Increased urinary podocyte mRNA loss in term small for gestational age infants

Current studies have shown that low birth weight, preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, and being small for gestational age (SGA) are significant risk factors for the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this study was to incorporate SGA as an independent factor for consideration and investigate its impact on podocyte loss. Urine samples were collected from SGA infants and urinary podocin mRNA, urinary protein and urinary albumin were examined. Additionally, appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) infants matched by gestational age and preterm infants matched by birth weight were also included in the study. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that SGA is associated with an increased risk of podocyte depletion while confirming that preterm birth exerts an even more detrimental effect on podocyte loss compared to SGA.