Analysis of kidney volume growth during the fetal period in humans

Summary The growth of fetal kidney volume was studied in 290 specimens taken from 145 fresh human fetuses (85 males and 60 females) with gestational age ranging from 13 to 36 weeks postconception (WPC). Normative equations and curves of the growth of renal volume were obtained for male and female fetuses and for the whole sample in the second trimester (13–24 WPC) and in the third trimester (25–36 WPC) of gestation. There was no difference between the growth in volume of the right and left kidneys. Fetal kidney volume increases with a more intense rhythm in the early fetal period (13–24 WPC). During the second trimester, there was no difference between the values for renal volume of male and female fetuses. In the third trimester, male fetuses had renal volumes significantly greater than the female fetuses. The normative parameters of renal volume could have practical applications in detection and monitoring of renal anomalies in fetal and perinatal urology.Supported by grants 302, 369/86.4/BM-FV from the National Conucil of Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq, Brazil) and Grant E.29/170.787/89 from the Rio de Janeiro Foundation for Research Support (FAPERJ).