Acute Kidney Injury in Infants and Neonates

Context AKI in neonates and infants is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Aims To evaluate epidemiology, clinical profile and outcomes of acute kidney injury in neonates and infants. Settings and Design Prospective observational study from over 1year period Methods and Material Neonates and infants with clinical symptoms or abnormal laboratory parameters suggesting acute kidney injury were included in the study. Demographic characteristics, clinical history and relevant investigations performed. Renal failure classified by pRIFLE. Dialysis was performed when needed and outcomes are analysed. Statistical analysis used Descriptive statistics for continuous variables. Pearson chi-square test for categorical data using Epi info TM7 statistical software Results The incidence of AKI is 11.53 % (21/182). Neonates were 28.57 % (6) and infants were 71.42 % (15). Male female ratio was 3.2 (16/5). Infections were the commonest aetiology in 76.19 % (16) with highest being sepsis 23.80 % (5). Most common clinical features were oligura 61.9 % (13) followed by fever 57.1 % (12). Most common laboratory features elevated total WBC count in 76.19 % (16) and hypoalbuminemia 52.38 % (11). Peritoneal dialysis was done in 38.09 % (8) of babies. Complete recovery seen in 80.95 % (17) and mortality in 19.4 % (4) of babies. Sepsis contributed to mortality in 75 % ( 3) babies. Conclusions Acute kidney injury in neonates and infants is not uncommon and needs frequent renal function monitoring for prevention.