Risk factors for acute kidney injury in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Objective To examine incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI), antenatal and postnatal predictors, and impact of AKI on outcomes in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Study design Single center retrospective study of 90 CDH infants from 2009–2017. Baseline characteristics, CDH severity, possible AKI predictors, and clinical outcomes were compared between infants with and without AKI. Result In total, 38% of infants developed AKI, 44% stage 1, 29% stage 2, 27% stage 3. Lower antenatal lung volumes and liver herniation were associated with AKI. Extracorporeal life support (ECLS), diuretics, abdominal closure surgery, hypotension, and elevated plasma free hemoglobin were associated with AKI. Overall survival was 79%, 47% with AKI, and 35% with AKI on ECLS. AKI is associated with increased mechanical ventilation duration and length of stay. Conclusion AKI is common among CDH infants and associated with adverse outcomes. Standardized care bundles addressing AKI risk factors may reduce AKI incidence and severity.