1
|
Olga L, Sovio U, Wong H, Smith GCS, Aiken CEM. Association between maternal hemoglobin concentration and educational attainment in mid-childhood in a high-resource obstetric setting: a prospective cohort study. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2024; 6:101357. [PMID: 38527690 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2024.101357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although maternal hemoglobin levels during pregnancy are commonly associated with perinatal outcomes, their link to childhood neurodevelopment remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the associations between maternal hemoglobin in early and late pregnancy and the educational attainment of offspring mid-childhood in a high-resource obstetric setting. STUDY DESIGN Pregnancy data from a prospective birth cohort (Pregnancy Outcome Prediction Study, Cambridge, United Kingdom, 2008-2012, N=3285) were linked to mid-childhood educational outcomes (Department for Education, United Kingdom). Regression models adjusted for maternal, child, and socioeconomic factors were used to determine associations between maternal hemoglobin, pregnancy complications, and offspring educational outcomes (aged 5-7 years). RESULTS No association was observed between maternal hemoglobin at 12 weeks and the likelihood of either adverse pregnancy outcomes or children meeting expected educational standards between ages 5-7 years. Higher maternal hemoglobin at 28 weeks was associated with an increased risk of small-for-gestational-age infants (adjusted odds ratio, 1.26 [95% confidence interval, 1.11-1.59]; P=.002) and preterm birth (adjusted odds ratio, 1.38 [95% confidence interval, 1.11-1.81]; P=.005). There were no adverse birth outcomes associated with anemia. However, children of mothers who were anemic at 28 weeks had ∼40% increased risk of not attaining expected educational standards at age 5 (adjusted odds ratio, 1.42 [95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.95]; P=.03). There was no association between maternal anemia at 28 weeks and educational performance at ages 6-7. No associations were found between high maternal hemoglobin concentrations (top decile) or change in hemoglobin concentrations between 12 and 28 weeks and childhood educational attainment. CONCLUSION Maternal anemia at 28 weeks of pregnancy is associated with reduced educational attainment at 5 years old but not at older ages (6-7 years old). A proactive approach to increasing maternal hemoglobin in high-resource settings is unlikely to impact long-term childhood educational attainment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laurentya Olga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ulla Sovio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Hilary Wong
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon C S Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine E M Aiken
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Power GM, Sanderson E, Pagoni P, Fraser A, Morris T, Prince C, Frayling TM, Heron J, Richardson TG, Richmond R, Tyrrell J, Warrington N, Davey Smith G, Howe LD, Tilling KM. Methodological approaches, challenges, and opportunities in the application of Mendelian randomisation to lifecourse epidemiology: A systematic literature review. Eur J Epidemiol 2024; 39:501-520. [PMID: 37938447 PMCID: PMC7616129 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-023-01032-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Diseases diagnosed in adulthood may have antecedents throughout (including prenatal) life. Gaining a better understanding of how exposures at different stages in the lifecourse influence health outcomes is key to elucidating the potential benefits of disease prevention strategies. Mendelian randomisation (MR) is increasingly used to estimate causal effects of exposures across the lifecourse on later life outcomes. This systematic literature review explores MR methods used to perform lifecourse investigations and reviews previous work that has utilised MR to elucidate the effects of factors acting at different stages of the lifecourse. We conducted searches in PubMed, Embase, Medline and MedRXiv databases. Thirteen methodological studies were identified. Four studies focused on the impact of time-varying exposures in the interpretation of "standard" MR techniques, five presented methods for repeat measures of the same exposure, and four described methodological approaches to handling multigenerational exposures. A further 127 studies presented the results of an applied research question. Over half of these estimated effects in a single generation and were largely confined to the exploration of questions regarding body composition. The remaining mostly estimated maternal effects. There is a growing body of research focused on the development and application of MR methods to address lifecourse research questions. The underlying assumptions require careful consideration and the interpretation of results rely on select conditions. Whilst we do not advocate for a particular strategy, we encourage practitioners to make informed decisions on how to approach a research question in this field with a solid understanding of the limitations present and how these may be affected by the research question, modelling approach, instrument selection, and data availability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grace M Power
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK.
