Acute kidney injury is still a common complication in intensive care units and is associated with a significantly increased risk for morbidity and mortality. Various treatment concepts, like continuous renal replacement therapy (RRT) or (modified) intermittent procedures, as well as different methods of anticoagulation and the general decision of when and if to initiate RRT have to be considered by the treating physician. While giving vital input on when to initiate RRT, the German ELAIN (Early versus late initiation of renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients) trial and the French AKIKI (The artificial kidney initiation in kidney injury) trial raised many more questions. Currently in its recruiting phase, the STARRT-AKI (Standard versus accelerated initiation of renal replacement therapy in acute kidney injury) trial is designed to hopefully give a definitive statement. Due to a planned recruiting phase until 2019, results are expected in 2020 at the earliest. Regarding the termination of RRT, recurring diuresis of more than 450 ml/24 h is a good indicator for recovery of renal function.
Keywords: Anticoagulants; Critical care; Kidney diseases; Oliguria; Renal replacement therapy.