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Published on: November 20, 2015
Oligonephropathy of prematurity
Yogavijayan Kandasamy1, Roger Smith, Ian M R Wright
1Department of Neonatology, The Townsville Hospital, Douglas, Queensland, Australia. Yoga_Kandasamy@health.qld.gov.au
Insights
Premature infants face a higher risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to impaired nephrogenesis. Early renal assessment is crucial for preterm infants to monitor kidney health and improve long-term outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Nephrology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Improved healthcare increases survival rates for premature infants.
- Prematurity may lead to long-term health issues, including kidney disease.
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) risk in preterm infants requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if premature infants have an increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- To review existing evidence on the relationship between prematurity and kidney impairment.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
- Searched databases included PubMed and the Cochrane Library.
- Keywords used were "prematurity," "kidney," "nephrogenesis," "oligonephropathy," and "kidney impairment" for articles published since 1990.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests prematurity causes oligonephropathy, independent of or alongside intrauterine growth restriction.
- Animal studies indicate abnormal glomeruli development in premature neonates.
- Postnatal renal impairment affects 8-24% of preterm infants, indicating impaired nephrogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Premature infants are at significant risk for developing chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Current follow-up guidelines for preterm infants should include renal assessments.
- Further longitudinal studies are needed to establish the exact incidence of CKD in this population.
Abstract:
With improved health care, the number of premature babies who survive to adulthood is expected to increase. The objective of this review is to determine whether premature infants have an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). A literature review was performed by searching PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine) and the Cochrane Library, using the keywords "prematurity," "kidney," "nephrogenesis," "oligonephropathy," and "kidney impairment." Articles published in English since 1990 were reviewed. Increasing evidence suggests that prematurity causes oligonephropathy independently of, and coexisting with, intrauterine growth restriction. Animal studies show that nephrogenesis continues for up to 3 weeks in extrauterine life, but with up to 18% abnormal glomeruli. Nephrogenesis is further impaired in preterm infants who develop renal impairment in the early postnatal period, which is estimated to be 8 to 24%. Premature infants are at risk for CKD. A larger longitudinal study is needed that follows up premature infants to determine the exact incidence of CKD. Until then, renal assessment in premature infants should be incorporated into follow-up guidelines, in addition to the current assessment of growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes. The cost implications to a comprehensive program, impact of early identification, and strategies to improve outcomes in this population are needed.
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