Renal Replacement Therapy In Neonates Research Articles

Clinical Profile, Outcomes, and Complications in Neonates Undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis in a Tertiary Neonatal Care Unit - An Observational Study.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the most common form of renal replacement therapy in neonates and there is a lot of heterogeneity in patient selection and outcomes across the various units. This study aimed to assess the indications, complications, and outcomes in terms of survival of PD. This is a retrospective study of 23 neonates who underwent acute PD at a tertiary care neonatal unit between August 2016 and July 2021. A cross-sectional poll was also conducted among the doctors who have been in the unit for the past 10 years regarding their experience in PD. The baseline, clinical, biochemical parameters, outcomes, and complications were analyzed. All statistical analyses were performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics version 23.0 software. The mean (±standard deviation) gestational age and birth weights of neonates were 32.6 ± 4 weeks and 1743 ± 922 g, respectively. Six (26%) babies had extremely low birth weight, five (22%) very low birth weight (VLBW), and seven (30%) low birth weight. The indications were acute kidney injury [17/23 (74%)], fluid overload [3/23 (17%)], suspected inborn errors of metabolism [2/23 (9%)] and hypernatremia [1/23 (4%)]. A pigtail catheter (74%) was used in most of them. Catheter block was noticed in four babies and peritonitis in two neonates. We did not encounter any complications during the procedure, and PD appears to be practicable across all gestational ages and birth weights.

Effectiveness and Feasibility of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in Neonates with Acute Kidney Injury Weighing ≤ 3 kg: A Two-Centered Retrospective Cohort Study

Effectiveness and Feasibility of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in Neonates with Acute Kidney Injury Weighing ≤ 3 kg: A Two-Centered Retrospective Cohort Study

Long-term outcomes of peritoneal dialysis started in infants below 6 months of age: An experience from two tertiary centres

BackgroundLittle data are available for infants who started renal replacement therapy before 6 months of age. Because of extra-renal comorbidities and uncertain outcomes, whether renal replacement therapy in neonates is justified remains debatable. MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of all patients who began chronic peritoneal dialysis below 6 months between 2007 and 2017 in two tertiary centres. Results are presented as median (min;max). ResultsSeventeen patients (10 boys) were included (8 prenatal diagnoses, 6 premies), with the following diagnoses: congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract (n=9), oxalosis (n=5), congenital nephrotic syndrome (n=2) and renal vein thrombosis (n=1). Five patients had associated comorbidities. At peritoneal dialysis initiation, age was 2.6 (0.1;5.9) months, height-standard deviation score (SDS) −1.3 (−5.7;1.6) and weight-SDS −1.4 (−3.6;0.6). Peritoneal dialysis duration was 12 (2;32) months, and at peritoneal dialysis discontinuation height-SDS was −1.0 (−4.3;0.7) weight-SDS −0.7 (−3.2;0.2), parathyroid hormone 123 (44;1540) ng/L, and hemoglobin 110 (73;174) g/L. During the first 6 months of peritoneal dialysis, the median time of hospitalisation stay was 69 (15;182) days. Ten patients presented a total of 27 peritonitis episodes. Reasons for peritoneal dialysis discontinuation were switch to hemodialysis (n=6), transplantation (n=6), recovery of renal function (n=2) and death (n=1). After a follow-up of 4.3 (1.7;10.3) years, 12 patients were transplanted, 2 patients were still on peritoneal dialysis, 2 patients were dialysis free with severe chronic kidney disease and 1 patient had died. Seven patients displayed neurodevelopmental delay, of whom five needed special schooling. ConclusionWe confirm that most infants starting peritoneal dialysis before 6 months of age will be successfully transplanted and will have a favourable growth outcome. Their quality of life will be impacted by recurrent hospitalisations and neurodevelopmental delay is frequent.

