Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and probably also early postnatal altered nutrition in very-low-birthweight babies may, in the long term, be followed by the various disorders that are included in the metabolic syndrome. This discovery has raised a new paradigm about the background to cardiovascular disease, arterial hypertension, obesity, type 2 diabetes and dyslipidaemic disorders that play a prominent role in shortening human life. In this review article, present knowledge about the background to renal dysfunction as seen in IUGR is summarized. The way in which arterial hypertension and cardiovascular dysfunction may be programmed in IUGR is also speculated.
Conclusion: During the last decade, knowledge of the long-term consequences of IUGR has increased at a very rapid rate. At present, it is most important not only to develop efficient methods of preventing and diagnosing IUGR, but to work out follow-up and treatment programmes for the control of the disorders which may follow this condition. Proper postnatal feeding and infant growth may be essential for long-term outcome.