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Eleanor Sanderson
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Panagiota Pagoni
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Abigail Fraser
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Tim Morris
- Centre for Longitudinal Studies, Social Research Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Claire Prince
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Timothy M Frayling
- Genetics of Complex Traits, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Jon Heron
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Tom G Richardson
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Rebecca Richmond
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Jessica Tyrrell
- Genetics of Complex Traits, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Nicole Warrington
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - George Davey Smith
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre Bristol, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Laura D Howe
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Kate M Tilling
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Quezada-Pinedo HG, Cassel F, Duijts L, Muckenthaler MU, Gassmann M, Jaddoe VWV, Reiss IKM, Vermeulen MJ. Maternal Iron Status in Pregnancy and Child Health Outcomes after Birth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13072221. [PMID: 34203528 PMCID: PMC8308244 DOI: 10.3390/nu13072221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In pregnancy, iron deficiency and iron overload increase the risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes, but the effects of maternal iron status on long-term child health are poorly understood. The aim of the study was to systematically review and analyze the literature on maternal iron status in pregnancy and long-term outcomes in the offspring after birth. We report a systematic review on maternal iron status during pregnancy in relation to child health outcomes after birth, from database inception until 21 January 2021, with methodological quality rating (Newcastle-Ottawa tool) and random-effect meta-analysis. (PROSPERO, CRD42020162202). The search identified 8139 studies, of which 44 were included, describing 12,7849 mother–child pairs. Heterogeneity amongst the studies was strong. Methodological quality was predominantly moderate to high. Iron status was measured usually late in pregnancy. The majority of studies compared categories based on maternal ferritin, however, definitions of iron deficiency differed across studies. The follow-up period was predominantly limited to infancy. Fifteen studies reported outcomes on child iron status or hemoglobin, 20 on neurodevelopmental outcomes, and the remainder on a variety of other outcomes. In half of the studies, low maternal iron status or iron deficiency was associated with adverse outcomes in children. Meta-analyses showed an association of maternal ferritin with child soluble transferrin receptor concentrations, though child ferritin, transferrin saturation, or hemoglobin values showed no consistent association. Studies on maternal iron status above normal, or iron excess, suggest deleterious effects on infant growth, cognition, and childhood Type 1 diabetes. Maternal iron status in pregnancy was not consistently associated with child iron status after birth. The very heterogeneous set of studies suggests detrimental effects of iron deficiency, and possibly also of overload, on other outcomes including child neurodevelopment. Studies are needed to determine clinically meaningful definitions of iron deficiency and overload in pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hugo G. Quezada-Pinedo
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC-Sophia, University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2060, 3000 CB Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (H.G.Q.-P.); (V.W.V.J.); (I.K.M.R.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC-Sophia, University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2060, 3000 CB Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Florian Cassel
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC-Sophia, University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2060, 3000 CB Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (F.C.); (L.D.)
| | - Liesbeth Duijts
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC-Sophia, University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2060, 3000 CB Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (F.C.); (L.D.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Erasmus MC-Sophia, University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2060, 3000 CB Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martina U. Muckenthaler
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, University Hospital Heidelberg, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Max Gassmann
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
- Zurich Center for Integrative, Human Physiology, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- School of Medicine, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15102, Peru
| | - Vincent W. V. Jaddoe
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC-Sophia, University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2060, 3000 CB Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (H.G.Q.-P.); (V.W.V.J.); (I.K.M.R.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC-Sophia, University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2060, 3000 CB Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Irwin K. M. Reiss
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC-Sophia, University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2060, 3000 CB Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (H.G.Q.-P.); (V.W.V.J.); (I.K.M.R.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC-Sophia, University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2060, 3000 CB Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (F.C.); (L.D.)
