1
|
Jia Y, Wang J, Liu C, Zhao P, Ren Y, Xiong Y, Li G, Chen M, Sun X, Tan J. The Methodological Quality of Observational Studies Examining the Risk of Pregnancy Drug Use on Congenital Malformations Needs Substantial Improvement: A Cross-Sectional Survey. Drug Saf 2024:10.1007/s40264-024-01465-x. [PMID: 39093543 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-024-01465-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE An increasing number of observational studies have investigated the risk of using drugs during pregnancy on congenital malformations. However, the credibility of the causal relationships drawn from these studies remains uncertain. This study aims to evaluate the potential methodological issues in existing observational studies. METHODS We used a stepwise approach to investigate this issue. First, we identified observational studies published in 2020 that examined the risk of congenital malformations associated with medication use during pregnancy. We assessed the methodological characteristics for establishing causality, including study design, confounding control, and sensitivity analysis, and compared them between "core clinical journals" and "general journals." For studies reporting an increased risk of congenital malformations in core clinical journals, we searched for subsequent studies addressing the same research question published between January 2021 and May 2023 to assess the consistency of the literature. RESULTS A total of 40 eligible studies were published in 2020, primarily focused on the safety of vitamin B12 and folic acid (n = 4), antidepressants (n = 4), and others (n = 32). Our findings suggest that only two (5.00%) studies used causal models to guide the identification of confounding, and only eight (20.00%) studies assessed the potential dose-response relationship. In all, 15 (37.50%) studies used propensity score analysis strategy to achieve "mimic-randomization." In addition, 22 studies (55.00%) performed sensitivity analyses, while 10 (45.45%) showed inconsistency with the primary outcome. Furthermore, 5 studies reported positive outcomes, whereas only 1 out of 11 studies demonstrated a positive correlation between drug usage during pregnancy and major malformations in subsequent studies. CONCLUSION A significant portion of the studies has failed to sufficiently consider the essential methodological characteristics required to improve the credibility of causal inferences. The increased risk of congenital malformations documented in core clinical journal was not adequately replicated in subsequent studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yulong Jia
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine and Chinese Evidence-based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine and Chinese Evidence-based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Chunrong Liu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine and Chinese Evidence-based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine and Chinese Evidence-based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Ren
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine and Chinese Evidence-based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yiquan Xiong
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine and Chinese Evidence-based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - GuoWei Li
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI), McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Meng Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Sun
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine and Chinese Evidence-based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
- Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Jing Tan
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine and Chinese Evidence-based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
- Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gebremedhin AT, Nyadanu SD, Hanigan IC, Pereira G. Maternal exposure to bioclimatic stress and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in Western Australia: identifying potential critical windows of susceptibility. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:52279-52292. [PMID: 39145911 PMCID: PMC11374825 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34689-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
The anthropogenic climate change may impact pregnancy outcomes. Rather than ambient temperature, we aimed to use a composite bioclimatic metric (Universal Thermal Climate Index, UTCI) to identify critical susceptible windows for the associations between bioclimatic exposure and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) risk. Daily UTCI exposure from 12 weeks of preconception through pregnancy was linked to 415,091 singleton pregnancies between 1st January 2000 and 31st December 2015 in Western Australia. Adjusted weekly-specific and cumulative odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia were estimated with distributed lag non-linear and standard non-linear logistic regressions. Exposures from early pregnancy to week 30 were associated with greater odds of HDPs with critical susceptible windows, particularly elevated at the 1st (10.2 °C) and 99th (26.0 °C) exposure centiles as compared to the median (14.2 °C). The most elevated ORs were 1.07 (95% CI 1.06, 1.08) in weeks 8-18 for gestational hypertension and 1.10 (95% CI 1.08, 1.11) in weeks 11-16 for preeclampsia for the 99th exposure centile. Cumulative exposures associated with HDPs with relatively higher but less precise ORs. The effects of high exposure to HDPs indicated sociodemographic inequalities. The identified critical periods and subpopulations could benefit from climate-related interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanuel T Gebremedhin
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, PerthBentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Sylvester Dodzi Nyadanu
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, PerthBentley, WA, 6102, Australia.
