Continuous venovenous haemodialysis (CVVHD) and continuous peritoneal dialysis (CPD) in the acute management of 21 children with inborn errors of metabolism.

BACKGROUND: Newborns with inborn errors of metabolism often present with hyperammonaemic coma, requiring prompt diagnosis and specific medical therapy, nutritional support and efficient toxin removal. Little information regarding the efficacy and safety of continuous venovenous haemodialysis (CVVHD) as an option for extracorporal ammonia detoxification in children is available.

METHODS: Twenty-one patients with hyperammonaemia [19 neonates (mean age 4.1 +/- 2.4 days) and two children 1 and 7 years of age, respectively] were admitted to our hospital for dialysis between 1996 and 2008. Seventeen children (15 neonates), received CVVHD. Four neonates received continuous peritoneal dialysis (CPD). All started medical treatment with sodium benzoate, l-arginine hydrochloride and carnitine as well as protein-restricted parenteral diets with high caloric intake before dialysis.

RESULTS: Plasma ammonia levels (range 464-7267 microg/dl before dialysis and 27-3317 microg/dl after dialysis) were significantly reduced by 50% within 4.7 +/- 2.5 h with CVVHD compared with 13.5 +/- 6.2 h with CPD (P < 0.0001). Plasma ammonia levels <200 microg/dl critical range were achieved within 22.4 +/- 18.1 h in CVVHD patients compared with 35.0 +/- 24.1 h with CPD. Depending on the weight and blood pressure stability of the patients, mean blood flow velocities of 9.8 +/- 3.4 ml/kg/min and mean dialysate flow rates of 3925 +/- 2398 ml/min/1.73 m(2) were employed. Blood and dialysate flows significantly correlated with ammonia clearance and decay of ammonia in vivo. Because of the severe underlying disease, 18% of CVVHD patients died compared with 50% undergoing CPD. In total, 82% of CVVHD patients survived the first 6 months after dialysis. Among these, 43% were without sequelae, 43% developed moderate mental retardation, and two (14%) developed severe mental retardation.

CONCLUSION: CVVHD effectively and quickly eliminates plasma ammonia. To optimize long-term mental outcome, rapid identification and appropriate treatment of the underlying disease as well as starting dialysis early are of enormous therapeutic value.