| | - Marijn J. Vermeulen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC-Sophia, University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2060, 3000 CB Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (F.C.); (L.D.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Diemer EW, Labrecque JA, Neumann A, Tiemeier H, Swanson SA. Mendelian randomisation approaches to the study of prenatal exposures: A systematic review. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2021; 35:130-142. [PMID: 32779786 PMCID: PMC7891574 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.12691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mendelian randomisation (MR) designs apply instrumental variable techniques using genetic variants to study causal effects. MR is increasingly used to evaluate the role of maternal exposures during pregnancy on offspring health. OBJECTIVES We review the application of MR to prenatal exposures and describe reporting of methodologic challenges in this area. DATA SOURCES We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Medline Ovid, Cochrane Central, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION Eligible studies met the following criteria: (a) a maternal pregnancy exposure; (b) an outcome assessed in offspring of the pregnancy; and (c) a genetic variant or score proposed as an instrument or proxy for an exposure. SYNTHESIS We quantified the frequency of reporting of MR conditions stated, techniques used to examine assumption plausibility, and reported limitations. RESULTS Forty-three eligible studies were identified. When discussing challenges or limitations, the most common issues described were known potential biases in the broader MR literature, including population stratification (n = 29), weak instrument bias (n = 18), and certain types of pleiotropy (n = 30). Of 22 studies presenting point estimates for the effect of exposure, four defined their causal estimand. Twenty-four studies discussed issues unique to prenatal MR, including selection on pregnancy (n = 1) and pleiotropy via postnatal exposure (n = 10) or offspring genotype (n = 20). CONCLUSIONS Prenatal MR studies frequently discuss issues that affect all MR studies, but rarely discuss problems specific to the prenatal context, including selection on pregnancy and effects of postnatal exposure. Future prenatal MR studies should report and attempt to falsify their assumptions, with particular attention to issues specific to prenatal MR. Further research is needed to evaluate the impacts of biases unique to prenatal MR in practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth W. Diemer
- Department of Child and Adolescent PsychiatryErasmus MCRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | | | - Alexander Neumann
- Department of Child and Adolescent PsychiatryErasmus MCRotterdamThe Netherlands,Lady Davis Institute for Medical ResearchJewish General HospitalMontrealQCCanada
| | - Henning Tiemeier
- Department of Child and Adolescent PsychiatryErasmus MCRotterdamThe Netherlands,Department of Social and Behavioral ScienceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
| | - Sonja A. Swanson
- Department of EpidemiologyErasmus MCRotterdamThe Netherlands,Department of EpidemiologyHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
A systematic literature review of the relation between iron status/anemia in pregnancy and offspring neurodevelopment. Eur J Clin Nutr 2019; 73:1561-1578. [PMID: 30783211 DOI: 10.1038/s41430-019-0400-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fetal brain starts developing early and animal studies have suggested that iron plays several roles for the development, but results from epidemiological studies investigating associations between gestational iron and offspring neurodevelopment are inconsistent. OBJECTIVE To systematically examine results from observational studies and RCTs on gestational iron and offspring neurodevelopment, with focus on the importance of four domains: iron status indicators, exposure timing, neurodevelopmental outcomes, and offspring age. METHODS PRISMA guidelines were followed. Embase, PsychInfo, Scopus, and The Cochrane library were searched in September 2017 and February 2018. Overall, 3307 articles were identified and 108 retrieved for full-text assessment. Pre-specified eligibility criteria were used to select studies and 27 articles were included;19 observational and 8 RCTs. RESULTS Iron status in pregnancy was associated with offspring behavior, cognition, and academic achievement. The direction of associations with behavioral outcomes were unclear and the conclusions related to cognition and academic achievement were based on few studies, only. Little evidence was found for associations with motor development. Observed associations were shown to persist beyond infancy into adolescence, and results depended on iron status indicator type but not on the timing of exposure. CONCLUSION We conclude that there is some evidence that low pregnancy iron, possibly particularly in the 3rd trimester, may be associated with adverse offspring neurodevelopment. As most previous research used Hemoglobin, inferring results to iron deficiency should be done with caution. No conclusions could be reached regarding associations beyond early childhood, and supplementation with iron during pregnancy did not seem to influence offspring neurodevelopment.
