Small renal size in newborns with spina bifida: possible causes.

Background: Previous studies reported that children with neural tube defects, but without any history of intrinsic renal diseases, have small kidneys when compared with age-matched standard renal growth. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible causes of small renal size in children with spina bifida by comparing growth hormone deficiency, physical limitations and hyperhomocysteinemia.

Methods: The sample included 187 newborns with spina bifida.