Renal Tubular Acidosis in the Neonate

Abstract

See Bonus NeoBriefs videos and downloadable teaching slides Metabolic acidosis can manifest in the neonatal period and cause significant morbidity and mortality in neonates. Preterm infants are at an even higher risk of developing metabolic acidosis. If the acidosis results from a dysfunction of acid-base homeostasis by the renal system, the disorder is known as renal tubular acidosis (RTA). In this review, we will describe renal development and normal acid-base homeostasis by the renal system. We will also discuss the pathophysiology of the different types of RTA, laboratory findings to aid in diagnosis, and treatment considerations. Understanding RTA will help neonatal clinicians recognize and diagnose an infant affected by RTA and initiate treatment in a timely manner.