Collapse
|
6
|
Moos T, Skjørringe T, Thomsen LL. Iron deficiency and iron treatment in the fetal developing brain - a pilot study introducing an experimental rat model. Reprod Health 2018; 15:93. [PMID: 29945643 PMCID: PMC6019982 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-018-0537-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Iron deficiency is especially common in women during the reproductive age and it is estimated that 52% of pregnant women have iron deficiency anemia. Maternal iron deficiency with or without anemia in pregnancy may have consequences for the fetus, where it may have an impact on the cerebral development of the brain. Both animals and adult human studies support that iron deficiency affects psychomotor development, behavioral traits, and cognitive functions in the offspring. However, it has not yet been established whether the availability of sufficient iron is particularly important in certain phases during brain development, and whether possible damages are reversible if iron supplementation is provided during pregnancy. Here we report results from a pilot study in an experimental rat model suitable for introducing iron deficiency in the fetal rat brain. Methods The model was utilized for examination of the potential to reverse changes in fetal brain iron by maternal parenteral iron administration. Fertilized females subjected to iron deficiency without anemia were subcutaneously injected with iron isomaltoside at the day of mating (E0), 14 days into pregnancy (E14), or at the day of birth (Postnatal (P) 0). Blood, brain and liver in the offspring were examined on P0 or in adulthood on postnatal day P70. Results Maternal iron restriction during pregnancy led to significantly lower levels of iron in the brains of newborn rats compared to levels in pups of iron sufficient mothers. Females fed ID diet (5.2 mg/kg Fe) had offspring with significantly lower cerebral iron compared to a control group fed a standard diet (158 mg/kg Fe). Injection of IIM to pregnant ID females on E0 or E14 yielded normalization of Fe in the developing brain known to express elevated levels of capillary transferrin receptors, indicating that the administered iron passed the placenta and fetal blood brain barrier. Conclusions In future studies, this translational model may be applied to examine morphological and biochemical consequences of iron deficiency and iron deficiency treatment in the developing fetal brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Torben Moos
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Biomedicine Group, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Fr. Bajers Vej 3B, 1.216, DK-9220, Aalborg East, Denmark.
| | - Tina Skjørringe
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Biomedicine Group, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Fr. Bajers Vej 3B, 1.216, DK-9220, Aalborg East, Denmark
| | - Lars Lykke Thomsen
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Biomedicine Group, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Fr. Bajers Vej 3B, 1.216, DK-9220, Aalborg East, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jayasinghe C, Polson R, van Woerden HC, Wilson P. The effect of universal maternal antenatal iron supplementation on neurodevelopment in offspring: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Pediatr 2018; 18:150. [PMID: 29728086 PMCID: PMC5936025 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-018-1118-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although antenatal iron supplementation is beneficial to mothers, its impact on the neurodevelopment of offspring is controversial. A systematic review and meta-analysis was undertaken to assess whether routine maternal antenatal iron supplementation confers later neurodevelopmental benefit to offspring. METHODS Electronic databases were searched using MESH terms or key words and identified papers were reviewed by two independent reviewers. The study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. The review was registered in the PROSPERO CRD data base. RESULTS Seven publications were identified, based on four randomised trials published between 2006 and 2016. Three of the trials were in the Asian sub-continent. A range of tools were used to evaluate neurodevelopment. Meta-analysis of outcomes from the three RCTs meeting our inclusion criteria showed minimal effect of antenatal iron supplementation on the neurodevelopment of offspring, which was not statistically significant: weighted mean difference of 0.54 (95% CI: -0.67 to 1.75); test for overall effect Z = 0.87; p = 0.38; and heterogeneity 48%. Meta-analysis of outcomes of these RCTs at later stages of development produced similar results. CONCLUSIONS The benefit of routine antenatal iron supplementation on neurodevelopment in offspring was not statistically significant in this relatively limited set of trials, and some benefit cannot be excluded in areas with a high prevalence of maternal anaemia. A large randomized controlled trial showing significant benefit would be required to modify our conclusions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C. Jayasinghe
- Ministry of Health, 385, Ven. Baddegama Wimalawansa Thero Mawatha, Colombo, 10 Sri Lanka
| | - R. Polson
- Centre for Health Science, University of the Highland and Islands, Old Perth Road, Inverness, IV2 3JH UK
| | - H. C. van Woerden
- Centre for Health Science, University of the Highland and Islands, Old Perth Road, Inverness, IV2 3JH UK
| | - P. Wilson
- Centre for Rural Health, University of Aberdeen, Old Perth Road, Inverness, IV2 3JH UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
