Oligonephropathy, developmental programming and nutritional management of low-gestation newborns.

UNLABELLED

Intrauterine growth retardation is associated with oligonephropathy and the risk of hypertension and renal disease in adulthood. Animal study data show that nephron density is directly related to protein nutrition status during nephrogenesis. Among infants born at low gestation, postnatal growth retardation and major deficits in energy and protein intake have been reported.

CONCLUSION

Since nephrogenesis occurs mainly in late gestation, increasing protein intake during nephrogenesis could minimize the risk of long-term morbidities associated with oligonephropathy.