The Fractional Excretion of Urea in the Differential Diagnosis of Prerenal Failure and Acute Tubular Necrosis in Neonates
Jaakchai Jungthirapanich MD*, Pasakorn Srithipsukho MD*, Sookkasem Khositseth MD*, Wilaiporn Techasatid MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Pediatrics, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand
Background : Acute renal failure (ARF) in a newborn is a common problem. Fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) has been
used to distinguish between the two main causes of ARF, prerenal failure and acute tubular necrosis (ATN). However, the
clinical usefulness of FENa could be limited by furosemide diuretic that are commonly prescribed in ARF patients. In contrast,
urea is not reabsorbed significantly in the distal nephron, thus the fractional excretion of urea (FE UN) should not be affected
by furosemide.
Objective : To test the hypothesis that FE UN is not effected by furosemide and useful in differentiating between prerenal failure
and ATN.
Material and Method: Neonates admitted to the Department of Pediatrics, Thammasat University Hospital from August
2007-May 2009 were studies prospectively for ARF which is defined as urine output < 0.5 ml/kg/hr after the 1st day and serum
creatinine > 1.5 mg/dl with normal maternal renal function. FENa and FEUN were performed on the initial time of diagnosis
and were repeated on two consecutive days.
Results : Neonates with ARF were classified as prerenal failure (n = 38) and ATN (n = 5). The prerenal failure neonates were
divided into two groups: those prerenal failure without furosemide (n = 27), those prerenal failure with furosemide (n = 11).
The FENa at the initial time of diagnosis and the two consecutive days in prerenal failure neonates (0.33 + 0.57, 10.1 + 2.73,
0.8 + 1.32%, respectively) were lower than ATN neonates (4.74 + 6.12, 5.05 + 4.03, 3.98 + 2.47%, respectively) significantly.
Both FENa and FE UN were no statistical difference between the two prerenal failure groups and ATN neonates.
Conclusion : A FE Na in prerenal failure is significantly lower than ATN. A FE UN has no benefit in distinguishing between
prerenal failure and ATN. Furosemide has no effect on both FENa and FE UN.
Keywords : Acute renal failure, Prerenal failure, Acute tubular necrosis, Fractional excretion of sodium, Fractional excretion of urea, Furosemide
