Regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) is recommended by guidelines over systemic heparinization for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). However, its use in patients with impaired citrate metabolism poses specific challenges and standardized guidance for managing RCA-related metabolic complications remains lacking. A modified Delphi study was conducted according to a predefined protocol and reported in adherence with the CREDES (Conducting and REporting of DElphi Studies) checklist. The international expert panel comprised 29 clinicians and researchers from Europe, United States and Canada, with recognized expertise in RCA for CRRT in critically ill patients. Three iterative survey rounds were conducted to obtain agreement with proposed statements. Twenty-three experts completed all Delphi rounds, achieving consensus on twenty-two statements. RCA was considered feasible in patients with liver dysfunction, severe shock, or hyperlactatemia, with close monitoring and citrate dosing adjustment. Citrate accumulation can be prevented and managed using a stepwise approach, focused on reducing citrate delivery and discontinuing RCA in cases of overt accumulation. Metabolic alkalosis and electrolyte disturbances were identified as relevant but manageable complications, underscoring the need for individualizing CRRT settings. These consensus statements support the use of RCA during CRRT in critically ill patients with impaired citrate metabolism and provide practical guidance for monitoring and management of metabolic complications. However they reflect expert opinion, especially for questions with limited data and low-level evidence.

Background/Objectives: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), but the impact of baseline kidney function and care processes on outcomes is not well understood. We hypothesized that baseline kidney health status may influence courses and outcomes of AKI. Methods: This is a multinational, multicenter, retrospective cohort study. We included hospitalized adult COVID-19 patients with kidney disease (AKI, end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), or kidney transplant (KT) recipients) from 1 January 2020 to 31 March 2022, across 52 centers in 23 countries. Patients with no prior kidney function information were classified as acute kidney disease (AKD) if estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at admission was <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and as no known kidney disease (NKD) if eGFR was ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2. We defined combined outcome as death or non-kidney recovery at hospital discharge. Multivariable binary regression models were applied. Results: Among 4158 patients, 882 had ESKD, and 3038 developed AKI. AKI patients were categorized as NKD (31.8%), AKD (38.6%), CKD (23.3%), and KT recipients (3.3%). NKD patients had higher AKI severity and more intensive care unit care needs. In the multivariable analyses, the risk of the combined outcome was higher in AKD (OR 1.459 [1.061, 2.005]) or CKD (OR 1.705 [1.206, 2.410]) patients, although the risk of in-hospital mortality was similar to NKD. Among the survivors at hospital discharge, the risk of partial or non-recovery was higher in CKD (OR 5.445 [3.864, 7.672]) or KT recipients (OR 4.208 [2.383, 7.429]) compared to NKD. These findings were consistent across income categories. Conclusions: Among AKI patients with COVID-19, nearly two-thirds had underlying kidney dysfunction, with 55% identified as having baseline AKD, which had higher risk of death or non-kidney recovery at discharge compared to NKD.

Background: Severe acute kidney injury (AKI) in the intensive care unit (ICU) is complicated by fluid accumulation, making fluid removal a central component of kidney replacement therapy (KRT). However, the optimal fluid management strategy in patients receiving KRT remains unknown, and practice varies widely. Objective: To assess the feasibility of conducting a multicentre randomized controlled trial comparing a protocol-based fluid-removal strategy with usual care in critically ill adult patients receiving KRT. The primary objective is to determine whether the intervention results in a difference in cumulative fluid balance from randomization to day five. Design: Open-label, multicentre, pilot randomized controlled trial. Setting: Centers in Canada, the United States, and Australia. Patients: We are enrolling 150 adults admitted to the ICU with AKI who have been receiving KRT for ≤48 hours or who are anticipated to commence KRT within the next 12 hours. Measurements: The primary outcome is the difference in cumulative fluid balance (mL) between treatment arms from randomization (day zero) to the end of day five. Secondary outcomes include feasibility metrics, patient outcomes, resource use, safety outcomes, and process measures. Methods: Participants are randomized 1:1 to receive either protocol-based fluid management or usual care. The intervention consists of a prescription template updated at least once daily by the attending care team, specifying a 24-hour fluid balance target, a prescription for fluid removal using KRT, and daily re-evaluation of fluid intake. The intervention is continued until day five post-randomization, KRT discontinuation due to kidney recovery, or ICU discharge. Limitations: The application of the intervention relies on the clinical judgment of the attending care team, which may affect the fidelity of the intervention. Usual care may differ between institutions, which may lead to variability. The treatment teams are unblinded, however the statistician will be blinded to group allocation. Conclusions: The Probe-Fluid pilot trial will provide important groundwork toward a future definitive multicentre randomized controlled trial comparing a protocol-based fluid management strategy with usual care in critically ill patients receiving KRT.

