Renal Failure in the Newborn

THIS REPORT DESCRIBES a premature newborn infant with anuria and uremia who was successfully treated with peritoneal dialysis. Most of the reported infants subjected to this procedure were dialyzed to remove poisons 1 or to treat renal failure due to diarrhea with dehydration. 2 Peritoneal dialysis has been reported in only one neonate with renal failure. 3 Possible causes of anuria in the neonate include severe hypoxia, septicemia, circulatory failure, bilateral cortical necrosis, congenital anomalies, and renal vein thrombosis. Report of a Case This 2,440.25 gm (5 lb 6 oz) baby girl was delivered by low forceps after 36 weeks gestation to a 20-year-old primigravida at 4:40 pm on March 28, 1966. During the last trimester of pregnancy the mother gained 31 lb. A low sodium diet and chlorothiazide were prescribed. Just prior to delivery her blood pressure was 130/100 and she showed slight pedal edema. No history of diabetes