Early experience of using regional citrate anticoagulation for continuous renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients in a resource‐limited setting

Aim Despite the superiority of regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) in continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), its application is limited in resource‐limited settings. We aim to explore the cost and safety of RCA for CRRT in critically ill patients, compared to usual care. Methods This prospective observational study included patients requiring CRRT in a tertiary intensive care unit (ICU) from February 2022 to January 2023. They were classified to either the RCA or usual care groups based on the anticoagulation technique chosen by the treating physician, considering contraindications. The CRRT prescription follows the institutional protocol. All relevant data were obtained from the ICU CRRT‐RCA charts and electronic medical records. A cost analysis was performed. Results A total of 54 patients (27 per group) were included, with no demographic differences. Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score and lactate levels were significantly higher in the usual care group. The number of filters used were comparable (p = .108). The median filter duration in the RCA group was numerically longer (35.00 [15.50–56.00] vs. 23.00 [17.00–29.00] h), but not statistically significant (p = .253). The duration of mechanical ventilation, vasopressor requirement, and mortality were similar, but the RCA group had a significantly longer ICU stay. The rate of adverse events was similar, with four severe metabolic alkalosis cases in the RCA group. The RCA group had higher total cost per patient per day (USD 611 vs. 408; p = .013). Conclusion In this resource‐limited setting, RCA for CRRT appeared safe and had clinically longer filter lifespan compared with usual care, albeit the increased cost. Summary at a glance While regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) is recommended for continuous renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients, its application is limited by complexity and cost considerations. In this study, RCA appeared safe and had prolonged filter lifespan. However, higher treatment cost incurred suggests the need for further research on cost‐effective strategies for RCA adoption in resource‐limited settings.