In conventional hemodialysis, 2-day kidney function is processed in about 4 hours. In severe cases, however, patients cannot tolerate conventional dialysis because they are
1) predisposed to a drop in blood pressure due to unstable circulatory dynamics;
2) have difficulty in maintaining homeostasis including electrolyte balance; or
3) have unstable humoral factors in immune, neuroendocrine, coagulatory, and/or fibrinolytic systems due to complications resulting from other organ failure. In these patients, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is used because it allows a slow, moderate blood purification process to reduce the patient's burden. CRRT is indicated in patients with severe acute pancreatitis, fulminant hepatitis, postoperative liver failure, multiple organ failure, cardiovascular disease, and severe renal failure. CRRT is provided mainly in critical care and intensive care units.

CRRT is classified into the following modes:
1) continuous hemofiltration (CHF) for removal of water, body waste, and pathogenic substances through filtration;
2) continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF) for removal of water, body waste, and pathogenic substances through both filtration and diffusion using dialysate; and
3) continuous hemodialysis (CHD) for removal of water, body waste, and pathogenic substances through diffusion using dialysate.

1) CHF

2) CHDF

3) CHD

The filters used for CRRT can be selected from various materials and surface area models depending on disease type and patient status. Asahi Kasei Kuraray Medical has developed CRRT filters with polyacrylonitrile and polysulphone membranes to contribute to life-saving therapy.
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