Electrolyte Emergencies and Acute Renal Failure in Pediatric Critical Care

Electrolyte emergencies and acute renal failure are common problems in pediatric critical care. With improved understanding of electrolyte disturbances and more pediatric specific treatment available for acute renal failure, this field is constantly changing. The initial emergency management and ongoing care of these problems require special consideration and often individualized treatment. This article addresses the pathophysiology and treatment of electrolyte emergencies and acute renal failure. Special circumstances seen in the pediatric critical care setting are reviewed in greater detail with disease-specific treatment considerations. In addition, a review of renal replacement therapy and its use in acute renal failure is given. This article will provide a review of, and treatment strategy for, the variety of electrolyte emergencies and causes of acute renal failure facing the critical care patient.