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01-10-2012 | Educational Review

Safety in glomerular numbers

Author: Michiel F. Schreuder

Published in: Pediatric Nephrology | Issue 10/2012

Abstract

A low nephron number is, according to Brenner’s hyperfiltration hypothesis, associated with hypertension, glomerular damage and proteinuria, and starts a vicious cycle that ends in renal failure over the long term. Nephron endowment is set during foetal life, and there is no formation of nephrons after 34–36 weeks of gestation, indicating that many factors before that time-point may have an impact on kidney development and reduce nephron numbers. Such factors include maternal malnutrition, stress, diseases, such as diabetes, uteroplacental insufficiency, maternal and neonatal drugs and premature birth. However, other congenital anomalies, such as renal hypoplasia, unilateral renal agenesis or multicystic dysplastic kidney, may also lead to a reduced nephron endowment, with an increased risk for hypertension, renal dysfunction and the need for renal replacement therapy. This review focusses on the causes and consequences of a low nephron endowment and will illustrate why there is safety in glomerular numbers.

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Title: Safety in glomerular numbers
Author: Michiel F. Schreuder
Publication date: 01-10-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Pediatric Nephrology / Issue 10/2012
Print ISSN: 0931-041X
Electronic ISSN: 1432-198X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00467-012-2169-x

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Safety in glomerular numbers

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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