Development of fetal and neonatal renal function

The development of renal function in the human is an amazingly intricate and complex process. In the vast majority of preterm and term babies, renal development and function are adequate to meet the homeostatic needs of the rapidly growing infant. However, when normal renal development does not occur the effects can be devastating. Pioneering work in the assessment and treatment of fetal renal anomalies has been carried out, but it appears that furtehr studies will be necessary to demonstrate whether widespread applicability of this technology is indicated.