Fluid deresuscitation has been shown to have favourable outcomes in the management of the critically ill patient. Whilst diuretic medications have previously been the mainstay of achieving this deresuscitation, the metabolic and biochemical complications associated with their use can limit their application. Mechanical ultrafiltration is another means of achieving fluid deresuscitation and has theoretical benefits over the use of intravenous diuretics. It allows a more titratable process, without the potential metabolic complications. The use of ultrafiltration has been limited by the requirement of wide bore central venous access. The SCUFFD study is a means of assessing whether ultrafiltration with regional anticoagulation can be achieved through standard central or peripheral venous access.
To determine the feasibility and safety of deresuscitation using slow continuous ultrafiltration with regional citrate anticoagulation and peripheral or standard central venous access.