Low Birth Weights Contribute to the High Rates of Early-Onset Chronic Renal Failure in the Southeastern United States

Abstract

Low birth weights, which reflect adverse effects on development in utero, contribute to the early onset of ESRD in South Carolina. Since low birth weight increases the risk of ESRD from multiple causes, the data suggest that an adverse environment in utero impairs kidney development and makes it more vulnerable to damage from a range of pathological processes.