Ho-ho-ho! Gather ’round, my little elves, for a tale not of toys and reindeer, but of the tiniest of humans—preterm infants—and a challenge they face that’s as tricky as fitting down a narrow chimney. In the bustling workshop of neonatal intensive care, the magic of medicine has been working wonders, and more of these wee little ones are jingling all the way to survival. Yet, with this gift of life comes a stocking stuffer that’s not so merry: the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), a shadow on their future as dark as a lump of coal.

Now, CKD is a bit like the Grinch, stealing away the joy and comfort of a healthy life, and it’s a heavy sack to carry, both for the families and the healthcare elves who look after these children. To outsmart this Grinch, we need to understand his ways, and that’s where our story takes a twist. You see, nestled within the kidneys are tiny helpers called podocytes, as important to your kidneys as my elves are to Christmas. But, hark! We’ve not paid enough attention to these little fellows when it comes to preterm babies and CKD.

So, with a twinkle in our eye and a heart full of hope, this review is our sleigh ride through the snowy landscape of knowledge. We’ll glide over the hills of how prematurity can lead to CKD, and take a special detour to the land of podocytes, those unsung heroes of the nephron workshop. By the end of our journey, we aim to have a sack full of insights and strategies to keep CKD at bay, ensuring that all children, no matter how early they arrive, have a chance for joy and health in all their days to come. Now, on Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer and Vixen, let’s dash away all to learn more about CKD in preterm infants! 🎅🎄