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Renal haemodynamics and tubular function in human pregnancy
S N Sturgiss1, W Dunlop, J M Davison
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Royal Infirmary, UK.
Bailliere'S Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|June 1, 1994
Summary
Pregnancy significantly increases renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate by 50-80%. These changes, including altered tubular function, necessitate distinct antenatal care norms for pregnant individuals.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Nephrology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Human pregnancy involves significant physiological adaptations.
- Renal function undergoes substantial changes during gestation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the alterations in renal physiology during human pregnancy.
- To highlight the implications of these changes for antenatal care.
Main Methods:
- Review of physiological changes in renal function during pregnancy.
- Analysis of glomerular filtration rate and renal plasma flow.
- Assessment of tubular function alterations.
Main Results:
- Effective renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate increase by 50-80% in pregnancy.
- These hyperfiltration changes occur early, persist through the second trimester, and slightly decrease in late pregnancy.
- Altered tubular function leads to increased excretion of glucose, nutrients, uric acid, and protein.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy-induced hyperfiltration is not detrimental, as intraglomerular pressure remains stable.
- Renal physiological alterations during pregnancy are profound.
- Standard non-pregnant renal norms are unsuitable for antenatal care.