- Education, Culture, and Health Opportunities (ECHO) Ghana, ECHO Research Group International, Aflao, Ghana.
| | - Ivan C Hanigan
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, PerthBentley, WA, 6102, Australia
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Climate Change and Health Impact Assessment, Faculty of Health Science, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Gavin Pereira
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, PerthBentley, WA, 6102, Australia
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Climate Change and Health Impact Assessment, Faculty of Health Science, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
- enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Kent Street, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kang-Auger S, Brousseau É, Wei SQ. Pregnancy, stroke and selection bias. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2024; 38:444-445. [PMID: 38385658 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.13057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarit Kang-Auger
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Émilie Brousseau
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Shu Qin Wei
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hill E, Harleman M, Harris L, Sventek G, Ritz B, Campbell EJ, Willis M, Hystad P. Roadway construction as a natural experiment to examine air pollution impacts on infant health. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118788. [PMID: 38555097 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) poses a significant public health risk that is associated with adverse birth outcomes. Large roadway infrastructure projects present a natural experiment to examine how resulting congestion change is associated with adverse birth outcomes for nearby populations. This study is designed to examine the influence of living close to a roadway before, during, and after a construction project using a difference-in-differences design. We integrated data on all large roadway construction projects (defined as widening of existing roads, building new roads, improving bridges, installing intelligent transportation systems, improving intersections, and installing or upgrading traffic signals) in Texas from 2007 to 2016 with Vital Statistic data for all births with residential addresses within 1 km of construction projects. Our outcomes included term low birth weight, term birth weight, preterm birth, and very preterm birth. Using a difference-in-differences design, we included births within 3 years of construction start and 2 years of construction end. In our main model, the exposed group is limited to pregnant individuals residing within 300 m of a construction project, and the control group includes those living within 300-1000 m from a project. We used regression models to estimate the influence of construction on infant health. We included 1,360 large roadway construction projects linked to 408,979 births. During construction, we found that the odds of term low birth weight increased by 19% (95% CI: 1.05, 1.36). However, we saw little evidence of an association for other birth outcomes. Contrary to our hypothesis of decreased TRAP after construction ends, we did not observe consistent improvements post-construction for pregnant individuals living within 300 m. Continued consideration of the influence of traffic congestion programs on birth outcomes is necessary to inform future policy decisions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Hill
- Department of Economics, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Rochester, 280 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, 265 Crittenden Blvd Box 420644, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Max Harleman
- Department of Government and Sociology, College of Arts and Sciences, Georgia College and State University, 410 W Greene St, Milledgeville, GA, USA
| | - Lena Harris
- Department of Economics, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Rochester, 280 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Grace Sventek
- Department of Economics, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Rochester, 280 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, 265 Crittenden Blvd Box 420644, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Beate Ritz
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, 650 Charles E. Young Dr. South, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Erin J Campbell
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, 715 Albany St, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mary Willis
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, 715 Albany St, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Perry Hystad
- School of Nutrition and Public Health, College of Health, Oregon State University, 160 SW 26th St, Corvallis, OR, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Snowden JM, Bane S, Osmundson SS, Odden MC, Carmichael SL. Epidemiology of elective induction of labour: a timeless exposure. Int J Epidemiol 2024; 53:dyae088. [PMID: 38964853 PMCID: PMC11223875 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyae088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Snowden
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University—Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Shalmali Bane
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Sarah S Osmundson
