Journal-based CME Course: Kidney Health Monitoring in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Graduates – A Modified Delphi Consensus Statement

Activity ID

13539

Expires

September 13, 2027

Format Type

Journal-based

CME Credit

1

Fee

$30

CME Provider: JAMA Network Open

Description of CME Course

Importance  Kidney disease is common in infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Despite the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in infants discharged from the NICU, neither evidence- nor expert-based recommendations exist to guide clinical care after discharge.

Objective  To develop recommendations for risk stratification and kidney health monitoring among infants after discharge from the NICU.

Evidence Review  At the National Institute of Health–supported Consensus Workshop to Address Kidney Health in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Graduates meeting conducted in February 2024, a panel of 51 neonatal nephrology experts focused on 3 at-risk groups: (1) preterm infants, (2) critically ill infants with acute kidney injury (AKI), and (3) infants with critical cardiac disease. Using established modified Delphi processes, workgroups derived consensus recommendations.

Findings  In this modified Delphi consensus statement, the panel developed 10 consensus recommendations, identified gaps in knowledge, and prioritized areas of future research. Principal suggestions include risk stratification at time of hospital discharge, family and clinician education and counseling for subsequent kidney health follow-up, and blood pressure assessment as part of outpatient care.

Conclusions and Relevance  Preterm infants, critically ill infants with AKI, and infants with critical cardiac disease are at increased risk of CKD. We recommend (1) risk assessment at the time of discharge, (2) clinician and family education, and (3) kidney health assessments based on the degree of risk. Future work should focus on improved risk stratification, identification of early kidney dysfunction, and development of interventions to improve long-term kidney health.

Disclaimers

1. This activity is accredited by the American Medical Association.
2. This activity is free to AMA members.

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