Use of Diuretics in the Newborn

Diuretics are pharmacologic agents that increase the excretion of water and electrolytes. They are primarily used in states of inappropriate salt and water retention. Such states can be the consequence of congestive heart failure (CHF), renal diseases, and liver disease. Diuretics are also used in various conditions not evidently associated with salt retention. Such conditions include oliguric states, respiratory disorders, electrolyte disorders, and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Diuretics can also be valuable tools in the laboratory differential diagnosis of congenital tubulopathies. The rationale use of diuretics in newborn infants requires a clear understanding of the physiology and physiopathology of immature kidneys.