RENAL FUNCTION IN NEWBORN INFANTS WITH HIGH HEMATOCRIT VALUES BEFORE AND AFTER ISOVOLEMIC HAEMODILUTION

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Abstract
Aperia, A., Bergqvist, G., Broberger, O., Thodenius, K. and Zetterström, R. (Department of Paediatrics, St Göran's Children's Hospital, Kardinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden). Renal function in newborn infants with high hematocrit values, before and after isovolemic hernodilution. Acta Paediatr Scand63: 878, 1974.—To evaluate the effect of high hematocrit (secondary polycythemia) on renal function in newborn babies, 10 infants with values above 70% have been studied before and after an isovolemic hemodilution. By replacing blood with a solution containing albumin, glucose and sodium chloride the hematocrit was reduced to about 60%. Hematocrit, blood viscosity, glomerular filtration rate (single injection technique), and the renal response to an oral sodium and fluid load were determined before and after hemodilution. The fall in hematocrit was accompanied by a concomitant fall in blood viscosity. All parameters of renal function which were studied were low before hemodilution but improved after this procedure. Water excretion increased out of proportion to glomerular filtration rate. It is suggested that the reduction in renal function as seen in newborn infants with high hematocrit are secondary to an impairment of glomerular plasma flow which in turn is the consequence of high viscosity. The depression of renal function as seen in polycythemic newborn infants may cause marked changes in the handling of certain drugs.