Fluid management, electrolytes imbalance and renal management in neonates with neonatal encephalopathy treated with hypothermia

Kidney dysfunction and acute kidney injury (AKI) frequently accompanies neonatal encephalopathy and contributes to neonatal morbidity and mortality. While there are currently no proven therapies for the treatment of AKI, understanding the pathophysiology along with early recognition and treatment of alterations in fluid, electrolyte and metabolic homeostasis that accompany AKI offer opportunity to reduce associated morbidity. Promising new tests and technologies, including urine and serum biomarkers and renal near-infrared spectroscopy offer opportunities to improve diagnosis and monitoring of neonates at risk for kidney injury. Furthermore, recent advances in neonatal kidney supportive therapies such as hemofiltration and hemodialysis may further improve outcomes in this population. This chapter provides an overview of disorders of fluid balance, electrolyte homeostasis and kidney function associated with neonatal encephalopathy and therapeutic hypothermia. Recommendations for fluid and electrolyte management based upon published literature and authors' opinions are provided.