In a remarkable medical achievement, doctors at KIMS Hospital successfully saved the life of a critically ill kidney failure patient using Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT), an advanced and specialised form of dialysis.
The case became particularly challenging because the patient’s blood pressure had dropped to dangerously low levels, making conventional dialysis highly risky and potentially fatal.
Patient Developed Septic Shock During Treatment
According to Dr. K. Anantha Rao, Consultant Nephrologist and Transplant Physician at KIMS Hospital, the patient, 47-year-old Mallikarjuna from Adoni, had been suffering from kidney failure for the past six months.
He had been undergoing regular dialysis while awaiting a kidney transplant. Additionally, he was battling severe diabetes.
During treatment, the patient’s blood pressure, which is normally expected to remain around 120 mmHg, suddenly dropped to nearly 60 mmHg, leading to septic shock — a critical and life-threatening condition. Simultaneously, he developed seizures and required ventilator support. Rising acid levels in his body also made urgent dialysis essential.
CRRT Chosen Over Conventional Dialysis
Explaining the treatment decision, Dr. K. Anantha Rao said, “Performing conventional dialysis in patients with such critically low blood pressure can trigger cardiac arrest and become fatal. Therefore, we selected CRRT, which enables slow and continuous dialysis without causing further hemodynamic instability.”
Unlike conventional dialysis, CRRT works gradually over an extended period, making it safer for critically ill ICU patients with unstable blood pressure and severe infections.
Continuous Therapy Stabilised the Patient
Doctors administered continuous dialysis through CRRT for nearly 48 hours. As a result, the patient’s condition gradually stabilised.
Following significant improvement, the medical team successfully weaned him off ventilator support. Subsequently, he recovered well and was discharged from the hospital in stable condition.
Multidisciplinary Team Played a Crucial Role
A multidisciplinary medical team carried out the complex procedure under expert supervision. The team included critical care specialists Dr. Rajesh Reddy, Dr. Shyam, and Dr. Ravindra.
Doctors highlighted that CRRT offers major benefits for critically ill ICU patients suffering from septic shock and kidney failure, particularly when conventional dialysis poses significant risks.
Advanced Critical Care Now Accessible in Rayalaseema
Until recently, advanced CRRT facilities were primarily available only in metropolitan cities. However, with the introduction of this technology at KIMS Hospital, critically ill patients from the Rayalaseema region can now access life-saving treatment closer to home without the need to travel long distances.
Doctors further stated that this successful case demonstrates how timely intervention, advanced medical technology, and coordinated expert care can save lives even in the most critical situations.