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Maturation of glomerular filtration rate in neonates and infants: an overview

Silvia Iacobelli1,2, Jean-Pierre Guignard3

  • 1Néonatologie, Réanimation Néonatale et Pédiatrique, CHU La Réunion, Site Sud, Saint Pierre, France. silvia.iacobelli@chu-reunion.fr.

Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany)
|June 13, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) matures rapidly after birth, reaching adult levels by one year. This review covers GFR development, influencing factors, and assessment methods for infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Neonatal Physiology

Background:

  • Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best indicator of kidney function.
  • GFR undergoes significant maturation from fetal life through infancy.
  • Accurate GFR assessment is crucial for clinical decisions in neonates and infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the maturation process of glomerular filtration in infants.
  • To identify factors that affect developing glomerular filtration.
  • To discuss practical methods for assessing GFR in neonates and infants.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on GFR maturation and assessment in pediatric populations.
  • Emphasis on simple, reliable, and cost-effective GFR estimation techniques.
  • Analysis of factors modulating and impairing renal development.

Main Results:

  • GFR increases progressively during fetal development and matures rapidly post-birth.
  • Gestational and post-menstrual age are key determinants of early GFR maturation.
  • Adult GFR values are typically achieved by one year of age.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding GFR maturation is vital for pediatric kidney care.
  • Simple GFR estimation techniques offer valuable clinical insights for infants.
  • Monitoring GFR aids in anticipating complications and guiding treatment in neonates and infants.

Keywords:
Acute kidney injuryCreatinine clearanceHemodynamicsImmature kidneyInulin clearanceNeonatal intensive careVasoactive factors

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