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The impact of malnutrition on kidney function
J E Benabe1, M Martinez-Maldonado
1Medical Service, San Juan Veterans Affairs Medical Center, PR 00927-5800, USA.
Mineral and Electrolyte Metabolism
|December 16, 1997
Summary
Malnutrition significantly impacts renal function, decreasing glomerular filtration rate and renal plasma flow. This review details how protein-calorie malnutrition affects kidney concentration capacity and acid excretion.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Nutritional Science
- Physiology
Background:
- Malnutrition is a leading global cause of mortality, affecting both developing and industrialized nations.
- Hospitalized patients in industrialized societies exhibit a 30-50% prevalence of malnutrition, highlighting its persistent clinical significance.
- While physical signs of malnutrition may be apparent, underlying renal function alterations often go unnoticed initially.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent studies on renal functional alterations in protein-calorie malnutrition.
- To elucidate the impact of malnutrition on key renal parameters and systems.
Main Methods:
- Review of pertinent clinical and experimental studies from multiple laboratories.
- Analysis of data on renal hemodynamics, concentration capacity, and acid excretion in malnutrition models.
Main Results:
- Protein-calorie malnutrition significantly impairs renal hemodynamics, reducing glomerular filtration rate and renal plasma flow (RPF).
- Malnutrition diminishes the kidney's capacity for urine concentration and acid load excretion.
- The renin-angiotensin system, renal prostaglandins, and urea production are implicated in malnutrition-associated renal changes.
Conclusions:
- Malnutrition induces substantial alterations in renal function, affecting hemodynamics and excretory capacities.
- Understanding these renal changes is crucial for managing malnourished patients effectively.
- Further research continues to refine our comprehension of the complex interplay between nutrition and kidney health.
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