Background: Patients who experienced acute kidney injury (AKI) may benefit from dedicated care following hospital discharge. Most of these patients will be followed by primary care providers. There is a lack of data on current practices and comfort for these care providers when offering post-AKI care. Objective: We surveyed nurse practitioners and family physicians to assess their awareness, perceptions, practice patterns and comfort regarding post-AKI care. Design/Setting: We distributed a web-based self-administered survey among clinicians from the Province of Quebec. We asked about their awareness and perceptions on how AKI should be disclosed and followed, the barriers encountered regarding the process of care following hospital discharge, and their level of comfort and expertise in offering dedicated post-AKI care. The survey integrated direct and scenario-based questions and was conducted from December 2022 to April 2023. Participants: We distributed the survey to practicing family physicians and nurse practitioners through the mailing list of the Fédération des Médecins Omnipraticiens du Québec , and the Association des infirmières praticiennes spécialisées du Québec , respectively. No incentives were provided. Methods: We conducted descriptive analyses and used chi-squared analysis to compare responses between family physicians and nurse practitioners and between hospital-based and cabinet-based practice. Results: The survey was opened by 779 potential participants. Of these, the response rate was 9% (70/779). Most participants were family physicians (79%) and dedicated 70% (±32) of their time in community outpatient clinics. Participants reported that 59% (±20) of all patients seen daily had at least 1 risk factor for AKI, whereas they estimated that 21% (±12) of recently discharged patients suffered from an AKI episode. The lack of awareness by the patient and lack of details on the discharge summary were the barriers most frequently reported impacting the overall process of care at follow-up. Most nurse practitioners (60%) and 33% of family physicians reported at least some levels of discomfort and lack of expertise when offering post-AKI. Limitations: The generalizability of our study is limited by its response rate. However, this is comparable with typical response rates seen in electronic surveys. The distribution was limited to a single province of Canada. Conclusions: We reported significant barriers regarding the hospital-to-community transition of care in patients who experienced AKI and the suboptimal comfort and expertise of primary care providers when offering dedicated post-AKI care. This reflects the need to improve communication, collaboration, and AKI training with primary care providers.

