Renal acid-base regulation Since birth, the kidney represents the crucial ultimate line of defense against disturbances of acid-base balance, which is performed by the tubular reabsorption of bicarbonate and the excretion of fixed hydrogen ions. The glomerulus contributes to renal…
Introduction Although the provision of dialysis and the need for a kidney transplant during infancy is rare, medical advancements have led to increased availability and efficacy of these treatments when needed worldwide. Data from the US Renal Data System (USRDS)…
Definitions and scope of prenatal urinary tract dilation Abnormal dilation of the fetal urinary tract is a common finding during antenatal screening ultrasound (US) (1%–3% of all pregnancies), second only to cardiac defects. This dilation signifies a spectrum of disease,…
Introduction Preterm birth is estimated to impact 15 million births worldwide annually. Due to advancements in the treatment of preterm infants, survival of these infants has improved, albeit with increased morbidity due to the development of chronic diseases, especially in…
Introduction Diuretics are commonly used in the neonatal population to treat infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), cardiac disease associated with congestive heart failure, and acute kidney injury (AKI). The relatively high frequency of diuretic use has been documented by several…
Introduction Congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT) encompass many heterogenous anomalies of the kidney, ureter, bladder, and urethra ( Fig. 8.1 ). CAKUT is the leading cause of kidney disease and of renal failure in children. The…
Dysnatremias, hyponatremia and hypernatremia, are common in the neonatal intensive care unit. Recent studies indicate that these conditions can result in both short- and long-term morbidity and mortality. This chapter will review the development of renal function with emphasis on…
Introduction Water is critical to the support of all life, and ensuring appropriate balance of fluid and electrolytes is a central aspect of the clinical management of patients. It has been extremely difficult to study and define optimal fluid and…
Potassium (K), the major intracellular (IC) cation (98% of [K] is located inside the cells), is responsible for protein synthesis, cell growth, and regulation of cell volume. Sodium-potassium ATPase (Na-K-ATPase) in cell membranes is responsible for maintaining this gradient, which…
Introduction Normal amniotic fluid production and volume are essential for normal fetal development. Oligohydramnios, or low amniotic fluid volume, when severe can impact normal lung development. As the fetal kidneys are the major source of amniotic fluid in the second…