BackgroundSingle-center studies suggest that neonatal acute kidney injury (AKI)
is associated with poor outcomes. However, inferences regarding the
association between AKI, mortality, and hospital length of stay are limited
due to the small sample size of those studies. In order to determine whether
neonatal AKI is independently associated with increased mortality and longer
hospital stay, we analyzed the Assessment of Worldwide Acute Kidney
Epidemiology in Neonates (AWAKEN) database.MethodsAll neonates admitted to 24 participating neonatal intensive care
units from four countries (Australia, Canada, India, United States) between
January 1 and March 31, 2014, were screened. Of 4273 neonates screened, 2022
(47·3%) met study criteria. Exclusion criteria included: no
intravenous fluids ≥48 hours, admission ≥14 days of life,
congenital heart disease requiring surgical repair at <7 days of life,
lethal chromosomal anomaly, death within 48 hours, inability to determine
AKI status or severe congenital kidney abnormalities. AKI was defined using
a standardized definition —i.e., serum creatinine rise of
≥0.3 mg/dL (26.5 mcmol/L) or ≥50% from previous
lowest value, and/or if urine output was <1 mL/kg/h on postnatal days 2
to 7.FindingsIncidence of AKI was 605/2022 (29·9%). Rates varied
by gestational age groups (i.e., ≥22 to <29 weeks
=47·9%; ≥29 to <36 weeks
=18·3%; and ≥36 weeks
=36·7%). Even after adjusting for multiple potential
confounding factors, infants with AKI had higher mortality compared to those
without AKI [(59/605 (9·7%) vs. 20/1417
(1·4%); p< 0.001; adjusted OR=4·6
(95% CI=2·5–8·3);
p=<0·0001], and longer hospital stay
[adjusted parameter estimate 8·8 days (95%
CI=6·1–11·5);
p<0·0001].InterpretationNeonatal AKI is a common and independent risk factor for mortality
and longer hospital stay. These data suggest that neonates may be impacted
by AKI in a manner similar to pediatric and adult patients.FundingUS National Institutes of Health, University of Alabama at
Birmingham, Cincinnati Children’s, University of New Mexico.
In recent years, there have been significant advancements in our understanding of acute kidney injury (AKI) and its impact on outcomes across medicine. Research based on single-center cohorts suggests that neonatal AKI is very common and associated with poor outcomes. In this state-of-the-art review on neonatal AKI, we highlight the unique aspects of neonatal renal physiology, definition, risk factors, epidemiology, outcomes, evaluation, and management of AKI in neonates. The changes in renal function with gestational and chronologic age are described. We put forth and describe the neonatal modified Kidney Diseases: Improving Global Outcomes AKI criteria and provide the rationale for its use as the standardized definition of neonatal AKI. We discuss risk factors for neonatal AKI and suggest which patient populations may warrant closer surveillance, including neonates ,1500 g, infants who experience perinatal asphyxia, near term/ term infants with low Apgar scores, those treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and those requiring cardiac surgery. We provide recommendations for the evaluation and treatment of these patients, including medications and renal replacement therapies. We discuss the need for long-term follow-up of neonates with AKI to identify those children who will go on to develop chronic kidney disease. This review highlights the deficits in our understanding of neonatal AKI that require further investigation. In an effort to begin to address these needs, the Neonatal Kidney Collaborative was formed in 2014 with the goal of better understanding neonatal AKI, beginning to answer critical questions, and improving outcomes in these vulnerable populations.
Summary
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a lifesaving procedure used in neonates, children, and adults with severe, reversible, cardiopulmonary failure. On the basis of single-center studies, the incidence of AKI occurs in 70%–85% of ECMO patients. Those with AKI and those who require renal replacement therapy (RRT) are at high risk for mortality, independent of potentially confounding variables. Fluid overload is common in ECMO patients, and is one of the main indications for RRT. RRT to maintain fluid balance and metabolic control is common in some but not all centers. RRT on ECMO can be performed via an in-line hemofilter or by incorporating a standard continuous renal replacement machine into the ECMO circuit. Both of these methods require specific technical considerations to provide safe and effective RRT. This review summarizes available epidemiologic data and how they apply to our understanding of AKI pathophysiology during ECMO, identifies indications for RRT while on ECMO, reviews technical elements for RRT application in the setting of ECMO, and finally identifies specific research-focused questions that need to be addressed to improve outcomes in this at-risk population.
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