A study of acute kidney injury in hospitalized preterm neonates in NICU

This study was carried out to determine the incidence, clinical features, etiology and outcome of functional and intrinsic acute kidney injury (AKI) in preterm neonates.

This is a prospective observational study on premature infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) over an eight month period. All biochemical parameters of renal function tests were monitored and statically analyzed.

The study included 450 infants; of them 300 were inborn and 150 infants were outborn and transported to the NICU. Mean gestational age, weight, and age at the time of AKI diagnosis were 32.3 weeks, 1.66 kg and 3.23 days respectively. The male: female ratio was 1.84:1. Incidence of AKI was higher in low birth weight babies. Sluggishness and refusal for feed were most common symptoms. Birth asphyxia and septicemia were the most common early and late cause of AKI. Hyponatremia was the most common electrolyte disturbance. The incidences of AKI, functional renal failure, and intrinsic renal failure were 12%, 48.14%, and 51.85% respectively.

AKI is not uncommon in preterm infants. The early recognition and aggressive management of episodes of shock which often precede AKI could be life-saving.