Neonatal Renal Disorder
Acute renal failure (ARF) is a very common problem in the neonatal intensive care unit. The new-born kidney has a very low glomerular filtration rate (GFR) that is maintained by a delicate balance between vasoconstrictor and vasodilatory forces. Although sufficient for growth and development under normal conditions, the low GFR of the new-born kidney limits postnatal renal functional adaptation to endogenous and exogenous stresses. This limited response predisposes the new-born to the development of ARF and is even more pronounced in the low birth weight infant (ie, <2,500 g due to preterm birth or intrauterine growth restriction). Given this predisposition, early identification of ARF in the neonate is essential to preserving renal function.
- Renal tubular acidosis
- Urinary tract infections
- Peritoneal dialysis