Association of Food Insecurity and Short-Term Kidney Outcomes in Neonates

This study aimed to determine the association between food insecurity (FI) and short-term kidney outcomes in neonates.Single-site prospective cohort study of sequentially admitted neonates to two neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). We collected demographic characteristics and FI status on maternal-neonatal dyads using the Hunger Vital Signs tool. Kidney outcomes (acute kidney injury [AKI]) within the first 14 days, recovery from AKI, and serum creatinine (SCr) at day 14 of age) were compared by FI status.Of the 70 neonates in this study, 39% lived in FI households. Infants from FI households were more likely to have early AKI (56 vs. 14%, <i>p</i> = 0.002) and were more likely to have a slower recovery from AKI (66 vs. 17%, <i>p</i> = 0.035) than those from food-secure households. Neonates from FI households were also more likely to have an abnormally elevated SCr at 2 weeks of age (66 vs. 17%, <i>p</i> = 0.007).FI is common in families with neonates admitted to the NICU. Neonates born into FI households were more likely to have early AKI, slower AKI recovery, and elevated SCr at 2 weeks of age. Our findings emphasize the importance of FI screening and recognition as part of prenatal care and as an essential social determinant of health in studies investigating kidney outcomes. · FI is common in families with neonates admitted to the NICU.. · Neonates born into households with FI were more likely to have early AKI.. · They also had slower AKI recovery and elevated SCr at 2 weeks of age.. · Our findings emphasize the importance of FI screening and recognition as part of prenatal care.. · FI is an essential social determinant of health in studies investigating kidney outcomes..