Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy with High Flow Rate Can Effectively, Safely, and Quickly Reduce Plasma Ammonia and Leucine Levels in Children

Inborn errors of metabolism in neonates and pediatrics on varying dialysis modalities: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Some inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) resulting in aberrations to blood leucine and ammonia levels are commonly treated with kidney replacement therapy (KRT). Children with IEMs require prompt treatment, as delayed treatment results in increased neurological and developmental morbidity.

OBJECTIVES

Our systematic review in neonates and pediatrics evaluates survival rates and reductions in ammonia and leucine levels across different KRT modalities (continuous KRT (CKRT), hemodialysis (HD), peritoneal dialysis (PD)).

DATA SOURCES

A literature search was conducted through PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases for articles including survival rate and toxic metabolite clearance data in pediatric patients with IEM undergoing KRT.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Cross-sectional, prospective, and retrospective studies with survival rates reported in patients with IEM with an intervention of CKRT, PD, or HD were included. Studies with patients receiving unclear or multiple KRT modalities were excluded.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

Analysis variables included efficacy outcomes [% reduction in ammonia (RIA) from pre- to post-dialysis and time to 50% RIA] and mortality. The Newcastle Ottawa Risk of Bias quality assessment was used to assess bias. All statistical analyses were performed with MedCalc Statistical Software version 19.2.6.

RESULTS

A total of 37 studies (n = 642) were included. The pooled proportion (95% CI) of mortality on CKRT was 24.84% (20.93-29.08), PD was 34.42% (26.24-43.33), and HD 34.14% (24.19-45.23). A lower trend of pooled (95% CI) time to 50% RIA was observed with CKRT [6.5 (5.1-7.8)] vs. PD [14.4 (13.3-15.5)]. A higher mortality was observed with greater plasma ammonia level before CKRT (31.94% for ≥ 1000 µmol/L vs. 15.04% for < 1000 µmol/L).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS

Despite the limitations in sample size, trends emerged suggesting that CKRT may be associated with lower mortality rates compared to HD or PD, with potential benefits including prevention of rebound hyperammonemia and improved hemodynamic control. While HD showed a trend towards faster achievement of 50% RIA, all modalities demonstrated comparable efficacy in reducing ammonia and leucine levels.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION

CRD42023418842.

Nutrition in Critically Ill Children with AKI on Continuous RRT: Consensus Recommendations

BACKGROUND

Nutrition plays a vital role in the outcome of critically ill children, particularly those with AKI. Currently, there are no established guidelines for children with AKI treated with continuous RRT (CRRT). A thorough understanding of the metabolic changes and nutritional challenges in AKI and CRRT is required. Our objective was to create clinical practice points for nutritional assessment and management in critically ill children with AKI receiving CRRT.

METHODS

PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched for articles related to the topic. Expertise of the authors and a consensus of the workgroup were additional sources of data in the article. Available articles on nutrition therapy in pediatric patients receiving CRRT through January 2023.

RESULTS

On the basis of the literature review, the current evidence base was examined by a panel of experts in pediatric nephrology and nutrition. The panel used the literature review as well as their expertise to formulate clinical practice points. The modified Delphi method was used to identify and refine clinical practice points.

CONCLUSIONS

Forty-four clinical practice points are provided on nutrition assessment, determining energy needs, and nutrient intake in children with AKI and on CRRT on the basis of the existing literature and expert opinions of a multidisciplinary panel.

Characteristics of continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration in the acute treatment of inherited metabolic disorders

BACKGROUND

Continuous kidney replacement therapies (CKRT) have been reported to be an effective approach to removing toxic metabolites in inborn errors of metabolism (IEM). The present study evaluates efficiency and complications of CKRT in children with IEM.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with IEM who underwent CKRT in pediatric and neonatal intensive care units were analyzed. CKRT were initiated in patients with persistently high blood ammonia levels (≥ 500 μmol/L), blood ammonia levels > 250 μmol/L in the presence of moderate encephalopathy, high blood leucine levels (≥ 1500 μmol/L), and blood leucine levels < 1500 μmol/L in the presence of deteriorating neurological status or persistent metabolic acidosis.