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Michelle C Odden
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Suzan L Carmichael
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Greiber IK, Viuff JH, Karlsen MA, Lidegaard Ø, Mikkelsen AP, Hjortshøj CS, Storgaard L, Mellemkjær L. School performance and educational achievement in children exposed to maternal cancer in utero. J Epidemiol Community Health 2024; 78:395-401. [PMID: 38589221 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2023-221753] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In utero exposure to maternal cancer and cancer treatment might influence the child's cognitive development. This study investigated if exposure to maternal cancer during fetal life impacted school performance and educational achievement as adults. METHODS This nationwide retrospective cohort study identified all live-born children in Denmark between January 1978 and December 2013. Exposure was defined as maternal cancer diagnosis during pregnancy. Four partly overlapping birth cohorts were constructed depending on the outcome of interest: (1) receiving special educational support for birth years 2001-2013; (2) grade point average (GPA) at the final exams after 10th grade for 1986-2003; (3) educational achievement at 20 years for 1978-1998; and (4) education at 30 years for 1978-1988. Logistic and linear models were adjusted for birth year, maternal age, maternal education and maternal death. RESULTS The estimated probability of receiving special educational support was similar in the exposed group and the reference (adjusted OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.46 to 1.77, non-significant). The GPA did not statistically differ (0.13 grade points; 95% CI -0.18 to 0.45, non-significant). The achieved educational levels were similar for the exposed group and the reference at 20 years, with an adjusted OR of 1.07 (95% CI 0.82 to 1.40) for low versus medium educational level, and at 30 years with an adjusted OR of 0.73 (95% CI 0.35 to 1.50) for low versus high educational level and of 1.07 (95% CI 0.66 to 1.72) for medium versus high educational level. CONCLUSION Our findings did not indicate poorer performance in compulsory school nor impairment of adult educational achievement after exposure to maternal cancer in utero.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iben Katinka Greiber
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Rigshospitalet, Juliane Marie Centre, Kobenhavn, Denmark
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Kobenhavn, Denmark
| | | | - Mona Aarenstrup Karlsen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Rigshospitalet, Juliane Marie Centre, Kobenhavn, Denmark
| | - Øjvind Lidegaard
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Rigshospitalet, Juliane Marie Centre, Kobenhavn, Denmark
| | | | | | - Lone Storgaard
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Rigshospitalet, Juliane Marie Centre, Kobenhavn, Denmark
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Berns K, Haertel AJ. Excess prenatal loss and respiratory illnesses of infant macaques living outdoors and exposed to wildfire smoke. Am J Primatol 2024; 86:e23605. [PMID: 38342984 PMCID: PMC11229821 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23605] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Global climate change has transformed predictions of fire seasons in the near future, and record-breaking wildfire events have had catastrophic consequences in recent years. In September 2020, multiple wildfires subjected Oregon to hazardous air quality for several days. In this retrospective cohort study, we aimed to examine prenatal loss, morbidity, and mortality of rhesus (Macaca mulatta) and Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) exposed to poor air quality from the nearby wildfires. Detailed medical records from 2014 to 2020 of 580 macaques housed outdoors at a research facility in Beaverton, Oregon were used to evaluate the association between these health outcomes and wildfire smoke exposure. Logistic regression models estimated excess prenatal loss, hospitalization rates, respiratory problems, and mortality during and following the wildfire event, and Kruskal-Wallis statistics were used to determine if infant growth was affected by wildfire smoke exposure. Risk of pregnancy loss (relative risk = 4.1; p < 0.001) and odds of diagnosis with a respiratory problem (odds ratio = 4.47; p = 0.003) were higher in exposed infant macaques compared to nonexposed infants. Infant growth was not affected by poor air quality exposure. Our findings suggest wildfire smoke exposure poses a risk to the health of infants and pregnant individuals and should be monitored more closely in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Berns
- Division of Animal Resources and Research Support, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Andrew J Haertel
