[Use of peritoneal dialysis in newborns undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass]

Introduction: Renal replacement therapy is required in up to 10% of children undergoing cardiac surgery. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the preferred treatment method in the neonatal period.

Objective: To evaluate safety, efficacy and perioperative factors associated with the need for PD.

Material and methods: Retrospective review of clinical charts over a two-year period of newborns undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The group of cases requiring PD were compared with a group of random controls that did not require any renal replacement therapy.

Results: A total of 76 infants underwent cardiac surgery with CPB, of which 24 required PD. The need for PD was associated with low cardiac output in the immediate postoperative period and longer mechanical ventilation. The most frequent indication was fluid overload. The technique was effective in 66% of patients. Complications were only recorded in one patient.

Conclusions: The most common indication for PD after cardiac surgery with CPB in neonates is fluid overload. The need for renal replacement therapy is associated with low cardiac output and a longer duration of mechanical ventilation. PD is an effective technique with few complications in these patients.