In the central nervous system, iron is a cofactor of many metabolic processes and synthesis of aminergic neurotransmitters. Iron plays an major function on brain development from the prenatal period to teenage years. The blood-brain barrier modulates concentration of iron in the brain. In case of iron deficiency in the child, the negative impact on the myelinogenesis and synaptogenesis are well proven, with negative effects on psychomotor and cognitive functions. Iron supplementation has a beneficial effect, even if there is no anemia. The consequences of iron deficiency are more harmful as deficiency is early. The main mechanisms involved about iron and brain are reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Vallée
- Service de neuropédiatrie, Pôle enfant, CHRU, université de Lille 2,59037, Lille, France.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bédard A, Lewis SJ, Burgess S, Henderson AJ, Shaheen SO. Maternal iron status during pregnancy and respiratory and atopic outcomes in the offspring: a Mendelian randomisation study. BMJ Open Respir Res 2018; 5:e000275. [PMID: 29636978 PMCID: PMC5890059 DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2018-000275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Limited evidence from birth cohort studies suggests that lower prenatal iron status may be a risk factor for childhood respiratory and atopic outcomes, but these observational findings may be confounded. Mendelian randomisation (MR) can potentially provide unconfounded estimates of causal effects by using common genetic variants as instrumental variables. We aimed to study the relationship between prenatal iron status and respiratory and atopic outcomes in the offspring using MR. Methods In the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children birth cohort, we constructed four maternal genotypic risk scores by summing the total number of risk alleles (associated with lower iron status) across single nucleotide polymorphisms known to be associated with at least one of four iron biomarkers (serum iron, ferritin, transferrin and transferrin saturation). We used MR to study their associations with respiratory and atopic outcomes in children aged 7-9 years (n=6002). Results When analyses were restricted to mothers without iron supplementation during late pregnancy, negative associations were found between the maternal transferrin saturation score and childhood forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity (difference in age, height and gender-adjusted SD units per SD increase in genotypic score: -0.05 (-0.09, -0.01) p=0.03, and -0.04 (-0.08, 0.00) p=0.04, respectively). Conclusion Using MR we have found weak evidence suggesting that low maternal iron status during pregnancy may cause impaired childhood lung function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle Bédard
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Sarah J Lewis
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Stephen Burgess
- MRC Biostatistics Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - A John Henderson
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Seif O Shaheen
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Caramaschi D, Sharp GC, Nohr EA, Berryman K, Lewis SJ, Davey Smith G, Relton CL. Exploring a causal role of DNA methylation in the relationship between maternal vitamin B12 during pregnancy and child's IQ at age 8, cognitive performance and educational attainment: a two-step Mendelian randomization study. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 26:3001-3013. [PMID: 28453778 PMCID: PMC5703349 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
An adequate intake of vitamin B12 during pregnancy plays an important role in
offspring neurodevelopment, potentially via epigenetic processes. We used a two-step
Mendelian randomization approach to assess whether DNA methylation plays a mediating and
causal role in associations between maternal vitamin B12 status and offspring’s
cognition. Firstly, we estimated the causal effect of maternal vitamin B12
levels on cord blood DNA methylation using the maternal FUT2 genotypes
rs492602:A > G and rs1047781:A > T as proxies for circulating vitamin B12
levels in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) and we tested the
observed associations in a replication cohort. Secondly, we estimated the causal effect of
DNA methylation on IQ using the offspring genotype at sites close to the methylated CpG
site as a proxy for DNA methylation in ALSPAC and in a replication sample. The first step
Mendelian randomization estimated that maternal vitamin B12 had a small causal
effect on DNA methylation in offspring at three CpG sites, which was replicated for one of
the sites. The second step Mendelian randomization found weak evidence of a causal effect
of DNA methylation at two of these sites on childhood performance IQ which was replicated
for one of the sites. The findings support a causal effect of maternal vitamin
B12 levels on cord blood DNA methylation, and a causal effect of vitamin
B12-responsive DNA methylation changes on children’s cognition. Some
limitations were identified and future studies using a similar approach should aim to
overcome such issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Doretta Caramaschi
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, School of Social and Community Medicine
| | - Gemma C Sharp
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, School of Social and Community Medicine.,School of Oral and Dental Sciences, The Cleft Collective, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Ellen A Nohr
- Research Unit for Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5000C, Denmark
| | - Katie Berryman
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8?2BN, UK
| | - Sarah J Lewis
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8?2BN, UK
| | - George Davey Smith
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, School of Social and Community Medicine
| | - Caroline L Relton
