Numerous epidemiologic studies have shown a strong association between being born with a low birth weight or being born small for gestational age and the development of renal and cardiovascular disease in adult life. Here, Abitbol and Rodriguez describe how this phenomenon might relate to developmental programming of adult disease during vulnerable periods of growthin uteroand during the early postnatal period. They also discuss potential early interventions that might alter the progression of such disease.
- Carolyn L. Abitbol
- Maria M. Rodriguez