Cardio-renal consequences of low birth weight and preterm birth

In this comprehensive review of cardio-renal syndrome in preterm, low birth weight infants, we present contemporary evidence for alterations in nephrogenesis and vasculogenesis among this vulnerable population. There is substantial evidence that the nephron endowment, the number of nephrons that an individual is allotted for a lifetime, is determined by the length of gestation, the intra-uterine environment and the brief, but significant, postnatal course. Since nephrogenesis is complete by 36weeks' gestation in utero, preterm birth during active nephrogenesis predisposes to an abrupt cessation in development leading to a reduced nephron endowment.
Source: Progress in Pediatric Cardiology - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research