Pediatric renal supportive therapies: the changing face of pediatric renal replacement approaches.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The term 'renal replacement therapy' has been employed for describing dialytic interventions for acute and chronic patients. The implications of this terminology do not correctly reflect the extent that we are able to address native renal function. Provision of correct terminology to describe dialytic therapies may provide insight and investigation into the 'nonreplaceable' aspects of renal function in the acute and chronic settings.

RECENT FINDINGS

The terms 'chronic kidney disease' and 'acute kidney injury' have replaced the terms chronic renal failure and acute renal failure, respectively. Changing terminology has improved definitions and clinical care in these patient groups. Improvements in dialytic therapies have not been paralleled by changes in our understanding of the native renal function components that are not replaced during dialysis.

SUMMARY

A paradigm shift in our understanding of replacement of renal function is necessary. The terminology of 'renal replacement therapy' should be supplanted by more appropriate terminology, 'renal supportive therapy'. The benefits of employing terminology that adequately reflects the extent to which we can offer supportive dialytic treatment to our acute and chronic patients may be realized as a significant stimulus for scientific investigation and clinical care improvements.