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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
08:53
Analysis of Nephron Composition and Function in the Adult Zebrafish Kidney
Published on: August 9, 2014
Growth restriction at birth and kidney function during childhood
Maria Basioti1, Vasileios Giapros, Angeliki Kostoula
1Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
Summary
Children born small for gestational age (SGA) exhibit altered urinary calcium and uric acid excretion by preschool age. Higher blood pressure in SGA children correlates with the severity of growth restriction, indicating early kidney function changes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Growth and Development
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Children born small for gestational age (SGA) face increased risks for hypertension and kidney disease later in life.
- The onset of these health issues in SGA individuals is not well-defined.
- This study investigates early kidney function markers in preschool-aged children born SGA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess kidney function in preschool children born small for gestational age (SGA).
- To identify potential early indicators of kidney disease in SGA children.
- To explore the relationship between the severity of growth restriction and kidney function and blood pressure.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 100 children (60 SGA, 40 appropriate-for-gestational-age controls).
- SGA children were stratified by growth restriction severity (birth weight <3rd percentile vs. 3rd-10th percentile).
- Kidney function assessed via serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, urinary albumin, fractional excretions (sodium, potassium, phosphate, magnesium, uric acid), urinary calcium-creatinine ratio, blood pressure, and kidney length at approximately 5 years of age.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in kidney length, serum creatinine, or estimated glomerular filtration rate were observed among groups.
- SGA children with birth weight <3rd percentile showed significantly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures compared to controls.
- Both SGA groups exhibited increased urinary calcium excretion and decreased uric acid excretion compared to appropriate-for-gestational-age controls.
Conclusions:
- Preschool-aged children born SGA demonstrate altered urinary calcium and uric acid excretion patterns.
- Elevated blood pressure in SGA children is associated with the degree of intrauterine growth restriction.
- These findings suggest early renal and cardiovascular changes in SGA individuals, warranting further investigation.
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