First-Ever Dialysis Machine Designed for Newborns

Italian researchers have come up with a Cardio-Renal Pediatric Dialysis Emergency Machine just for newborns and small infants. This is the first kind that was created for peritoneal dialysis, which has been used in infant therapy for acute kidney injury.

"We aimed to design and create a CRRT (continuous renal replacement therapy) machine specifically for neonates and small infants," state researchers in the study abstract, discussing how the development of the new machine was a five-year project. The device meets regulatory requirements and is now being used to treat critically ill infants. 

"The CARPEDIEM CRRT machine can be used to provide various treatment modalities and support for multiple organ dysfunction in neonates and small infants," the research abstract stated.

The machine operates at low flows and pressures via a fluid balance accuracy, with multiple indications, according to MedScape.

It was tested in an in vitro laboratory test before it was approved for human use after 30 months in development. However, risks still apply.

"A major problem is the potential for errors in ultrafiltration volumes. Adult dialysis equipment has a tendency to either withdraw too much fluid from a child, leading to dehydration and loss of blood pressure, or too little fluid, leading to high blood pressure and edema," said Prof. Claudio Ronco, of San Bortolo Hospital in Italy.

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the journal The Lancet.