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Updated: Feb 28, 2026
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Kidney care at NICU discharge and follow-up recommendations for preterm infants<34 weeks
Cara L Slagle1, Jennifer L Chmielewski1, Jennifer A Rumpel2
1Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
Insights
Infants born preterm face higher risks of kidney disease and hypertension. New guidelines recommend kidney evaluations before NICU discharge and at age two for preterm infants, especially those born very early or with specific health issues.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Nephrology
- Public Health
Background:
- Preterm birth (<34 weeks gestation) is linked to increased risks of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hypertension later in life.
- Current follow-up protocols for neonatal kidney health are inconsistent, leading to potential gaps in early detection and management.
- The Neonatal Kidney Health Consensus Workshop convened experts to address these critical issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing evidence on kidney health outcomes in preterm infants.
- To identify knowledge gaps in the follow-up care of this population.
- To develop consensus-based recommendations for optimizing neonatal kidney health surveillance.
Main Methods:
- A multidisciplinary expert group convened in February 2024.
- Evidence review and synthesis on kidney health in preterm infants.
- Development of consensus recommendations for follow-up care.
Main Results:
- Key recommendations include kidney evaluation before NICU discharge and at two years of age.
- Comprehensive assessment is advised for high-risk infants (e.g., born <28 weeks, with AKI, IUGR, SGA).
- Emphasis on evidence-based parental education for early CKD detection and management.
Conclusions:
- The consensus provides a framework for optimizing kidney health follow-up in preterm infants.
- Highlights research priorities for improved risk stratification, early diagnosis, and interventions.
- Aims to mitigate long-term risks of CKD and hypertension in this vulnerable population.
Abstract:
Preterm birth increases the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hypertension later in life. To address these risks, the National Institutes of Health sponsored the Neonatal Kidney Health Consensus Workshop in February 2024, where a multidisciplinary group of experts reviewed current evidence, identified knowledge gaps, and developed consensus-based recommendations for kidney health follow-up in infants born <34 weeks. Key recommendations include a kidney evaluation before NICU discharge and at two years of age, with comprehensive kidney assessment for those at highest risk (birth <28 weeks, with acute kidney injury, intrauterine growth restriction, or small for gestational age). Cohesive, evidence-based parental education at multiple timepoints was emphasized to support early CKD detection and long-term management. This consensus provides a framework to optimize follow up and highlights research priorities aimed at improving risk stratification, early diagnosis, and interventions in individuals born preterm.
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