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, School of Social and Community Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Shaheen SO, Macdonald-Wallis C, Lawlor DA, Henderson AJ. Haemoglobin concentrations in pregnancy and respiratory and allergic outcomes in childhood: Birth cohort study. Clin Exp Allergy 2017; 47:1615-1624. [PMID: 28940397 PMCID: PMC5725736 DOI: 10.1111/cea.13034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Limited epidemiological evidence suggests that low maternal iron status and anaemia in pregnancy may increase the risk of childhood respiratory and allergic outcomes. Objectives To investigate the relation between maternal haemoglobin concentrations in pregnancy and childhood respiratory and allergic outcomes. Methods In the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), we examined associations of maternal haemoglobin concentrations (g/dL) in pregnancy with hayfever, eczema, wheezing, doctor‐diagnosed asthma, allergic sensitisation and total IgE at 7 years, and with lung function at 8‐9 years in the offspring, after controlling for potential confounders (N = 3234‐5335). Results Maternal haemoglobin was not associated with offspring hayfever, eczema, wheezing or asthma. However, the first haemoglobin measurement in pregnancy (<18 weeks' gestation) and the last measurement (>28 weeks' gestation) were negatively associated with allergic sensitisation (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI] per g/dL 0.91 [0.83 to 0.99] and 0.90 [0.83 to 0.98], respectively). The last haemoglobin measurement was also negatively associated with total IgE (adjusted geometric mean ratio 0.94 [0.88 to 0.99]). Anaemia (haemoglobin <11 g/dL) in late pregnancy was negatively associated with forced vital capacity (difference in standard deviation score −0.07 [−0.13 to −0.01]). Conclusions and Clinical Relevance Lower maternal haemoglobin in pregnancy may be a risk factor for allergic sensitisation, elevated IgE and lower FVC in childhood, which may reflect effects of lower prenatal iron status. However, maternal haemoglobin was not associated with risk of childhood asthma or other allergic disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S O Shaheen
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK
| | - C Macdonald-Wallis
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - D A Lawlor
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - A J Henderson
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Iglesias L, Canals J, Arija V. Effects of prenatal iron status on child neurodevelopment and behavior: A systematic review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2017; 58:1604-1614. [PMID: 28084782 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2016.1274285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia are the main worldwide nutritional disorders. A good level of prenatal iron is essential for the correct child neurodevelopment but this association has been poorly investigated. To gather the scientific evidence on the relation between prenatal iron status and child neurodevelopment. To emphasize the importance of personalize the dose and type of supplementation. Wide search strategy was performed in electronic databases for English language articles with no limitations as regards the language or date of publication. Additional studies were selected by hand search. The inclusion criteria were pregnant women without high-risk pregnancy and their children as study population and neurodevelopment as the main outcome. Six RCTs and 13 observational studies were included. The majority concluded that deficit or excess iron during pregnancy injures the mental and psychomotor development of child. Other authors found no association of low iron level with troubles in neurodevelopment, recommended multi-micronutrients instead of iron alone and/or showed inconsistent results. Both iron deficiency as its excess are harmful for the child neurodevelopment. The prenatal iron supplementation should be adjusted for each woman, taking into account the iron stores, some genetic mutation and other health habits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Iglesias
- a Unit of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science , Universitat Rovira I Virgili , Reus , Spain
| | - Josefa Canals
- b Unit of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science , Universitat Rovira I Virgili , Reus , Spain
| | - Victoria Arija
- a Unit of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science , Universitat Rovira I Virgili , Reus , Spain
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Veena SR, Gale CR, Krishnaveni GV, Kehoe SH, Srinivasan K, Fall CH. Association between maternal nutritional status in pregnancy and offspring cognitive function during childhood and adolescence; a systematic review. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2016; 16:220. [PMID: 27520466 PMCID: PMC4982007 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-016-1011-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The mother is the only source of nutrition for fetal growth including brain development. Maternal nutritional status (anthropometry, macro- and micro-nutrients) before and/or during pregnancy is therefore a potential predictor of offspring cognitive function. The relationship of maternal nutrition to offspring cognitive function is unclear. This review aims to assess existing evidence linking maternal nutritional status with offspring cognitive function. Methods Exposures considered were maternal BMI, height and weight, micronutrient status (vitamins D, B12, folate and iron) and macronutrient intakes (carbohydrate, protein and fat). The outcome was any measure of cognitive function in children aged <18 years. We considered observational studies and trials with allocation groups that differed by