[Vasomotor kidney failure in the newborn infant. Physiopathology and treatment]

Prerenal failure (i.e: functional renal insufficiency or vasomotor nephropathy) is the main cause of acute renal failure in the neonate. The renin-angiotensin system and endogenous renal adenosine intervene in the pathophysiological mechanisms of functional renal insufficiency. Mechanical ventilation, indomethacin and tolazoline may favor or worsen vasomotor nephropathies. Prerenal failure is treated by 1) correction of hypovolemia, systemic hypotension, hypoxemia and acidosis; 2) administration of furosemide and of low doses of dopamine.