Fetal and neonatal nephrology

In this review, the recent literature pertaining to the nephrology of the fetus and neonate is reviewed. Some papers of interest are described, and an overview of active areas of research is given. One of these areas is early development, studies of which are giving new insight into patterns of normal and abnormal kidney morphogenesis. Preterm newborn infants may suffer from electrolyte imbalance and poor growth as a result of tubular dysfunction, and this subject is discussed. Also addressed are some advances in genetics that are elucidating the genetic defects of cystic kidney diseases and providing clues about the pathogenesis of renal dysplasia. Other areas discussed in this review are the assessment of renal function in the fetus and neonate, blood pressure and hypertension in the neonate, renal failure in the term and preterm infant, and the causes and the consequences of fetal urinary obstruction.