Neonatal jaundice is associated with increased risks of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract and concomitant urinary tract infection.

The link between neonatal jaundice and urinary tract infection (UTI) remains debated, with congenital kidney and urinary tract anomalies (CAKUT) potentially playing a role. This population-based study aimed to analyze the correlations between neonatal jaundice, CAKUT, and concomitant UTI. The study cohort consisted of 2,078,122 live births from 2004 to 2014. We linked several population-based datasets in Taiwan to identify infants with unexplained neonatal jaundice and their mothers. The primary outcome was the rate of CAKUT occurring within 3 years after delivery, and the presence of concomitant UTI during neonatal jaundice hospitalization. Infants with neonatal jaundice had a significantly higher risk of CAKUT (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-1.39) during early childhood. Among the subtypes of CAKUT, obstructive uropathy, vesicoureteral reflux and other CAKUT were associated with an increased risk of neonatal jaundice. Infants who underwent intensive phototherapy, had a late diagnosis (> 14 days of postnatal age) or underwent a prolonged duration of phototherapy (> 3 days) exhibited a higher risk of concomitant UTI compared to other infants with jaundice. Our findings indicate a notable association between neonatal jaundice and increased risks of UTIs in the context of CAKUT. This study underscore the importance of vigilant monitoring and timely interventions for neonates presenting with jaundice, while acknowledging the complexity and variability in the progression of CAKUT and its potential connection to UTIs.

Omega-3 fatty acids ameliorate proteinuria but not renal function in IgA nephropathy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The effects of ω-3 fatty acids (O3FAs) on renal function and proteinuria in immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) are not fully understood. Thus, we conducted an up-to-date meta-analysis of the currently available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to validate the effects of O3FA in IgAN. METHODS: A literature search was performed in PubMed, Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials using an extended search strategy to identify RCTs that assessed the treatment efficacy of O3FA in IgAN. The dose-effect relationships of O3FA on renal function and proteinuria were also determined. RESULTS: Five RCTs with a total of 233 patients were included in our analysis. Our results demonstrated that while O3FA does not have any beneficial effects in preserving renal function in IgAN, proteinuria was significantly reduced. Furthermore, patients who received a high dose of O3FA (>3 g/day) did not differ from those who received a low dose of O3FA (≤3 g/day) in renal function or proteinuria. CONCLUSION: The currently available evidence suggests that O3FA has no benefit in preserving renal function, but can ameliorate proteinuria in IgAN. However, the effects of O3FA on proteinuria are not dose dependent.