Rationale: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare neutrophilic dermatosis which gives rise to painful ulcers. Pyoderma gangrenosum can be triggered by trauma, a phenomenon called pathergy. Here, we report the first case of PG arising from pathergy due to needle insertion overlying an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). This case report seeks to inform nephrologists about PG, this yet unreported presentation, and management in the context of hemodialysis. Presenting concerns: A 69-year-old woman presented to dermatology clinic for erythemato-violaceous plaques with central ulceration at the site of needle insertion overlying her AVF. The patient was known for chronic renal insufficiency secondary to C3 glomerulonephritis, for which she received hemodialysis. After an accidental burn which lead to appearance of a painful ulcer, following each needle insertion for hemodialysis, she would develop an erythematous papule that progressed to a painful ulcer with erythematous-violaceous borders. Diagnosis: Pyoderma gangrenosum was clinically diagnosed and both clinical and paraclinical evaluation did not reveal any secondary cause of PG. Intervention: Dialysis via AVF was suspended due to the risk of triggering more PG and was temporarily pursued by central venous catheter. The patient was initially treated with prednisone and topical corticosteroids. Furthermore, owing to the high recurrence rate of PG, colchicine was initiated in prevention to avoid resorting to immunosuppressive or long-term corticotherapy. Outcomes: The patient’s lesions improved on prednisone, which was then tapered over 1 month. Following prednisone taper and continuing improvement of PG on colchicine and topical corticosteroids alone, the decision was taken to recommence dialysis via AVF after performing a negative pathergy test. Topical corticosteroids were ceased due to the risk of cutaneous atrophy and were replaced by pimecrolimus ointment. The patient has continued dialysis via AVF ever since, without recurrence. Novel Finding: This is the first case reported of PG arising from pathergy due to needle insertion overlying an AVF. Colchicine may be a safe and effective therapy for long-term treatment of PG in the context of hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND:In critically ill patients receiving KRT, high ultrafiltration rates and persistent fluid accumulation are associated with adverse outcomes. The purpose of this international survey was to evaluate current practices and evidence gaps related to fluid removal with KRT in critically ill patients. METHODS:This was a multinational, web-based survey distributed by seven networks comprising nephrologists and intensivists. Physicians involved in the care of critically ill patients were invited to complete a 39-question survey about fluid management practices on KRT. The survey was distributed from September 2021 to December 2021. RESULTS:There were 757 respondents from 96 countries (response rate of 65%). Most respondents practiced adult medicine (89%) and worked in an academic center (69%). The majority (91%) reported aiming for a 0.5- to 2-L negative fluid balance per day when fluid removal is indicated, although there was important variability in what respondents considered a safe maximal target. Intensivists were more likely than nephrologists to use adjunct volume status assessment methods ( i.e. , ultrasound, hemodynamic markers, and intra-abdominal pressure), while nephrologists were more likely to deploy cointerventions aimed at improving tolerance to fluid removal ( i.e. , osmotic agents and low-temperature dialysate). There was a broad consensus that rapid decongestion should be prioritized when fluid accumulation is present, but the prevention of hypotension was also reported as a competing priority. A majority (77%) agreed that performing trials that compare fluid management strategies would be ethical and clinically relevant. CONCLUSIONS:We have identified multiple areas of variability in current practice of fluid management for patients receiving KRT. Most nephrologists and intensivists agreed that several knowledge gaps related to fluid removal strategies should be investigated in future randomized controlled trials.

Introduction:Drug-induced acute kidney injury (DI-AKI) is a frequent adverse event. The identification of DI-AKI is challenged by competing etiologies, clinical heterogeneity among patients, and a lack of accurate diagnostic tools. Our research aims to describe the clinical characteristics and predictive variables of DI-AKI.Methods:We analyzed data from the Drug-Induced Renal Injury Consortium (DIRECT) study (NCT02159209), an international, multicenter, observational cohort study of enriched clinically adjudicated DI-AKI cases. Cases met the primary inclusion criteria if the patient was exposed to at least 1 nephrotoxic drug for a minimum of 24 hours prior to AKI onset. Cases were clinically adjudicated, and inter-rater reliability (IRR) was measured using Krippendorff's alpha. Variables associated with DI-AKI were identified using L1 regularized multivariable logistic regression. Model performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC AUC).Results:A total of 314 AKI cases met the eligibility criteria for this analysis, and 271 (86%) cases were adjudicated as DI-AKI. The majority of the AKI cases were recruited from the United States (68%). The most frequent causal nephrotoxic drugs were vancomycin (48.7%), nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (18.2%), and piperacillin/tazobactam (17.8%). The IRR for DI-AKI adjudication was 0.309. The multivariable model identified age, vascular capacity, hyperglycemia, infections, pyuria, serum creatinine (SCr) trends, and contrast media as significant predictors of DI-AKI with good performance (ROC AUC 0.86).Conclusion:The identification of DI-AKI is challenging even with comprehensive adjudication by experienced nephrologists. Our analysis identified key clinical characteristics and outcomes of DI-AKI compared to other AKI etiologies.

