Optimal Prescriptions of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in Neonates with Hyperammonemia

Background/aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate patients' outcomes, determine the prescriptions of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) that effectively reduce serum ammonia levels, and analyze the prognostic factors in neonates with hyperammonemia.

Methods: The medical records of 12 Korean neonates with inborn error of metabolism (IEM) who underwent CRRT for hyperammonemia were retrospectively analyzed.

Results: All patients received continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration. The median ultrafiltration rate (UFR) at the initiation of CRRT was 2,288.4 mL/h/1.73 m2. The median ammonia level at CRRT initiation was 1,320 µmol/L, and the median time to reduce the initial ammonia level by at least 50% was 12.8 h. The survival rate during hospitalization was 83.3%. There were significant differences between patients with neurologic sequelae and those without poor outcomes in peak serum ammonia level before CRRT and serum ammonia level at CRRT initiation.

Conclusion: This study suggested that CRRT could be a therapeutic option for neonates with IEM. However, it is necessary to raise the UFR above 4,000 mL/h/1.73 m2 in patients with high initial ammonia level.