Clinical intensive care : international journal of critical & coronary care medicine
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The principles and problems of extracorporeal respiratory support (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal) are reviewed. The recent development of intravenous oxygenation (IVOX) is noted and compared with existing forms of extracorporeal support.
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Mortality from acute renal failure (ARF) remains very high and is associated with the development of multisystem failure. Technical developments in haemodialysis machines and dialyser membranes have reduced complications associated with haemodialysis. However, some patients are too unstable to be haemodialysed successfully. ⋯ There are now few indications for the use of peritoneal dialysis. These new developments have facilitated easier management of the unstable patient with acute renal failure. Whether the prognosis of acute renal failure patients will be improved remains to be determined.