Abstract
OBJECTIVESWe aimed to evaluate the association between early-life weight status and urinary tract infection (UTI) risk in children.METHODSA nationwide study was conducted using Korean National Health Screening (NHS) data and National Health Insurance Service data. A sample cohort was selected using data from the 2014 and 2015 NHS for infants and children (4-71 months) and followed up until the end of 2017. Participants were divided into 4 groups (underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese) based on the weight-for-age (< 2 years) or body mass index (≥ 2 years). Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for developing UTIs, cystitis, and acute pyelonephritis (APN) were calculated using a Cox proportional hazard model.RESULTSOf 1,653,106 enrolled children, 120,142 (7.3%) developed UTIs, cystitis, and APN during follow-up. The underweight, overweight, and obese groups had higher risks of UTIs than the reference group after adjusting for age, sex, birth weight, and preterm birth. Between 2 years and 6 years of age, boys with underweight had a high risk of UTI and APN, while girls with overweight and obesity revealed elevated risks of UTIs, cystitis, and APN. The HRs for APN in boys with underweight and in girls with obesity were 1.46 (95% CI, 1.03 to 2.07) and 1.41 (95% CI, 1.13 to 1.75), respectively, after adjusting for age, sex, birth weight, and preterm birth. The incidence of APN did not decrease with age in underweight and obese children aged 2-6 years.CONCLUSIONSChildren with underweight, overweight, and obesity may be at high risk for UTIs.
Highlights
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight during childhood is significant for the overall health and growth of children [1]
The mean age, sex distribution, history of preterm birth, birth weight, and the incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI), acute pyelonephritis (APN), and cystitis were significantly different among groups (p < 0.001)
Hazard ratios for urinary tract infection, cystitis, and acute pyelonephritis according to body weight status
Summary
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight during childhood is significant for the overall health and growth of children [1]. Considering that the adipose tissue is significant for immune responses, a lack or excess of adipose tissue may affect the immune system, leading to greater vulnerability to infections [2]. In an observational chart review study, underweight children were more frequently hospitalized from the emergency department with respiratory infections than the normal-weight children [1]. Undernourished preschool children showed higher risks of both infections and infection-related morbidity in an Indian National Family Health Survey database [3]. An inpatient United States database of subjects aged 2-20 years showed that the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) was signifi-
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
