Intrauterine life to adulthood: a potential risk factor for chronic kidney disease

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Neonatology
• Public Health

Background:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major global health burden with numerous identified risk factors.
• Preterm birth is increasingly common and linked to various comorbidities, with recent focus on its association with CKD.
• Prematurity and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are implicated in elevated CKD risk and associated factors like diabetes and hypertension.

Approach:

• This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the association between CKD risk and prematurity, low birthweight, and IUGR.
• The review evaluates potential pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these associations.

Key Points:

• Prematurity, low birthweight, and IUGR are associated with an increased risk of developing CKD.
• Histopathological findings in kidneys may be linked to these early-life conditions.
• Established CKD risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia are also connected to prematurity and IUGR.

Conclusions:

• Early-life factors like prematurity and IUGR represent significant, yet often overlooked, risk factors for adult CKD.
• Understanding these links is crucial for developing targeted interventions and improving long-term kidney health outcomes.