PURPOSE:This case report describes a patient with dabigatran accumulation due to acute kidney injury on chronic kidney disease, requiring multiple administration of idarucizumab along with renal replacement therapy because of rebound effect causing numerous episodes of bleeding.SUMMARY:An 86-year-old man on dabigatran etexilate 110 mg twice daily for stroke prevention with atrial fibrillation was admitted to the hospital for bowel obstruction and severe acute kidney injury on chronic kidney disease. The patient had an abnormal coagulation profile and no history of bleeding. Initial laboratory values revealed a hemoglobin concentration of 10.7 g/dL, a platelet count of 115 × 103 platelets/μL, an activated partial thromboplastin time of 150.4 seconds, an international normalized ratio of 10.28, a thrombin time greater than 100 seconds and a serum creatinine of 5.54 mg/dL (490 μmol/L). An initial dose of idarucizumab was administered 1 hour prior to surgery to prevent bleeding. Significant bleeding and hemodynamic instability occurred following surgery. Three additional doses of idarucizumab, 2 sessions of intermittent hemodialysis, continuous venovenous hemofiltration and blood products were required to achieve normalization of coagulation parameters and hemodynamic stability due to rebound coagulopathy after each dose of idarucizumab.CONCLUSION:Acute kidney injury on chronic kidney disease and third-space redistribution could have led to important dabigatran accumulation and favored rebound coagulopathy. Multiple therapeutic approaches may be required in the management of complex dabigatran intoxication.

Background: Delayed graft function (DGF) is associated with an increased risk of graft loss. The use of cold hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) has been shown to reduce the incidence of DGF in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), especially when extended-criteria donors (ECDs) are used. HMP can also improve graft survival. However, there is a paucity of data on the determinants of HMP use in clinical practice. Objective: We aimed to determine the factors associated with the use of HMP in a cohort of donors and KTRs. Design: Multicenter retrospective cohort study. Setting: 5 transplant centers in Quebec. Patients: 159 neurologically deceased donors (NDD) and 281 KTR. Measurements: Use of HMP. Methods: We collected data on consecutive NDD admitted to a dedicated donor unit in a single university-affiliated center and their KTRs between June 2013 and December 2018 in 5 adult transplant centers across the province of Quebec, Canada. All organs were recovered in a single hospital center where a HMP device was available for every organ recovered and the decision to use HMP was left at the discretion of the procurement surgeon. Generalized estimating equations were used to predict the use of HMP. Results: The cohort included 159 NDDs and their 281 KTRs. Thirty-three percent of donors were ECDs, and 59% of KTRs received organs placed on HMP. The median cold ischemia time (CIT) was 12.5 (IQR 7.9-16.3) hours. In univariate analysis, none of the donors' characteristics were associated with the use of HMP. ECD represented 33% of KTR on HMP vs 35% of those not placed on HMP (P = .77). In univariate analysis, the use of HMP was associated with KTR race (non-Caucasian), longer CIT, use of basiliximab/alemtuzumab, year of transplant, and transplant center. The use of HMP varied largely across transplant centers, ranging from 15% to 82%. In multivariate analysis, use of HMP was associated with longer CIT (odds ratio [OR] 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07-1.25), transplant center as well as transplantations performed after 2013. Limitations: One dedicated donor unit including NDD only, absence of specific data on surgeons' experience and personal or logistic reasons for using or not HMP. Conclusions: We found that use of HMP remains low and varies largely across transplant centers. The use of HMP was strongly associated with the transplant center where the surgeons practiced, suggesting that surgeon preference/training plays an important role in determining the use of HMP. Availability of HMP at the time of organ procurement might also be limited by logistic issues such as difficulty in returning the device. Further studies aimed at determining the reasons underlying the barriers precluding the use of HMP could help increasing its use and improve transplant outcomes.

Peer review aims to select articles for publication and to improve articles before publication. We believe that this process can be infused by kindness without losing rigor. In 2014, the founding editorial team of the Canadian Journal of Kidney Health and Disease (CJKHD) made an explicit commitment to treat authors as we would wish to be treated ourselves. This broader group of authors reaffirms this principle, for which we suggest the terminology "supportive review."

The optimal timing of kidney support therapy in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) without life-threatening complications related to AKI is controversial. Recent multicenter, randomized, controlled studies have questioned the need for earlier initiation of therapy, despite one study showing a benefit in survival and others with no differences in mortality based on the timing of kidney support therapy initiation. These findings reflect the uncertainties in decisions to initiate kidney support therapy, which should ideally be individualized according to the patient's comorbidities, severity of illness, trajectory of kidney function, and urine output as well as requirements for fluid balance and solute removal. A delayed approach could translate into a potentially reduced burden of dialysis dependence in addition to saving health resources. However, we must ascertain what constitutes the waiting period and the benefits and risks associated with this approach. This article reviews the concept of timing of dialysis in AKI, performs a critical assessment of the most important clinical trials in this topic, discusses ongoing research and knowledge gaps, and defines key research issues to address in the future.

