[Continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration in the newborn surgical patient]

Continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration is an extracorporeal technique that uses the arterio-venous pressure gradient to remove plasma water and solutes via convection through a hemofilter. This therapy is specially indicated in the newborn with acute renal failure, hypervolemia and/or metabolic disturbances. The technique has good clinical tolerance in the critically ill patient because of little hemodynamic repercussion without major osmolar shifts, low anticoagulation needed and its simplicity (no need for specialized staff).