Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 7, 2026

An Immature Murine Model of Reversible Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction
Published on: April 4, 2025
Decreased renal function in overweight and obese prepubertal children
Liane Correia-Costa1,2, Alberto Caldas Afonso1,2, Franz Schaefer3
1EPIUnit - Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
Childhood obesity is linked to reduced kidney function, with overweight and obese children showing lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). This highlights potential early renal impairment in pediatric obesity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Public Health
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Obesity is a significant risk factor for kidney disease in both pediatric and adult populations.
- Understanding the impact of obesity on renal function in children is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between obesity and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in children.
- To compare eGFR in nonoverweight versus overweight/obese children.
- To assess the accuracy of different eGFR estimation equations against 24-hour urinary creatinine clearance (CrCl).
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 313 children aged 8-9 years from the Generation XXI birth cohort.
- Measurements included serum creatinine, cystatin C, and 24-hour urinary creatinine clearance (CrCl).
- Estimated GFR (eGFR) was calculated using multiple formulas and compared between nonoverweight (n=163) and overweight/obese (n=150) children.
Main Results:
- Overweight/obese children exhibited significantly lower eGFR across most estimation methods, excluding CrCl and the revised Schwartz formula.
- A significant inverse relationship was observed between BMI z-score and eGFR, even within the normal range of renal function.
- The Zappitelli combined formula demonstrated the highest accuracy and correlation with CrCl for eGFR estimation.
Conclusions:
- Young children with overweight/obesity demonstrate reduced GFR estimations, suggesting potential renal impairment.
- Adiposity may contribute to complex deleterious effects on kidney function in prepubertal children.
- Early identification and management of pediatric obesity are vital for preserving renal health.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Drug Dosing: Obese Patients
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Metabolism and Excretion
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Absorption and Distribution
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Excretion
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism
Factors Affecting Renal Clearance: Renal Impairment
One condition associated with renal failure is uremia. Uremia is characterized by impaired glomerular filtration and fluid accumulation in the body. This condition hinders the renal clearance of drugs, resulting in drug accumulation and potential...

