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Renal function in prepubertal children born with very low birthweight
Simone Holzer1, Denise de Oliveira Schoeps1, Fabiola Isabel Suano-Souza2
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Santo Andre, Brazil.
Insights
Children born with very low birthweight (VLBW) show normal kidney function and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) in prepuberty. Nutritional status, including obesity, did not impact these renal markers in VLBW children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Neonatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Very low birthweight (VLBW) is associated with potential long-term health complications.
- Renal function and nutritional status are critical indicators of child development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) and renal function markers in prepubertal children born with VLBW.
- To investigate the relationship between renal parameters and current nutritional status in VLBW children.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study comparing 44 VLBW children with 30 healthy, full-term controls (ages 5-10).
- Collected perinatal data, anthropometrics, blood pressure, and blood/urine markers of renal function (creatinine, cystatin-C, albuminuria, etc.).
Main Results:
- No significant differences in blood pressure, eGFR, albuminuria, or other renal markers between VLBW and control groups.
- Within the VLBW group, overweight/obese children showed no difference in renal injury markers compared to normal BMI peers.
Conclusions:
- Prepubertal children born with VLBW exhibit preserved renal function.
- Renal function in VLBW children is not adversely affected by their current nutritional status.
Objectives:
The objective of this study was to evaluate estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) and markers of renal function in very low birthweight (VLBW) children and to relate these parameters to current nutritional status.
Methods:
A cross-sectional and controlled study was performed with prepubertal children between ages 5 and 10, including 44 VLBW participants and 30 healthy participants born at full term with an adequate birthweight (control group). The following data were collected: perinatal history; current weight, height and waist circumference; blood pressure (three measures); blood creatinine, urea, uric acid, cystatin-C, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels; and urine albumin, creatinine, and calcium levels.
Results:
Blood pressure, eGFR, albuminuria, concentrations of cystatin-C, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, uric acid, urea, creatinine, and fractional calcium excretion did not differ between VLBW and control groups. Regarding the VLBW group, there was no difference in eGFR, albuminuria, and other markers of renal injury in overweight or obese children compared with children with a normal body mass index.
Conclusions:
Prepubertal children born with VLBW did not have altered renal function, regardless of their current nutritional status.
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