Background: The development of the kidneys and other organs of the urinary tract also follow the natural rule of gene-environment-lifestyle interaction. Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors may be associated with the etiology of various kinds of urinary malformations. The environmental factors belong to extrinsic factors, which have attracted increasing attention from researchers.
Methods: Publications about urinary malformations were searched from databases such as PubMed, Elsevier, Chemical Abstract, Excerpta Medica, Chinese Hospital Knowledge Database and Wanfang Database.
Results: Urinary malformation is associated with low birth weight, maternal diseases, placental insufficiency, maternal drug exposure, and maternal exposure to environmental pesticides. Living environment and socioeconomic factors may also influence the incidence of urinary malformation.
Conclusion: It is important to understand the association of environmental factors with the development of the renal system and urinary malformation in order to decrease the incidence of urinary malformations.