Use of B-Type Natriuretic Peptide as a Quantitative Marker of Fluid Overload in Neonatal Renal Replacement Therapy

Use of B-Type Natriuretic Peptide as a Quantitative Marker of Fluid Overload in Neonatal Renal Replacement Therapy

Renal Replacement Therapy in Neonates.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a highly prevalent disease entity in the NICU, affecting nearly one-quarter of critically ill neonates by some reports. Though medical management remains the mainstay in the treatment of AKI, renal replacement therapy (RRT) is indicated when conservative measures are unable to maintain electrolytes, fluid balance, toxins, or waste products within a safe margin. Several modalities of RRT exist for use in neonatal populations, including peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis, and continuous RRT. It is the aim of this review to introduce each of these RRT modalities, as well as to discuss their technical considerations, benefits, indications, contraindications, and complications.

Choice of Catheter Size for Infants in Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy: Bigger Is Not Always Better.

Renal replacement therapy in infants and small children is the treatment of choice for severe oligoanuric renal dysfunction, with an increasing consensus that early initiation might contribute to preventing acute kidney injury complications. Safer renal replacement therapy devices specifically designed for neonates may contribute to ameliorating outcomes and increasing chances of survival. One of the crucial factors to achieve an effective renal replacement therapy in small infants is adequate vascular access. The interaction of small size central vascular catheters with renal replacement therapy devices has never been investigated. The aim of this study was to characterize both the operating conditions and performance of three different central vascular catheters sizes (4F, 5F, and 7F) connected to two different extracorporeal blood circulation models (adult and pediatric). The rheologic performance of each vascular access size in combination with the adult and pediatric renal replacement therapy models was described. Series of experimental extracorporeal circulation circuit tests were conducted with different setups. A two-roller pump was used to simulate a standard adult dialysis machine, whereas a small three-roller pump served as pediatric renal replacement therapy device. A pressure-flow setup aimed to collect pressure and flow values under different test conditions. A second experiment focused on hemolysis estimation induced by the extracorporeal system. Hemolysis exclusively induced by the 4F catheter was also evaluated. Finally, our data were applied to estimate the optimal catheter size theoretically capable of delivering adequate doses basing on anthropometric data (patient weight and cannulation site) in absence of direct ultrasound vessel measurement. In vitro tests conducted on simulated extracorporeal circuit models of continuous pediatric and neonatal renal replacement therapy. None. When 4F and 5F catheters are used, maximal blood flows within safe circuit pressures can be set at the values of 13 and 29 mL/min, respectively, when a small pump is used. Differently, when using adult roller pumps, only maximal flows of 10 and 20 mL/min are reached. However, hemolysis is higher when using a three-roller pump compared with the two-roller. The clinical impact of this increased hemolytic burden is likely not relevant. Small size central vascular catheters display optimal rheologic performances in terms of pressures and flows particularly when the renal replacement therapy device is equipped with pumps proportional to central vascular catheters sizes, and even when relatively high blood flows are set. This is achieved at the risk of a higher hemolysis rate.

Renal replacement therapy in neonates with an inborn error of metabolism.

Hyperammonemia can be caused by several genetic inborn errors of metabolism including urea cycle defects, organic acidemias, fatty acid oxidation defects, and certain disorders of amino acid metabolism. High levels of ammonia are extremely neurotoxic, leading to astrocyte swelling, brain edema, coma, severe disability, and even death. Thus, emergency treatment for hyperammonemia must be initiated before a precise diagnosis is established. In neonates with hyperammonemia caused by an inborn error of metabolism, a few studies have suggested that peritoneal dialysis, intermittent hemodialysis, and continuous renal replacement therapy (RRT) are effective modalities for decreasing the plasma level of ammonia. In this review, we discuss the current literature related to the use of RRT for treating neonates with hyperammonemia caused by an inborn error of metabolism, including optimal prescriptions, prognosis, and outcomes. We also review the literature on new technologies and instrumentation for RRT in neonates

Optimal Prescriptions of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in Neonates with Hyperammonemia

