Acute renal failure in the neonate.

With advances in diagnostic technology, the diagnosis of renal failure from prerenal and renal causes is being made more frequently. With better clinical understanding of etiologic causes, early prevention and diagnostic and therapeutic measures can be taken. Proper and controlled use of fluids, calories, and drugs is essential. Because of its relative ease, peritoneal dialysis is usually preferred over hemodialysis when renal failure cannot be handled more conservatively. Although the incidence of renal failure has apparently increased with the advent of neonatal intensive care, survival rates are increasing and the potential for prevention is better.