single nutrients. We searched Medline/PubMed and the Cochrane Library databases and reference lists of retrieved literature. Two reviewers independently extracted data from relevant articles. We used methods recommended by the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Results Of 16,143 articles identified, 38 met inclusion criteria. Most studies were observational, and from high-income settings. There were few randomized controlled trials. There was consistent evidence linking maternal obesity with lower cognitive function in children; low maternal BMI has been inadequately studied. Among three studies of maternal vitamin D status, two showed lower cognitive function in children of deficient mothers. One trial of folic acid supplementation showed no effects on the children’s cognitive function and evidence from 13 observational studies was mixed. Among seven studies of maternal vitamin B12 status, most showed no association, though two studies in highly deficient populations suggested a possible effect. Four out of six observational studies and two trials (including one in an Iron deficient population) found no association of maternal iron status with offspring cognitive function. One trial of maternal carbohydrate/protein supplementation showed no effects on offspring cognitive function. Conclusions Current evidence that maternal nutritional status during pregnancy as defined by BMI, single micronutrient studies, or macronutrient intakes influences offspring cognitive function is inconclusive. There is a need for more trials especially in populations with high rates of maternal undernutrition. Systematic review registration Registered in PROSPERO CRD42013005702. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12884-016-1011-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sargoor R Veena
- Epidemiology Research Unit, CSI Holdsworth Memorial Hospital, Mysore, India.
| | - Catharine R Gale
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,Department of Psychology, Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Sarah H Kehoe
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Caroline Hd Fall
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Smithers LG, Gialamas A, Scheil W, Brinkman S, Lynch JW. Anaemia of pregnancy, perinatal outcomes and children's developmental vulnerability: a whole-of-population study. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2014; 28:381-90. [PMID: 25225007 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.12149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited longitudinal data from high-income countries on the sequelae of anaemia during pregnancy. The aim of this study is to examine whether anaemia of pregnancy is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes and with children's developmental vulnerability. METHODS We conducted a population-based study to link routinely collected government administrative data that involved all live births in the state of South Australia 1999-2005 (n = 124 061) and a subset for whom developmental data were collected during a national census of children attending their first year of school in 2009 (n = 13 654). Perinatal outcomes were recorded by midwives using a validated, standardised form. Development was recorded by schoolteachers using the Australian Early Development Index (AEDI). Children in the lowest 10% of AEDI scores are indicative of developmental vulnerability. RESULTS There were 8764/124 061 (7.1%) cases of anaemia. After adjustment for a range of potentially confounding factors, anaemia of pregnancy was associated with a higher risk of fetal distress [incident rate ratio (IRR) 1.20 [95% CI 1.13, 1.27]] and preterm birth <37 weeks gestation (IRR 1.23 [1.15, 1.31]), slightly higher birthweight [14 g (2, 26)] and newborns were less likely to require resuscitation (IRR 0.94 [0.91, 0.097]). Anaemia of pregnancy was not associated with children's developmental vulnerability after adjustment for maternal, obstetric and sociodemographic covariables, either in complete case analyses (n = 11 949) or after imputation for missing data (n = 13 654). CONCLUSIONS Anaemia of pregnancy is associated with perinatal complications but not with children's developmental vulnerability at school entry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa G Smithers
- School of Population Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Micronutrient deficiencies, especially those related to iodine and iron, are linked to different cognitive impairments, as well as to potential long-term behavioral changes. Among the cognitive impairments caused by iron deficiency, those referring to attention span, intelligence, and sensory perception functions are mainly cited, as well as those associated with emotions and behavior, often directly related to the presence of iron deficiency anemia. In addition, iron deficiency without anemia may cause cognitive disturbances. At present, the prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia is 2%-6% among European children. Given the importance of iron deficiency relative to proper cognitive development and the alterations that can persist through adulthood as a result of this deficiency, the objective of this study was to review the current state of knowledge about this health problem. The relevance of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia, the distinction between the cognitive consequences of iron deficiency and those affecting specifically cognitive development, and the debate about the utility of iron supplements are the most relevant and controversial topics. Despite there being methodological differences among studies, there is some evidence that iron supplementation improves cognitive functions. Nevertheless, this must be confirmed by means of adequate follow-up studies among different groups.
Collapse
|