CARPEDIEM Dialysis for Newborns

An advanced option for babies who need dialysis after birth.

NICU nurses work with the carpediem system during a simulation.

Connecticut Children’s is the only center in the Northeast offering CARPEDIEM (Cardio-Renal Pediatric Dialysis Emergency Machine), an FDA-approved dialysis system just for newborns and infants who meet the criteria for fetal renal failure.

When newborn dialysis technology matters most

CARPEDIEM may be used for newborns with:

  • Severe kidney dysfunction or fetal renal failure is diagnosed prenatally
  • The need for continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) procedures, a method of restoring kidney function and balancing fluid
  • Situations where standard (peritoneal) dialysis approaches may be delayed, limited or not appropriate right away
  • Medically complex conditions who will need follow-up care from multiple specialties
  • Extra fluid in the body because of kidneys not working properly. This can affect nutrition, medication management or overall stabilization

Because CARPEDIEM acts like a kidney for newborns, it allows care teams to safely remove excess fluid with a high level of precision. This is especially important for fragile infants where even small fluid shifts can affect other aspects of care.

Having this type of hemodialysis available at birth allows for more flexible and responsive care planning across Connecticut Children’s fetal care, neonatology, nephrology and urology teams.

What makes CARPEDIEM different

CARPEDIEM is one of the only dialysis systems specifically for newborns.  

Key features include:

  • Designed for very small babies  
  • Highly controlled fluid removal and blood flow 
  • Ability to initiate support in time-sensitive situations 

These features allow for a level of precision that is critical in newborn care.

See system features and outcomes

How it fits into the baby’s care

CARPEDIEM is one of the options for renal replacement therapy that can be used in critically ill newborns and infants before they prepare for a longer-term care plan. Every baby is different, so their Connecticut Children’s care team will use this approach with any other current treatments.  

Care teams may use CARPEDIEM to:

  • Begin dialysis support in newly born babies 
  • Manage fluid balance and blood flow 
  • Support stabilization during the transition to longer-term therapies 

Each care plan is individualized based on the baby’s condition at delivery.

Kidney care that begins before birth

For babies who may need dialysis at birth, preparation starts during pregnancy.

Our fetal care team works closely with: 

Together, we create a coordinated delivery and postnatal care plan so that:

  • The right specialists are there when appropriate
  • Equipment and therapies are ready when needed
  • Care begins at the right time for your baby

Related information

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