Abstract: 【Abstract】Anticoagulation is of major importance for successful performance of blood purification. Currently, the classic anticoagulation methods are heparin and low molecular weight heparin. Regional anticoagulation of citrate (RCA) is now widely used for continuous blood purification due to its safety, effectiveness, wider application range and better biocompatibility. RCA has been recommended in domestic and foreign guidelines. Citrate anticoagulation is an ideal method, which has been confirmed by a large number of studies in different blood purification modalities. However, citrate has several drawbacks found in clinical practice, including complicated monitoring and adjustment and many potential side effects. Optimized protocols of citrate anticoagulation are therefore explored and recommended in order to provide new ways for the better use of citrate as an anticoagulation agent in blood purification. In this paper, we review the progress in monitoring and adjusting RCA in different blood purification modalities.

Key words: Regional anticoagulation of citrate, Blood purification, Optimization scheme