Kidney care at NICU discharge and follow-up recommendations for preterm infants<34 weeks

Abstract

Preterm birth increases the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hypertension later in life. To address these risks, the National Institutes of Health sponsored the Neonatal Kidney Health Consensus Workshop in February 2024, where a multidisciplinary group of experts reviewed current evidence, identified knowledge gaps, and developed consensus-based recommendations for kidney health follow-up in infants born <34 weeks. Key recommendations include a kidney evaluation before NICU discharge and at two years of age, with comprehensive kidney assessment for those at highest risk (birth <28 weeks, with acute kidney injury, intrauterine growth restriction, or small for gestational age). Cohesive, evidence-based parental education at multiple timepoints was emphasized to support early CKD detection and long-term management. This consensus provides a framework to optimize follow up and highlights research priorities aimed at improving risk stratification, early diagnosis, and interventions in individuals born preterm.