[Hemofiltration as kidney function replacement treatment in newborn infants].

Peritoneal dialysis remains the treatment of choice for acute renal failure in infancy. After extensive abdominal surgery peritoneal dialysis often becomes impossible. As haemodialysis is extremely difficult in this age group, continuous arteriovenous haemofiltration (CAVH) is a good alternative. The experience with CAVH in two newborns is reported. Fluid and potassium can easily be removed. Catabolic products such as urea are cleared less effectively than by peritoneal dialysis.