What effect can result from the structural immaturity of newborn kidneys?

The structural immaturity of newborn kidneys significantly impacts their ability to properly regulate acid-base balance. In neonates, particularly premature infants, the kidneys are not fully developed, which affects their ability to excrete hydrogen ions and reabsorb bicarbonate effectively. This impairment can lead to an accumulation of acids in the body, resulting in metabolic acidosis. Additionally, the kidneys may struggle to manage electrolyte levels and may not adequately handle the metabolic byproducts, thereby exacerbating the risk of acidosis during the early stages of life when the infant's metabolism and renal function are still adjusting to the extrauterine environment. This highlights the critical role that kidney maturity plays in maintaining the overall homeostasis in newborns.