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Intermittent hemodialysis removes large amounts of water and wastes in a short period of time (usually over 2-4 hours), whereas, continuous renal replacement therapies remove water and wastes at a slow rate more consistent of that of native renal function. The major difference between intermittent and continuous therapies is the speed at which water and wastes are removed. The filter performs many of the functions of the kidney's nephron unit, hence, it is referred to as an "artificial kidney". Blood is removed from the patient, pumped through a dialysis filter and returned to the patient following removal of surplus water and wastes. Most critically ill patients who need Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) will receive either IHD or Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT). Both intermittent hemodialysis and continuous hemodialysis circuits utilize the same principles. It will be run by a dialysis nurse who is trained in PD. Patients who are receiving peritoneal dialysis who are stable may have PD continued in the critical care unit. Peritoneal dialysis is rarely used in critical care. CCPD requires patients to connect to a machine (usually at night) for automated exchanges. In CAPD, patients can administer and manage passive exchanges 3-5 times per day. Peritoneal dialysis can be provided as Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) or Continuous Cycling Peritoneal Dialysis (CCPD). Chronic IHD is usually provided 2-4 days per week (depending upon the type of renal dysfunction). Chronic dialysis is provided either using Intermittent Hemodialysis (IHD) or Peritoneal Dialysis. End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) refers to kidney disease that has resulted in the permanent destruction of a sufficient number of nephron units that renal function (waste and/or water removal) must replaced using an artificial kidney (Renal Replacement Therapy).