There is an overwhelming number of studies showing that complication with acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill patients, including children and newborns results in increased morbidity and mortality. The more severe AKI, the higher risk of bad outcome. In the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), the incidence of AKI is approximately 30 %, even higher in full-term babies (36 %).
Newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) often present with severe cardio-respiratory dysfunction, often complicated by pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) requiring mechanical ventilation and vasoactive/inotropic drugs, especially during the first week in the intensive care. Some of these patients deteriorates and cannot maintain vital parameters despite conventional treatment and will therefore require extra corporeal membrane oxygenation). During the ICU-stay, the patients are subjected to several risk factors for developing AKI. Among physiological risk factors, PPHN, low oxygenation and blood pressure may result in renal dysfunction. Iatrogenic factors include the need for nephrotoxic drugs, not least antibiotics (Vancomycin, Gentamycin) and antimycotics. In addition, hyperchloremia may contribute to the development of AKI, since impaired renal blood flow is associated with hyperchloremia. The AKI incidence and its risk factors in CDH patients is not well studied.
The objectives of this well characterized retrospective cohort study is to establish AKI incidence in critically ill CDH-patients and investigate possible associations between risk factors and AKI (exposure to nephrotoxic drugs, degree of multiple organ failure, PPHN, vasoactive/inotropic requirement, oxygenation index, fluid overload and hyperchloremia) during PICU stay. The association of the risk factors to different stages of AKI will also be investigated.
