Long-Term Hemodialysis in the Neonatal Period

Abstract

A 4-kg newborn baby with terminal uremia underwent 28 technically successful hemodialyses over a two-month period. A profunda femoris artery to saphenous vein silastic special pediatric shunt and four different pediatric dialyzer systems were used. Glucose added to the dialysate solution and intravenous mannitol administration prevented significant fluctuations in serum osmolality. Severe hypertension, malnutrition, electrolyte imbalance, and retarded motor development were problems encountered.