Italian scientists have designed a dialysis machine specifically to treat babies with kidney failure, which they say could improve treatment.
Dialysis machines for adults can cause complications when used in very young children, the Lancet study says.
The miniaturised machine has been tested on a newborn with multiple organ failure, whose kidney function was restored after 30 days.
UK experts warn dialysis is still very challenging, even with new equipment.
Prof Claudio Ronco, from the International Renal Research Institute at San Bortolo Hospital in Vicenza, designed and developed the new machine to treat babies and small infants weighing between 2kg and 10kg (4lb and 1st 8lb).
In his study, published in the Lancet, he said adult kidney dialysis machines were inaccurate and potentially unsafe when used in those babies.
Prof Ronco said: "A major problem is the potential for errors in ultra-filtration volumes.
"Adult dialysis equipment has a tendency to either withdraw too much fluid from a child, leading to dehydration and loss of blood pressure, or too little fluid, leading to high blood pressure and oedema."
The new machine - named Carpe Diem (cardio-renal pediatric dialysis emergency machine) - replaces the lost function of the kidney by removing excess fluid and urine from the body through blood vessels.
It allows the use of a much smaller-sized catheter than normal which could prevent damage to blood vessels in babies, the study says.
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