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Normal kidney function and elevated natriuresis in young men born with low birth weight.
B Vásárhelyi1, M Dobos, G S Reusz
1First Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis Medical University, Budapest, Hungary.
Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany)
|November 30, 2000
Summary
Young men born with low birth weight (LBW) exhibit higher blood pressure and altered sodium excretion. Erythrocyte Na+/K+-ATPase activity may influence these cardiovascular and renal changes.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Developmental Origins of Health and Disease
Background:
- Low birth weight (LBW) is linked to long-term health issues.
- Understanding renal function and blood pressure in LBW individuals is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate renal function and its relationship with blood pressure in young Caucasian men born with LBW (<2,500 g).
Main Methods:
- Assessed urinary protein, enzyme activities (N-acetylglucosamine, gamma-glutamyltransferase), electrolyte excretion, glomerular filtration rate, blood pressure, and erythrocyte Na+/K+-ATPase activity.
- Compared 49 LBW subjects with controls.
Main Results:
- No signs of glomerular or tubular damage were found in LBW subjects.
- LBW subjects had higher blood pressure and renal sodium excretion, inversely correlated with birth weight.
- LBW subjects showed lower erythrocyte Na+/K+-ATPase activity, inversely correlated with blood pressure and sodium excretion.
Conclusions:
- Young LBW Caucasian males do not show early signs of kidney impairment.
- Elevated renal sodium excretion in LBW may be secondary to higher blood pressure.
- Altered erythrocyte Na+/K+-ATPase activity might contribute to elevated blood pressure and/or enhanced natriuresis in LBW individuals.