Conservative management of neonatal renal artery embolism

Renal artery thrombosis or embolism associated with the use of an umbilical arterial catheter can cause renin-dependent hypertension in the neonate. The tip of the catheter should therefore be kept well below the origin of the renal arteries and the infant's blood pressure monitored. Moreover, since the pressor hypertension may be transient and kidney function may return, a period of medical management should be attempted before proceeding to nephrectomy.