Pediatria pre prax 6/2011

Evaluation of renal function in infants and children

Healthy kidneys are involved in maintenance of body fluid homeostasis, excretion of waste products of intermediate metabolism by urine production and regulation of water and electrolyte balance. They also produce hormones that control various body functions. Assessment of renal functions in infants and children faced with problems related to immaturity as well as to technical difficulties in collecting urine. The aim of the article is to provide an overview of basic tests, which allow evaluating renal function in pediatric practice.

Keywords: renal function, glomerular filtration rate, urine concentration, proteinuria