Birth weight and renal markers in children aged 5–10 years in Cameroon: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background A relationship exists between birth weight (BW) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in postnatal kidney. Willing to fill a gap of knowledge in sub-Saharan Africa, we assessed the effect of BW on blood pressure (BP), proteinuria and GFR among Cameroonians children. Methods This was a cross-sectional hospital-based study from January to April 2018 at the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital (YGOPH). We recruited low BW (LBW) [< 2500 g], normal BW (NBW) [2500-3999 g] and high BW (HBW) [> 4000 g] children, aged 5–10 years, born and followed-up at YGOPH. We collected socio-demographic, clinical (weight, height, BP), laboratory (proteinuria, creatinine), maternal and birth data. The estimated GFR was calculated using the Schwartz equation. Results We included 80 children (61.2% boys) with 21 (26.2%) LBW, 45 (56.2%) NBW and 14 (15.5%) HBW; the median (interquartile range) age was 7.3 (6.3–8.1) years and 17 (21.2%) were overweight/obese. Two (2.5%) children, all with a NBW (4.4%), had an elevated BP whereas 2 (2.5%) other children, all with a LBW (9.5%), had hypertension (p = 0.233). Seven (8.7%) children had proteinuria with 19, 2.2 and 14.3% having LBW, NBW and HBW, respectively (p = 0.051). Equivalent figures were 18 (22.5%), 14.3, 24.2 and 28.6% for decreased GFR, respectively (p = 0.818). There was a trend towards an inverse relationship between BW and BP, proteinuria and GFR (p > 0.05). Conclusion Proteinuria is more pronounced in childhood with a history of LBW and HBW while LBW children are more prone to develop hypertension. Regular follow-up is needed to implement early nephroprotective measures among children with abnormal BW.

Risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases among 5-year-old low birth weight children

“…Ramirez et al [32] did not nd any signi cant association between lower BW and proteinuria, which was only associated with the current body weight. In our study, almost 18% of children were found to have pathologic proteinuria (de ned as PCR > 20 mg/mmol), which is higher than the prevalence reported in the general population in children and similar to the previous studies on LBW [33,34]. Pathologic proteinuria is a sign of CKD, which is a known RF for CVD and was found to be associated with LBW [35].…”

Association between gestational diabetes mellitus and adverse obstetric outcomes among women with advanced maternal age: A retrospective cohort study

“…Maternal adverse outcomes were considered as entering intensive care unit (ICU) and taking cesarean section. Low birth weight is considered to <2500 g, high birth weight: ≥4000 g. [ 17 ] Apgar score at the fifth minutes ranges from 0 to 10 is a measure of the neonatal condition based on heart rate, respiration, muscle tone, reflex stimuli and color; Apgar scores at the fifth minutes was divided into 4 groups: Apgar 0 to 3, Apgar 4 to 6, Apgar 7 to 8, and Apgar 9 to 10. [ 18 ] Preterm birth pointed the birth of a live infant before 37 weeks of gestation.…”

Chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology in Africa: A review of the literature

“…Low birth weight (LBW), a surrogate of exposure to maternal malnutrition, has been also identified as a risk factor for CKD 91 . In addition, studies have demonstrated the link between LBW and childhood hypertension and CKD, and later in life high blood pressure; further contribute to CKD risk 92,93 …”

“…91 In addition, studies have demonstrated the link between LBW and childhood hypertension and CKD, and later in life high blood pressure; further contribute to CKD risk. 92,93 Up to 80% of the population in Africa is estimated to use herbal preparations, and this exposure has been associated with kidney injury in Africa and it is recognized to substantially contribute to the CKD burden in the region. 18,54,94,95 The scoping review in Cameroon and a systematic review of studies in Nigeria reported exposure to traditional herbal agents as possible risk factor for CKD.…”