Philadelphia, PA (November 4, 2014) — Obesity in a pregnant woman may increase the risk that her children will be born with congenital abnormalities of the kidney and urinary tract, according to a study that will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2014 November 11¬–16 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA.
Congenital abnormalities of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are diagnosed in up to 1% of pregnancies and account for 20% to 30% of prenatal abnormalities. Because maternal obesity has been linked with congenital malformations in offspring, researchers led by Ian Macumber, MD (Seattle Children's Hospital) looked to see if it might have an impact on CAKUT.
Using linked birth-hospital discharge records from Washington State from 2003 to 2012, the investigators identified 3,221 cases, which were matched with healthy controls in a 1:4 ratio.
Compared with controls, mothers giving birth to infants with CAKUT were 1.3-times more likely to be obese. The researchers found a significant trend between the likelihood of CAKUT in children and higher categories of obesity. Being overweight, rather than obese, was not linked with CAKUT in children.
"Our findings add to the public health importance of obesity, particularly as a modifiable risk factor," said Dr. Macumber. "The data supplement the literature regarding obesity's association with congenital abnormalities and highlight the importance of future research needed to clarify the mechanisms of these associations."
Study: "The Association of Maternal Obesity with Infant Congenital Abnormalities of the Kidney and Urinary Tract in Washington State" (Abstract FR-OR034)
Disclosures: Co-author Nicolae Leca receives research funding from Novartis and BMS.
ASN Kidney Week 2014, the largest nephrology meeting of its kind, will provide a forum for more than 13,000 professionals to discuss the latest findings in renal research and engage in educational sessions related to advances in the care of patients with kidney and related disorders. Kidney Week 2014 will take place November 11–16, 2014 in Philadelphia, PA.
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Founded in 1966, and with more than 15,000 members, the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) leads the fight against kidney disease by educating health professionals, sharing new knowledge, advancing research, and advocating the highest quality care for patients.