Case report: increased single-nephron estimated glomerular filtration rate in an adult patient with low birth weight

Background Low birth weight (LBW) is associated with end-stage kidney disease and hypertension and is considered to be a surrogate marker of low nephron number. Low nephron number is hypothesized to contribute to glomerular hyperfiltration that may cause kidney injury; however, this is not yet proven. Until now, the hyperfiltration in LBW patients has not been shown directly yet. Case presentation A 23-years-old female was referred with the persistent proteinuria and decreased renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate by cystatin C (eGFR(cys)); 41.86 ml/min). She was a premature baby with low birth weight (704 g, 24 gestational weeks). Renal biopsy demonstrated focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) of the perihilar variant with expanded glomerular diameter. We calculated the single-nephron estimated glomerular filtration rate (SN-eGFR) that was higher than that of the same age group in the healthy living kidney donors and speculated that glomerular hyperfiltration is a pathophysiological cause of FSGS. Conclusion This is the first case of SN-eGFR measurement in a patient with LBW. The increased SN-eGFR in this case provides an important insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms of LBW for its progression to kidney disease.