Goulamhoussen, Nadir; Bouchard, Josee; Pelletier, Karyne; Chapdelaine, Isabelle; Troyanov, Stephan Author Information

Background β-adrenergic antagonists (BAAs) are used to treat cardiovascular disease such as ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, dysrhythmias, and hypertension. Poisoning from BAAs can lead to severe morbidity and mortality. We aimed to determine the utility of extracorporeal treatments (ECTRs) in BAAs poisoning. Methods We conducted systematic reviews of the literature, screened studies, extracted data, and summarized findings following published EXTRIP methods. Results A total of 76 studies (4 in vitro and 2 animal experiments, 1 pharmacokinetic simulation study, 37 pharmacokinetic studies on patients with end-stage kidney disease, and 32 case reports or case series) met inclusion criteria. Toxicokinetic or pharmacokinetic data were available on 334 patients (including 73 for atenolol, 54 for propranolol, and 17 for sotalol). For intermittent hemodialysis, atenolol, nadolol, practolol, and sotalol were assessed as dialyzable; acebutolol, bisoprolol, and metipranolol were assessed as moderately dialyzable; metoprolol and talinolol were considered slightly dialyzable; and betaxolol, carvedilol, labetalol, mepindolol, propranolol, and timolol were considered not dialyzable. Data were available for clinical analysis on 37 BAA poisoned patients (including 9 patients for atenolol, 9 for propranolol, and 9 for sotalol), and no reliable comparison between the ECTR cohort and historical controls treated with standard care alone could be performed. The EXTRIP workgroup recommends against using ECTR for patients severely poisoned with propranolol (strong recommendation, very low quality evidence). The workgroup offered no recommendation for ECTR in patients severely poisoned with atenolol or sotalol because of apparent balance of risks and benefits, except for impaired kidney function in which ECTR is suggested (weak recommendation, very low quality of evidence). Indications for ECTR in patients with impaired kidney function include refractory bradycardia and hypotension for atenolol or sotalol poisoning, and recurrent torsade de pointes for sotalol. Although other BAAs were considered dialyzable, clinical data were too limited to develop recommendations. Conclusions BAAs have different properties affecting their removal by ECTR. The EXTRIP workgroup assessed propranolol as non-dialyzable. Atenolol and sotalol were assessed as dialyzable in patients with kidney impairment, and the workgroup suggests ECTR in patients severely poisoned with these drugs when aforementioned indications are present.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a life-threatening disease with uncontrolled immune activation and inflammatory reaction, often leads to a deadly cytokine storm. In severe Ebstein-Barr virus-triggered HLH receiving standard immunosuppression, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) with oXiris® blood purification membrane resulted in a timely reduction of inflammatory markers and discontinuation of vasopressors. To our knowledge, this is the first report of successful use of the oXiris® membrane in HLH.

Delayed graft function (DGF) is associated with an increased risk of graft loss. The use of cold hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) has been shown to reduce the incidence of DGF in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), especially when extended-criteria donors (ECDs) are used. In addition, HMP can improve graft survival in the first years after transplantation. However, there is a paucity of data on the determinants of HMP use in real-life setting.

