Neonatal sepsis with multi-organ failure and treated with a new dialysis device specifically designed for newborns

Neonatal sepsis due to E. coli is often complicated by multiple organ failure (MOF) and a high mortality risk. We report the case of a term newborn discharged in good condition who suddenly fell into septic shock after 11 days and required immediate resuscitation, volume expansion and a high-dosage amine infusion. Extremely severe metabolic acidosis, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) with diffuse bleeding, and unstable hemodynamic status with oliguria turned into strict anuria, and the patient became anuric. The presence of DIC, with gastric and intestinal bleeding, rendered peritoneal dialysis impossible. Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) was started with the new dialysis machine CARPEDIEM(®) (Cardio-Renal Pediatric Dialysis Emergency Machine), available on a trial-basis in our center, after the surgical placement of jugular double-lumen central venous catheters. A 'ready to use' neonatal kit with a low-priming volume of the extracorporeal circuit allowed a prompt hemofiltration start. The filtration CRRT was continuously performed for 48 h, then intermittently (12 h/day) for 2 more days and interrupted on day 5 for diuresis reprisal. Acute kidney injury and multi-organ failure resolved after 5 days. The child survived without neurological damage, with a normal renal function and a normal development at 9 months follow-up. In conclusion, a prompt CRRT start with this specifically designed neonatal device allowed a progressive stabilization of hemodynamics, a better control of acidosis, a reduction of amine requirement, a gradual control of fluid overload and a rapid improvement of MOF, DIC as well as a resolution of the acute kidney injury. The device also allowed the extension of CRRT in the neonatal age.