Acute Renal Failure in the First Month of Life

Abstract

Summary: A review of 19 newborn infants with acute renal failure has revealed the presence of congenital structural anomalies in 63% of the cases. These anomalies included posterior urethral valve, prune belly syndrome, renal dysplasia and hydronephrosis. In the remaining 37% of the cases, renal failure was associated with acute gastroenteritis, septicaemia and meningitis. The overall mortality was 63% while the mortality was 50% among those with anomalies and 85-7% among those without anomalies. It is concluded that a high index of suspicion and simple laboratory tests, including serum electrolytes, urca and creatinine, are particularly useful in the diagnosis of acute renal failure in the newborn. In addition, urine volume, its appearance and composition should be determined routinely in all high-risk infants, especially in asphyxiated babies, as well as in those with severe dehy dration and shock.