RESULTS

Of 22 patients enrolled, nine (40.9%) Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), eight (36.4%) urea cycle disorders (UCD), and five (22.7%) organic acidemias (OA). Median age was 72.3 [9.9-1040.8] days. In total, 28 dialysis sessions were analyzed [16 (57.1%) continuous venovenous hemodialysis, and 12 (42.9%) continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration]. A significant decrease was noted in leucine levels (from 1608.4 ± 885.3 to 314.6 ± 109.9 µmol/L) of patients with MSUD, while ammonia levels were significantly decreased in patients with UCD and OA (from 1279.9 ± 612.1 to 85.1 ± 21.6 µmol/L). The most frequent complications of CKRT were thrombocytopenia (60.7%), hypotension (53.6%), and hypocalcemia (42.9%). Median age of patients with hypotension treated with vasoactive medications was significantly lower than median age of those with normal blood pressure.

CONCLUSION

CKRT is a reliable approach for effective and rapid removal of toxic metabolites in children with IEM, and CKRT modalities can be safely used and are well-tolerated in infants.

Advances in pediatric acute kidney injury

The objective of this study was to inform the pediatric nephrologists of recent advances in acute kidney injury (AKI) epidemiology, pathophysiology, novel biomarkers, diagnostic tools, and management modalities. Studies were identified from PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar for topics relevant to AKI. The bibliographies of relevant studies were also reviewed for potential articles. Pediatric (0-18 years) articles from 2000 to May 2020 in the English language were included. For epidemiological outcomes analysis, a meta-analysis on data regarding AKI incidence, mortality, and proportion of kidney replacement therapy was performed and an overall pooled estimate was calculated using the random-effects model. Other sections were created highlighting pathophysiology, novel biomarkers, changing definitions of AKI, evolving tools for AKI diagnosis, and various management modalities. AKI is a common condition seen in hospitalized children and the diagnosis and management have shown to be quite a challenge. However, new standardized definitions, advancements in diagnostic tools, and the development of novel management modalities have led to increased survival benefits in children with AKI. IMPACT: This review highlights the recent innovations in the field of AKI, especially in regard to epidemiology, pathophysiology, novel biomarkers, diagnostic tools, and management modalities.

[Application of continuous renal replacement therapy in the treatment of neonates with inherited metabolic diseases]

OBJECTIVE

To study the efficacy and safety of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in the treatment of neonates with inherited metabolic diseases and hyperammonemia.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical records of neonates with inherited metabolic diseases and hyperammonemia who were hospitalized and underwent CRRT in the Department of Neonatology, Hunan Children's Hospital, from September 2016 to March 2020, including general conditions, clinical indices, laboratory markers, and adverse reactions.

RESULTS

A total of 11 neonates were enrolled, with 7 boys (64%) and 4 girls (36%). The neonates had a mean gestational age of (38.9±0.8) weeks, a mean body weight of (3 091±266) g on admission, and an age of (5.7±2.0) days at the time of CRRT. The main clinical manifestations were vomiting (100%), convulsions (100%), and coma (55%), and the main primary disease was urea cycle disorder (55%). The mean duration of CRRT was (44±14) hours, the medium duration of coma before CRRT was 2 hours, and the total duration of coma was 10 hours. The patients had a mean hospital stay of (18±10) days and a survival rate of 73%, and 2 survivors had epilepsy. After treatment, all patients had significant reductions in blood ammonia, lactic acid, and K⁺ concentration (P < 0.001) and a significant increase in pH (P < 0.001). The incidence rate of adverse reactions was 27%.

CONCLUSIONS

CRRT is safe and effective in the treatment of neonates with inherited metabolic diseases and hyperammonemia.