Glomerular hyperfiltration: part 2-clinical significance in children

Abstract

Glomerular hyperfiltration (GHF) is a phenomenon that can occur in various clinical conditions affecting the kidneys such as sickle cell disease, diabetes mellitus, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, and solitary functioning kidney. Yet, the pathophysiological mechanisms vary from one disease to another and are not well understood. More so, it has been demonstrated that GHF may occur at the single-nephron in some clinical conditions while in others at the whole-kidney level. In this review, we explore the pathophysiological mechanisms of GHF in relation to various clinical conditions in the pediatric population. In addition, we discuss the role and mechanism of action of important factors such as gender, low birth weight, and race in the pathogenesis of GHF. Finally, in this current review, we further highlight the consequences of GHF in the progression of kidney disease.

Keywords: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD); Diabetic kidney disease; Duchenne muscular dystrophy; Glomerular hyperfiltration; Obesity-related glomerulopathy; Pediatric population; Sickle cell disease; Solitary functioning kidney.