Neonatal Nephrology

Complexities of the Neonatal Kidney: Assessing and Preserving Function in the Newborn
Pediatric nephrologist Paul R. Brakeman, MD, PhD, starts his talk with a look at how kidney structures form in utero and in the weeks after birth, which informs multiple aspects of neonatal care. Clarifying the effects of immature kidneys for both term and preterm infants, he discusses common problems, such as hyponatremia and acute kidney injury; delineates causes of neonatal hypertension and when a workup is indicated; and describes the process and prognosis for infants needing dialysis and transplant.

Learning Objectives:

• Evaluate and treat neonatal hypertension
• Evaluate Neonatal AKI and identify risk factors related to gender, socioeconomic levels and ethnicity
• Explain risks and benefits of neonatal dialysis and identify unconscious and implicit bias in early decision making around neonatal dialysis