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate patients’ outcomes, determine the prescriptions of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) that effectively reduce serum ammonia levels, and analyze the prognostic factors in neonates with hyperammonemia. Methods: The medical records of 12 Korean neonates with inborn error of metabolism (IEM) who underwent CRRT for hyperammonemia were retrospectively analyzed. Results: All patients received continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration. The median ultrafiltration rate (UFR) at the initiation of CRRT was 2,288.4 mL/h/1.73 m². The median ammonia level at CRRT initiation was 1,320 µmol/L, and the median time to reduce the initial ammonia level by at least 50% was 12.8 h. The survival rate during hospitalization was 83.3%. There were significant differences between patients with neurologic sequelae and those without poor outcomes in peak serum ammonia level before CRRT and serum ammonia level at CRRT initiation. Conclusion: This study suggested that CRRT could be a therapeutic option for neonates with IEM. However, it is necessary to raise the UFR above 4,000 mL/h/1.73 m² in patients with high initial ammonia level.

Outcome assessment of renal replacement therapy in neonates

BackgroundRecent advances in renal replacement therapy (RRT) have brought about a proliferation of dialysis in neonates (<30 d). This study aimed to assess morbidity and mortality after RRT initiation in this population. MethodsRetrospective chart review of all patients between 2006 and 2014 requiring RRT initiated in the first 30 d of life was performed. ResultsA total of 49 patients were identified, of which 39 were boys and 10 were girls. Thirty-two patients (65%) had end-stage renal disease, 11 (22%) had errors of metabolism, and six (12%) required RRT for other pathologies. Median age and weight at RRT onset were 6 (4-14) d and 3.1 (2.7-4.0) kg, respectively. A total of 201 surgeries were performed. Excluding catheter revisions, 83 new hemodialysis (HD) and 28 new peritoneal dialysis lines were placed, with maximum of six HD and four peritoneal catheters placed in single patient. Catheter-associated morbidities occurred in 100% of patients. Most common complications for HD included circuit clotting (87%), bleeding (68%), and bacteremia (50%). Peritoneal dialysis complications included peritonitis (83%), malpositioned catheters (72%), and leaks (55%). Overall mortality was 65.3%, with 56% of all deaths occurring within first month of life and 94% occurring within first year. Among long-term survivors (median follow-up of 5.3 y), 44% were severely and 22% moderately developmentally delayed. ConclusionsAlthough RRT is becoming more technically feasible for neonates with renal and metabolic diseases, it remains associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Pediatric surgeons must be aware of the challenges, taking them into account when considering the care of these critically ill children.

Continuous renal replacement therapy in neonates and small infants: development and first-in-human use of a miniaturised machine (CARPEDIEM)

Peritoneal dialysis is the renal replacement therapy of choice for acute kidney injury in neonates, but in some cases is not feasible or effective. Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) machines are used off label in infants smaller than 15 kg and are not designed specifically for small infants. We aimed to design and create a CRRT machine specifically for neonates and small infants. We prospectively planned a 5-year project to conceive, design, and create a miniaturised Cardio-Renal Pediatric Dialysis Emergency Machine (CARPEDIEM), specifically for neonates and small infants. We created the new device and assessed it with in-vitro laboratory tests, completed its development to meet regulatory requirements, and obtained a licence for human use. Once approved, we used the machine to treat a critically ill neonate The main characteristics of CARPEDIEM are the low priming volume of the circuit (less than 30 mL), miniaturised roller pumps, and accurate ultrafiltration control via calibrated scales with a precision of 1 g. In-vitro tests confirmed that both hardware and software met the specifications. We treated a 2·9 kg neonate with haemorrhagic shock, multiple organ dysfunction, and severe fluid overload for more than 400 h with the CARPEDIEM, using continuous venovenous haemofiltration, single-pass albumin dialysis, blood exchange, and plasma exchange. The patient's 65% fluid overload, raised creatinine and bilirubin concentrations, and severe acidosis were all managed safely and effectively. Despite the severity of the illness, organ function was restored and the neonate survived and was discharged from hospital with only mild renal insufficiency that did not require renal replacement therapy. The CARPEDIEM CRRT machine can be used to provide various treatment modalities and support for multiple organ dysfunction in neonates and small infants. The CARPEDIEM could reduce the range of indications for peritoneal dialysis, widen the range of indications for CRRT, make the use of CRRT less traumatic, and expand its use as supportive therapy even when complete renal replacement therapy is not indicated. Associazione Amici del Rene di Vicenza.

Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in Neonates

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is one of the hemofiltration-based dialysis modalities used in the management of the high risk neonates with acute renal failure, multi-organ dysfunction and inborn errors of metabolism. While there are different types of CRRT (hemodialysis, hemofiltration or both) used in critically ill patients, there is no consensus on the best type or target ultrafiltration dose of CRRT. In the neonates with hyperammonemia secondary to inborn errors of metabolism, CRRT is more efficient in lowering the plasma ammonia concentration than peritoneal dialysis, although no studies have clearly demonstrated the benefits in decreasing the mortality or the long-term neurodevelopmental morbidities. In neonatal care, the role of CRRT as a primary renal replacement therapy is limited by the difficulties in vascular access, bleeding complications and the lack of neonatespecific hemofiltration devices. Currently, neonatal CRRT in Korea is available only in a few large centers, mostly located in Seoul. The nationwide support for the establishment of the patient referral system and the securing of the personnel who are highly experienced in neonatal CRRT may contribute to improving the quality of neonatal care in Korea.

Continuous renal replacement therapy in neonates weighing less than 3 kg

PurposeContinuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is becoming the treatment of choice for supporting critically ill pediatric patients. However, a few studies present have reported CRRT use and outcome in neonates weighing less than 3 kg. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical application, outcome, and complications of CRRT in small neonates.MethodsA retrospective review was performed in 8 neonatal patients who underwent at least 24 hours of pumped venovenous CRRT at the Samsung Medical Center in Seoul, Korea, between March 2007 and July 2010. Data, including demographic characteristics, diagnosis, vital signs, medications, laboratory, and CRRT parameters were recorded.ResultsThe data of 8 patients were analyzed. At the initiation of CRRT, the median age was 5 days (corrected age, 38+2 weeks to 23 days), and the median body weight was 2.73 kg (range, 2.60 to 2.98 kg). Sixty-two patient-days of therapy were reviewed; the median time for CRRT in each patient was 7.8 days (range, 1 to 37 days). Adverse events included electrolyte disturbances, catheter-related complications, and CRRT-related hypotension. The mean circuit functional survival was 13.9±8.6 hours. Overall, 4 patients (50%) survived; the other 4 patients, who developed multiorgan dysfunction syndrome, died.ConclusionThe complications of CRRT in newborns are relatively high. However, the results of this study suggest that venovenous CRRT is feasible and effective in neonates weighing less than 3 kg under elaborate supportive care. Furthermore, for using potential benefit of CRRT in neonates, efforts are required for prolonging filter survival.

Renal Replacement Therapy in Infants with Chronic Renal Failure in the First Year of Life

Although results of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in small children have improved during recent years, data about RRT in neonates are scarce. In a retrospective study, we analyzed the outcome of infants who had chronic kidney disease and started RRT within their first year of life. Between 1997 and 2008, all 29 infants who were younger than 1 yr, had end-stage renal failure, and underwent RRT (dialysis or transplantation) at Hannover Medical School were analyzed for up to 12 yr. Twenty-seven of 29 infants with chronic kidney disease received peritoneal dialysis, starting at a mean age of 112 d; two children received preemptive renal transplantation (RTx). During follow-up, 21 of 29 children survived with RTx. The 5-yr patient and graft survival rate after RTx was 95.5%. Six of 29 children died, one with a functioning graft and five while on peritoneal dialysis. The main causes of death were severe cardiovascular and cerebral comorbidities. The mean GFR at last follow-up of patients who underwent RTx (mean time after RTx 5.1 yr) was 63.2 ml/min per 1.73 m(2). RRT in infants who are younger than 1 year offers excellent chances of survival and should be offered to all infants who do not have severe, life-limiting extrarenal comorbidity. Contrary to previous observations, the long-term outcome of infants may be comparable to that of older children who undergo RRT.

Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in Neonates and Young Infants during Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a therapy that ensures adequate tissue oxygen delivery in patients suffering cardiac and/or respiratory failure that are unresponsive to conventional therapy. During ECMO, it is common to see a decrease in urine output that may be associated with acute renal failure. In this context, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) should be considered. Our aim is to evaluate a pioneer experience in Latin America, related to the use of CRRT in a group of neonatal-pediatric patients during ECMO. We conducted a retrospective review of patients treated with ECMO at our institution between May 2003 and May 2005. Twelve infants were treated with ECMO, six of them also underwent CRRT. The main reasons for CRRT initiation were fluid overload and progressive azotemia. Observed complications were clots in the filter and excessive ultrafiltration. CRRT was successful in fluid management and solute clearance in all patients. Discharge survival rate was 83%, all of them with normal renal function. Concurrent CRRT with ECMO is technically feasible and efficacious in the management of fluid overload and solute clearance. We report the first experience with these therapies in a Latin American neonatal-pediatric ECMO program associated with the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization.

Comparison of a Tubular Pulsatile Pump and a Volumetric Pump for Continuous Venovenous Renal Replacement Therapy in a Pediatric Animal Model

We compare the efficacy of a tubular pulsatile pump and a conventional volumetric pump (IVAC 571), connected to a neonatal hemofiltration circuit with an FH22 filter, for continuous renal replacement therapy in 54 Maryland pigs weighing 8-16 kg. Three different flow rates (30 ml/min in 12 cases, 15 ml/min in 22 cases, and 5 ml/min in 20 cases) were used over a 2-hour period. Hemofiltration and hemodiafiltration were performed, and measurements of ultrafiltrate flow, circuit pressures, heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, urea, creatinine, total proteins, Na, K, Cl, hematocrit, and hemolysis parameters (aspartate transaminase, lactic dehydrogenase, haptoglobin, indirect bilirubin, free hemoglobin) were made. There were no differences in ultrafiltrate flow between the two pumps. Ultrafiltrate volume was significantly higher with higher flows (p < 0.01). The technique was well tolerated by all pigs. When each blood flow was analyzed separately, cross-filter pressure drop was significantly higher in the volumetric pump than in the tubular pulsatile pump (p < 0.05). No significant differences in heart rate, blood pressure, or analytical determinations were seen between the two pumps. We conclude that pulsatile and volumetric pumps can be uses as an alternative to roller pumps for continuous venovenous renal replacement therapy in neonates and infants.

Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in Neonates and Young Infants

After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Compare and contrast hemodialysis and hemofiltration. 2. Compare and contrast continuous arteriovenous and venovenous hemofiltration. 3. List the primary indications for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). 4. Describe the consequences of blood flow rates that are too low or too high in CRRT. 5. List the potential complications of CRRT. Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) consists of a group of hemofiltration-based dialytic modalities that are used to manage acute renal failure, fulminant hepatic failure, sepsis, and certain inborn errors of metabolism. Although most of these treatments initially were developed for adults, adaptations have expanded their use to children and neonates. During the last decade, use of CRRT in neonatal intensive care has increased dramatically. The primary advantages of this form of therapy include slow continuous fluid removal, minimal hemodynamic instability, and excellent dialytic efficacy. The dialytic efficiency of CRRT often exceeds that of both peritoneal and conventional hemodialysis. CRRT would be used even more commonly in the neonatal setting if circuit volumes could be decreased and if anticoagulation could be employed safely in all children, even those who have a high risk of bleeding. Unlike hemodialysis, which removes solute primarily by the process of diffusion, hemofiltration purifies blood by convective transport, with the fluid crossing a semipermeable membrane under the influence of hydrostatic pressure. Solutes are removed from the blood by solvent drag at a rate equal to their blood concentration times the fluid filtration rate. Middle- and larger-molecular weight solutes are cleared at an excellent rate because the semipermeable hemofilter membrane has a higher molecular weight cutoff (∼20,000 daltons) than a traditional dialyzer. However, without counter-current dialysate flow, clearance of low-molecular weight solutes, including urea and creatinine, is less than with standard hemodialysis. Hemofilters are used with both traditional hemodialysis machines, which can generate …