one of the contraindications of citrate. The aim of our present study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RCA versus LMWH for CRRT in hyperlactatemia patients. Methods: Adult patients with hyperlactatemia who underwent RCA or LMWH CRRT in our center between January 2014 and March 2018 were retrospectively recruited. Filter lifespan, ultrafiltration, purification, bleeding, citrate accumulation, filter clot, and the infusion of blood production were evaluated as endpoints. Results: Of the 127 patients included in the original cohort, 81 and 46 accepted RCA and LMWH CRRT, respectively. The filter lifespan was significantly prolonged in the RCA group compared to the LMWH group (44.25 h [2 -83] vs. 24 h [4 -67], p < 0.001). The accumulated filter survival proportions were significantly improved in the RCA group compared to the LMWH group in the original cohort (p < 0.001) as well as the matched group (p < 0.001). The filters clotted more frequently in the LMWH group than in the RCA group in both of the original (52.2% vs 26.8%, p = 0.001) and matched cohort (58.6% vs 19.4%, p = 0.001). The bleeding complication was significantly reduced in the RCA group than in the LMWH group in the matched cohort (28.6% vs 4.5%, p = 0.04). Conclusion: In critically ill patients with hyperlactatemia requiring CRRT, RCA is superior to LMWH in terms of filter lifespan and bleeding risk without significantly increased risk of citrate accumulation and citrate related metabolic complications. RCA most likely is a safe and effective anticoagulation method for CRRT in patients with hyperlactatemia.