Low birthweight linked to salt sensitivity in children

Article

Low-birthweight children and those born small for their gestational age (SGA) are likely to be salt sensitive, according to study findings published online Aug. 11 in Hypertension.

Low-birthweight children and those born small for their gestational age (SGA) are likely to be salt sensitive, according to study findings published online Aug. 11 in Hypertension.

Giacomo D. Simonetti, MD, and colleagues from Bern University Hospital and University of Bern in Switzerland measured the glomerular filtration rate and salt sensitivity (a mean blood pressure increase of 3 mm Hg or more over 24 hours on a high-salt diet compared with a controlled-salt diet) in 50 white children (mean age 11.3 years). Of these, 35 were of low birthweight and 15 were of normal birthweight, and 25 were SGA and 25 were appropriate for gestational age.

The researchers found that the low-birthweight children had significantly higher baseline blood pressure, a significantly lower glomerular filtration rate, and significantly reduced kidney length and volume compared with children of normal birthweight. In addition, 37% of low-birthweight children and 47% of SGA children had salt sensitivity. There was a significant inverse correlation between salt sensitivity and kidney length but not glomerular filtration rate, the report indicates.

“We conclude that a reduced renal mass in growth-restricted children poses a risk for a lower renal function and for increased salt sensitivity,” Simonetti and colleagues write. “Whether the changes in renal growth are causative or are the consequence of the same abnormal ‘fetal programming’ awaits clarification.”

Simonetti GD, Raio L Surbek D, et al. Salt sensitivity of children with low birthweight.

Hypertension

. 2008;52:625-630

Newsletter

Get the latest clinical updates, case studies, and expert commentary in obstetric and gynecologic care. Sign up now to stay informed.

Recent Videos
Thomas McElrath, MD, PhD, highlights limitations of current preeclampsia guidelines | Image Credit: physiciandirectory.brighamandwomens.org.
Jane Varney, MD, discusses how a low FODMAP diet mediates gut symptoms caused by endometriosis | Image Credit: lens.monash.edu.
Ousseny Zerbo, PhD, highlights benefits of influenza vaccination during pregnancy | Image Credit: divisionofresearch.kaiserpermanente.org.
Michael Ussher, PhD, highlights the benefits of vaping over smoking in pregnancy | Image Credit: sgul.ac.uk.
Neal Barnard, MD, FACC, highlights AMA's new breast cancer prevention guidelines | Image Credit: pcrm.org.
Related Content
© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.