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Reduced kidney function and hypertension in adolescents with low birth weight, NHANES 1999-2016

Kaye E Brathwaite1, Rebecca V Levy2,3, Harini Sarathy4

  • 1Pediatric Nephrology, Washington University in St. Louis, MO, St. Louis, USA. kbrathwaite@wustl.edu.

Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany)
|April 13, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Children born with low birth weight (LBW) face a significantly higher risk of reduced kidney function and hypertension. This study highlights the under-recognized long-term health consequences of LBW in pediatric populations.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Public Health
  • Cardiovascular Health

Background:

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hypertension are significant health concerns.
  • The risks of CKD and hypertension in children born with low birth weight (LBW) are often underestimated.
  • LBW is a critical factor influencing long-term kidney and cardiovascular health in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between LBW, very low birth weight (VLBW), and large birth weight (BW) with kidney function and hypertension in children.
  • To evaluate the prevalence of reduced kidney function and elevated blood pressure in children with varying birth weights.
  • To compare the effectiveness of different GFR estimating equations in assessing kidney function in LBW children.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) of 6336 children aged 12-15 years.
  • Assessed kidney function using four creatinine-based GFR estimating equations: Counahan-Barratt, updated Schwartz, CKiD-U25, and full age spectrum.
  • Evaluated blood pressure using both old and new pediatric hypertension guidelines to determine prevalence of elevated BP and hypertension.

Main Results:

  • Children born with LBW exhibited a higher prevalence of reduced kidney function (30.1%) compared to normal birth weight children (22.4%) using the updated Schwartz equation.
  • Different GFR equations provided varying prevalence estimates for reduced kidney function in LBW children, ranging from 21.5% to 35.4%.
  • LBW and VLBW were associated with a significantly higher prevalence of elevated blood pressure and hypertension compared to normal birth weight peers.

Conclusions:

  • Children born with LBW have a greater risk of reduced kidney function and hypertension than previously recognized.
  • Early identification and monitoring of kidney function and blood pressure are crucial for children born with LBW.
  • The findings underscore the importance of considering birth weight as a predictor of long-term pediatric health outcomes.
Abstract

Keywords:
ChildrenEstimated GFRHypertensionKidney diseaseLow birth weight

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