Abstract: 【Abstract】 Objective To study the effect of low birth weight on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in adulthood. Methods We searched the database PubMed for related literature by using the keywords birth weight, creatinine clearance, glomerular filtration rate and renal function. According to our study purposes, 7 clinical study reports were included and analyzed. Revman 4.2 was used for data analysis. Results GFR of individuals with a low birth weight was normal, however, their GFR was 4ml/min/1.73m² lower than that of those with a normal birth weight. This finding is still evident after we exclude 2 studies measured in childhood. Conclusion GFR of adult individuals with a low birth weight is in the normal range, but is lower than that of those with a normal birth weight.

Key words: Glomerular filtration rate, Meta analysis