ABNORMAL RENAL-FUNCTION IN NEWBORN-INFANT

Wide variation in renal function is encountered during and following hypoxia in the adult, and there is some controversy as to the effect of hypoxia on the kidney. The newborn of some species (piglets and lambs) appear to have a similar renal response to mild hypoxia and hypocapnia as does the adult, namely, diuresis and increased excretion of free water, solutes and electrolytes. The response of the fetal and newborn kidney to hypoxia and hypercapnia depend not only on the degree and duration of the insult but also on the actions of vasopressin and of angiotensin.