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Updated: May 24, 2026
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Effect of Hyaluronic Acid 35 kDa on an In Vitro Model of Preterm Small Intestinal Injury and Healing Using Enteroid-Derived Monolayers
Published on: July 28, 2022
Nutrition and kidney in preterm infant
Mario De Curtis1, Jacques Rigo
1Dipartimento di Pediatria e Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Sapienza-Università Di Roma, Roma. mario.decurtis@uniroma1.it
Summary
Early nutrition impacts kidney function, affecting long-term health. For preterm infants, immature kidney function requires careful monitoring of protein intake and acid-base balance.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal physiology
- Renal function in infants
- Developmental nephrology
Background:
- Maternal nutrition and birth weight influence nephron number, a predictor of adult renal and cardiovascular health.
- Postnatal factors like overnutrition can exacerbate risks for adult-onset diseases.
- Preterm infants exhibit immature renal function, leading to elevated serum urea and potential acid-base disturbances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of nutrition on kidney function in the pre- and post-natal periods.
- To understand the specific renal challenges faced by preterm infants.
- To identify appropriate nutritional and physiological monitoring parameters for preterm neonates.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on nutrition and kidney development.
- Analysis of renal solute load and nitrogen/mineral retention in preterm infants.
- Assessment of acid-base metabolism and renal acid excretion capacity in neonates.
Main Results:
- Reduced nephron number at birth, linked to intrauterine growth restriction, is a risk factor for adult diseases.
- Preterm infants have immature renal function, making serum urea an unreliable indicator of protein intake adequacy.
- Healthy preterm infants on appropriate diets have a lower renal solute load compared to older infants due to higher growth and retention rates.
- Preterm infants are prone to metabolic acidosis due to limited renal capacity for acid excretion.
Conclusions:
- Nutritional status during prenatal and postnatal periods critically influences kidney development and function.
- Specific considerations for preterm infants include immature renal function and vulnerability to metabolic acidosis.
- Careful nutritional management and monitoring are essential to mitigate long-term renal and cardiovascular risks in preterm infants.
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