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Review
. 2016 Apr;28(2):180-7.
doi: 10.1097/MOP.0000000000000311.

Drug-induced acute kidney injury in neonates

Mina H Hanna  1 , David J Askenazi, David T Selewski
Affiliations
Review

Drug-induced acute kidney injury in neonates

Mina H Hanna et al. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2016 Apr.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an independent risk factor for morbidity and mortality in critically ill neonates. Nephrotoxic medication exposure is common in neonates. Nephrotoxicity represents the most potentially avoidable cause of AKI in this population.

Recent findings: Recent studies in critically ill children revealed the importance of recognizing AKI and potentially modifiable risk factors for the development of AKI such as nephrotoxic medication exposures. Data from critically ill children who have AKI suggest that survivors are at risk for the development of chronic kidney disease. Premature infants are born with incomplete nephrogenesis and are at risk for chronic kidney disease. The use of nephrotoxic medications in the neonatal intensive care unit is very common; yet the effects of medication nephrotoxicity on the short and long-term outcomes remains highly understudied.

Summary: The neonatal kidney is predisposed to nephrotoxic AKI. Our ability to improve outcomes for this vulnerable group depends on a heightened awareness of this issue. It is important for clinicians to develop methods to minimize and prevent nephrotoxic AKI in neonates through a multidisciplinary approach aiming at earlier recognition and close monitoring of nephrotoxin-induced AKI.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interests:

MH has no conflicts of interest. DS has no conflicts of interest. DA is a speaker for BTG, Baxter and the AKI foundation.

References

    1. Selewski DT, Charlton JR, Jetton JG, et al. Neonatal acute kidney injury. Pediatrics. 2015;136:e463–473. This excellent review addresses where the field of neonatal AKI is in 2015, critical questions that need to be answered, and the ways that investigators are trying to bridge gaps in knowledge. - PubMed
    1. Askenazi DJ, Griffin R, McGwin G, et al. Acute kidney injury is independently associated with mortality in very low birthweight infants: a matched case-control analysis. Pediatr Nephrol. 2009;24:991–997. - PubMed
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    1. Zwiers AJ, de Wildt SN, Hop WC, et al. Acute kidney injury is a frequent complication in critically ill neonates receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a 14-year cohort study. Crit Care. 2013;17:R151. - PMC - PubMed

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