- Division of Animal Resources and Research Support, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Nyadanu SD, Dunne J, Tessema GA, Mullins B, Kumi-Boateng B, Bell ML, Duko B, Pereira G. Maternal exposure to ambient air temperature and adverse birth outcomes: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170236. [PMID: 38272077 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple systematic reviews on prenatal ambient temperature and adverse birth outcomes exist, but the overall epidemiological evidence and the appropriate metric for thermal stress remain unclear. An umbrella review was performed to summarise and appraise the evidence with recommendations. METHODS Systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the associations between ambient temperature and adverse birth outcomes (preterm birth, stillbirth, birth weight, low birth weight, and small for gestational age) up to December 20, 2023, were synthesised according to a published protocol. Databases PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, MEDLINE/Ovid, EMBASE/Ovid, Web of Science Core Collection, systematic reviews repositories, electronic grey literature, and references were searched. Risk of bias was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tool. RESULTS Eleven systematic reviews, including two meta-analyses, were included. This comprised 90 distinct observational studies that employed multiple temperature assessment metrics with a very high overlap of primary studies. Primary studies were mostly from the United States while both Africa and South Asia contributed only three studies. A majority (7 out of 11) of the systematic reviews were rated as moderate risk of bias. All systematic reviews indicated that maternal exposures to both extremely high and low temperatures, particularly during late gestation are associated with increased risks of preterm birth, stillbirth, and reduced fetal growth. However, due to great differences in the exposure assessments, high heterogeneity, imprecision, and methodological limitations of the included systematic reviews, the overall epidemiological evidence was classified as probable evidence of causation. No study assessed biothermal metrics for thermal stress. CONCLUSIONS Despite the notable methodological differences, prenatal exposure to extreme ambient temperatures, particularly during late pregnancy, was associated with adverse birth outcomes. Adhering to the appropriate systematic review guidelines for environmental health research, incorporating biothermal metrics into exposure assessment, evidence from broader geodemographic settings, and interventions are recommended in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvester Dodzi Nyadanu
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia; Education, Culture, and Health Opportunities (ECHO) Ghana, ECHO Research Group International, P. O. Box 424, Aflao, Ghana.
| | - Jennifer Dunne
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Gizachew A Tessema
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia; School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Ben Mullins
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Bernard Kumi-Boateng
- Department of Geomatic Engineering, University of Mines and Technology, P. O. Box 237, Tarkwa, Ghana
| | - Michelle L Bell
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Bereket Duko
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Gavin Pereira
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia; enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia; WHO Collaborating Centre for Climate Change and Health Impact Assessment, Faculty of Health Science, Curtin University, WA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Johnston A, Smith GN, Tanuseputro P, Coutinho T, Edwards JD. Assessing cardiovascular disease risk in women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: A guidance paper for studies using administrative data. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2024; 38:254-267. [PMID: 38220144 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.13043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, and their association with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk represents a major public health concern. However, assessing CVD risk in women with a history of these conditions presents unique challenges, especially when studies are carried out using routinely collected data. OBJECTIVES To summarise and describe key challenges related to the design and conduct of administrative studies assessing CVD risk in women with a history of HDP and provide concrete recommendations for addressing them in future research. METHODS This is a methodological guidance paper. RESULTS Several conceptual and methodological factors related to the data-generating mechanism and study conceptualisation, design/data management and analysis, as well as the interpretation and reporting of study findings should be considered and addressed when designing and carrying out administrative studies on this topic. Researchers should develop an a priori conceptual framework within which the research question is articulated, important study variables are identified and their interrelationships are carefully considered. CONCLUSIONS To advance our understanding of CVD risk in women with a history of HDP, future studies should carefully consider and address the conceptual and methodological considerations outlined in this guidance paper. In highlighting these challenges, and providing specific recommendations for how to address them, our goal is to improve the quality of research carried out on this topic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Johnston
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Brain and Heart Nexus Research Program, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Graeme N Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Tanuseputro
- ICES, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thais Coutinho