Purpose: To investigate various diuretic strategies to alleviate loop-diuretics resistance in critically ill patients. Materials and method: ICU adults requiring more than 1 mg/kg/day of furosemide, from the MIMIC-III database. Four diuretic strategies were investigated: incremental dose of loop diuretics, continuous infusion, combinations with a second class of diuretics and administration of intravenous albumin. A generalized estimating equation was used to investigate the associations between these strategies and endpoints. The primary outcome was the 24-h urine output and secondary endpoints included fluid balance, weight change, electrolyte and acid base abnormalities, kidney replacement therapy initiation, and mortality. Results: A total of 7645 ICU stays from 6358 patients were included. After adjustment, the use of continuous loop diuretic infusion was associated with a higher 24-h urine output (beta: 732, 95% CI:669-795, p < 0.001), lower 24-h fluid balance (p < 0.001) and greater weight loss at 48-h (p < 0.001). Thiazide-and carbonic anhydrase inhibitor combinations were both associated with higher urine output (p < 0.001) and weight loss at 48-h (p < 0.01), while intravenous albumin was associated with fluid gain (p < 0.001). Risks of electrolyte and metabolic disturbances varied across diuretic strategies. Conclusions: Continuous loop-diuretic infusion and thiazide-or acetazolamide-loop diuretic combinations increased urine output significantly, leading to a negative fluid balance and weight loss. (c) 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Toxicity from gabapentin and pregabalin overdose is commonly encountered. Treatment is supportive, and the use of extracorporeal treatments (ECTRs) is controversial. The EXTRIP workgroup conducted systematic reviews of the literature and summarized findings following published methods. Thirty-three articles (30 patient reports and 3 pharmacokinetic studies) met the inclusion criteria. High gabapentinoid extracorporeal clearance (>150mL/min) and short elimination half-life (<5 hours) were reported with hemodialysis. The workgroup assessed gabapentin and pregabalin as "dialyzable" for patients with decreased kidney function (quality of the evidence grade as A and B, respectively). Limited clinical data were available (24 patients with gabapentin toxicity and 7 with pregabalin toxicity received ECTR). Severe toxicity, mortality, and sequelae were rare in cases receiving ECTR and in historical controls receiving standard care alone. No clear clinical benefit from ECTR could be identified although major knowledge gaps were acknowledged, as well as costs and harms of ECTR. The EXTRIP workgroup suggests against performing ECTR in addition to standard care rather than standard care alone (weak recommendation, very low quality of evidence) for gabapentinoid poisoning in patients with normal kidney function. If decreased kidney function and coma requiring mechanical ventilation are present, the workgroup suggests performing ECTR in addition to standard care (weak recommendation, very low quality of evidence).

NT-proBNP levels correlate with fluid overload and cardiac dysfunction in CKD patients. While baseline NT-proBNP levels are associated with adverse renal and cardiovascular (CV) events, whether the variability of this biomarker over time influences risk prediction in patients with advanced CKD remains to be determined. We thus aimed to characterise the association between NT-proBNP variability and major adverse events.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) frequently occurs in hospitalized patients and represents a considerable burden in terms of health outcomes and hospital costs.1 AKI has been independently associated with an increased risk of mortality, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney disease, especially when renal recovery is partial or absent at discharge.1

Abstract Background Organ congestion is a mediator of adverse outcomes in critically ill patients. Point-Of-Care ultrasound (POCUS) is widely available and could enable clinicians to detect signs of venous congestion at the bedside. The aim of this study was to develop several grading system prototypes using POCUS and to determine their respective ability to predict acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery. This is a post-hoc analysis of a single-center prospective study in 145 patients undergoing cardiac surgery for which repeated daily measurements of hepatic, portal, intra-renal vein Doppler and inferior vena cava (IVC) ultrasound were performed during the first 72 h after surgery. Five prototypes of venous excess ultrasound (VExUS) grading system combining multiple ultrasound markers were developed. Results The association between each score and AKI was assessed using time-dependant Cox models as well as conventional performance measures of diagnostic testing. A total of 706 ultrasound assessments were analyzed. We found that defining severe venous congestion as the presence of severe flow abnormalities in multiple Doppler patterns with a dilated IVC (≥ 2 cm) showed the strongest association with the development of subsequent AKI compared with other combinations (HR: 3.69 CI 1.65–8.24 p = 0.001). The association remained significant after adjustment for baseline risk of AKI and vasopressor/inotropic support (HR: 2.82 CI 1.21–6.55 p = 0.02). Furthermore, this severe VExUS grade offered a useful positive likelihood ratio (+LR: 6.37 CI 2.19–18.50) when detected at ICU admission, which outperformed central venous pressure measurements. Conclusions The combination of multiple POCUS markers may identify clinically significant venous congestion.