Renal function in small for gestational age preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to compare glomerular and tubular functions in small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) preterm infants.

STUDY

DESIGN

A prospective controlled study was conducted on SGA and AGA infants with gestational ages between 320/7 and 366/7 weeks, who received gentamycin in the first 72 h of life. Glomerular and tubular functions were assessed on days 1 and 5.

RESULTS

Fifty (25 SGA and 25 AGA) infants were included. On day of life 1, SGA group had higher serum sodium, serum urea, and urinary creatinine. On day 5, SGA infants had significant increase in serum creatinine (p = 0.04). Urinary NAG and FeNa were comparable among the two groups on days 1 and 5.

CONCLUSIONS

Glomerular functions were compromised in SGA preterm infants. Tubular functions were comparable.