title: Neonatal renal physiology.
abstract: The renal system plays a tremendous role in growth and development of infants and children. The kidney itself also undergoes a maturation process as it transitions from the fetal to the extrauterine environment. Renal function continues to undergo further adaptive changes in the neonatal period. It is important for the clinician caring for neonates to be aware of the expected fluid shifts, electrolyte handling, and renal functional capacity as these "normal" changes will become quite relevant when medical or surgical pathology is present. The preterm neonates are especially vulnerable due to their functionally immature kidneys. Renal function in the preterm neonate is not only immature at birth but there is a significant delay in the renal function to achieve its full capacity. This review highlights the physiologic adaptations of the kidney and its effects on the body during the neonatal period.
authors: Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.
authors: Mustafa
authors: M
authors: Sulemanji
authors: Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, Massachusetts 02115. Electronic address: Khashayar.Vakili@childrens.harvard.edu.
authors: Khashayar
authors: K
authors: Vakili
mesh_terms: D000136:Acid-Base Equilibrium; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D003404:Creatinine / Q000378:metabolism; D005919:Glomerular Filtration Rate; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007668:Kidney / Q000098:blood supply / Q000196:embryology / Q000502:physiology*; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000502:physiology; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D003404:Creatinine
keywords: Glomerular filtration rate; Infant; Kidney; Neonate; Preterm; Renal blood flow; Renal physiology