MEASUREMENT OF GLOMERULAR FILTRATION RATE IN PREMATURE INFANTS 12

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Abstract
Inulin and urea clearances were measured in 21 well, female, premature infants, aged 3-28 days, whose birth wts. ranged from 1740 to 2480 g., and whose wts. at the time of observation were 2060-2400 g. The results indicate that the renal clearance of inulin in premature infants apparently measures glomerular filtration. The inulin clearances averaged less than 50 ml. per min. per 1.73 sq. m. and thus are low compared to those of adults on a basis of surface area. Urea clearances are also low, but cannot be used in estimating glomerular filtration since they have a variable relationship to inulin clearances. The renal tubules of the premature infant are capable of reabsorbing more than 99% of the water in the glomerular filtrate and it is shown that the tubules are responsive to pituitary anti-diuretic hormone. In premature infants, dehydration produced by withholding fluids does not diminish glomerular filtration but results in increased tubular reabsorption of water.

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