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jodi D Edwards
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Brain and Heart Nexus Research Program, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chen WJ, Rector-Houze AM, Guxens M, Iñiguez C, Swartz MD, Symanski E, Ibarluzea J, Valentin A, Lertxundi A, González-Safont L, Sunyer J, Whitworth KW. Susceptible windows of prenatal and postnatal fine particulate matter exposures and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms in early childhood. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168806. [PMID: 38016567 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Few prior studies have explored windows of susceptibility to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in both the prenatal and postnatal periods and children's attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. We analyzed data from 1416 mother-child pairs from the Spanish INMA (INfancia y Medio Ambiente) Study (2003-2008). Around 5 years of age, teachers reported the number of ADHD symptoms (i.e., inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity) using the ADHD Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Around 7 years of age, parents completed the Conners' Parent Rating Scales, from which we evaluated the ADHD index, cognitive problems/inattention, hyperactivity, and oppositional subscales, reported as age- and sex-standardized T-scores. Daily residential PM2.5 exposures were estimated using a two-stage random forest model with temporal back-extrapolation and averaged over 1-week periods in the prenatal period and 4-week periods in the postnatal period. We applied distributed lag non-linear models within the Bayesian hierarchical model framework to identify susceptible windows of prenatal or postnatal exposure to PM2.5 (per 5-μg/m3) for ADHD symptoms. Models were adjusted for relevant covariates, and cumulative effects were reported by aggregating risk ratios (RRcum) or effect estimates (βcum) across adjacent susceptible windows. A similar susceptible period of exposure to PM2.5 (1.2-2.9 and 0.9-2.7 years of age, respectively) was identified for hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms assessed ~5 years (RRcum = 2.72, 95% credible interval [CrI] = 1.98, 3.74) and increased hyperactivity subscale ~7 years (βcum = 3.70, 95% CrI = 2.36, 5.03). We observed a susceptibility period to PM2.5 on risk of hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms ~5 years in gestational weeks 16-22 (RRcum = 1.36, 95% CrI = 1.22, 1.52). No associations between PM2.5 exposure and other ADHD symptoms were observed. We report consistent evidence of toddlerhood as a susceptible window of PM2.5 exposure for hyperactivity in young children. Although mid-pregnancy was identified as a susceptible period of exposure on hyperactivity symptoms in preschool-aged children, this association was not observed at the time children were school-aged.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Jen Chen
- Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alison M Rector-Houze
- Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mònica Guxens
- Spanish Consortium for Research and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Centre (Erasmus MC), Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Carmen Iñiguez
- Spanish Consortium for Research and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Statistics and Operational Research, Universitat de València, València, Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, The Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region (FISABIO), Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, València, Spain
| | - Michael D Swartz
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Elaine Symanski
- Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jesús Ibarluzea
- Spanish Consortium for Research and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Group of Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Spain; Ministry of Health of the Basque Government, Sub-Directorate for Public Health and Addictions of Gipuzkoa, 20013 San Sebastian, Spain; Faculty of Psychology, Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Antonia Valentin
- Spanish Consortium for Research and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aitana Lertxundi
- Spanish Consortium for Research and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Group of Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Spain; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Llúcia González-Safont
- Spanish Consortium for Research and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, The Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region (FISABIO), Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, València, Spain; Nursing and Chiropody Faculty of Valencia University, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jordi Sunyer
- Spanish Consortium for Research and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kristina W Whitworth
- Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Tedde JGG, Cerqueira-Silva T, Lagrosa Garcia SA, Amira BV, Rodrigues LC, Barreto ML, Rocha AS, de Cássia Ribeiro-Silva R, Falcão IR, Paixao ES. Association of interpregnancy interval with adverse pregnancy outcomes according to the outcomes of the preceding pregnancy: a longitudinal study with 4.7 million live births from Brazil. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2024; 30:100687. [PMID: 38332936 PMCID: PMC10850771 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2024.100687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Background Earlier studies have proposed a link between the Interpregnancy Interval (IPI) and unfavorable birth outcomes. However, it remains unclear if the outcomes of previous births could affect this relationship. We aimed to investigate whether the occurrence of adverse outcomes-small for gestational age (SGA), preterm birth (PTB), and low birth weight (LBW)-at the immediately preceding pregnancy could alter the association between IPI and the same outcomes at the subsequent pregnancy. Methods We used a population-based linked cohort from Brazil (2001-2015). IPI was measured as the difference, in months, between the preceding birth and subsequent conception. Outcomes included SGA (<10th birthweight percentile for gestational age and sex), LBW (<2500 g), and PTB (gestational age <37 weeks). We calculated risk ratios (RRs), using the IPI of 18-22 months as the reference IPI category, we also stratified by the number of adverse birth outcomes at the preceding pregnancy. Findings Among 4,788,279 births from 3,804,152 mothers, absolute risks for subsequent SGA, PTB, and LBW were higher for women with more adverse outcomes in the preceding delivery. The RR of SGA and LBW for IPIs <6 months were greater for women without previous adverse outcomes (SGA: 1.44 [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.41-1.46]; LBW: 1.49 [1.45-1.52]) compared to those with three previous adverse outcomes (SGA: 1.20 [1.10-1.29]; LBW: 1.24 [1.15-1.33]). IPIs ≥120 months were associated with greater increases in risk for LBW and PTB among women without previous birth outcomes (LBW: 1.59; [1.53-1.65]; PTB: 2.45 [2.39-2.52]) compared to women with three adverse outcomes at the index birth (LBW: 0.92 [0.78-1.06]; PTB: 1.66 [1.44-1.88]). Interpretation Our study suggests that women with prior adverse outcomes may have higher risks for adverse birth outcomes in subsequent pregnancies. However, risk changes due to differences in IPI length seem to have a lesser impact compared to women without a prior event. Considering maternal obstetric history is essential in birth spacing counseling. Funding Wellcome Trust225925/Z/22/Z.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Thiago Cerqueira-Silva
- Center of Data and Knowledge Integration for Health (CIDACS), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - Brenda V. Amira
- Faculty of Medicine of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Children's Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Laura C. Rodrigues
- Center of Data and Knowledge Integration for Health (CIDACS), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Mauricio L. Barreto
- Center of Data and Knowledge Integration for Health (CIDACS), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Aline S. Rocha
- Center of Data and Knowledge Integration for Health (CIDACS), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Brazil
- School of Nutrition, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - Ila R. Falcão
- Center of Data and Knowledge Integration for Health (CIDACS), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Enny S. Paixao
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Willis MD, Harris L, Campbell EJ, Chaskes M, Sawyer E, Harleman M, Ritz B, Hill EL, Hystad P. A population-based cohort study of electronic tolling, traffic congestion, and adverse birth outcomes. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 183:108355. [PMID: 38056094 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although traffic-related air pollution is largely regulated at the federal level, congestion reduction projects may reduce local traffic and air pollution to levels that create positive co-benefits for population health. In recent years, many urban areas have implemented electronic tolling systems to improve traffic conditions. OBJECTIVE Quantify associations between implementing electronic tolling and local changes in traffic and infant health. METHODS Using a population-based birth cohort (Texas, 1999-2016), we calculated residential proximity to the nearest tolled road segment within 5 km (n = 625,279) and examined changes in local traffic before and after toll implementation. Using a difference-in-differences design, we compared four markers of adverse birth outcomes (term birth weight, term low birth weight, preterm birth, very preterm birth) among infants from pregnant people residing < 0.5 km from a road segment before and after the tolls were implemented and compared them to a contemporaneous population of pregnant people residing at 2-5 km. RESULTS We observed minimal changes in local traffic after the implementation of tolling. Among births within 500 m of a tolled road, we found little evidence of an association between the implementation of tolling and adverse birth outcomes (term birth weight [β: -4.5, 95 % CI: -11.7, 2.6], term low birth weight [OR: 1.00, 95 % CI: 0.89, 1.13], preterm birth [OR: 0.99, 95 % CI: 0.92, 1.05], very preterm birth [OR: 1.00, 95 % CI: 0.84, 1.18]), compared to the contemporaneous control group of births at 2-5 km. In sub-analyses, we found some evidence of a reduced association between toll booth removal and preterm birth (OR: 0.84, 95 % CI: 0.70, 1.01) but not for other outcomes or tolling types. DISCUSSION In this large population-based retrospective cohort study of births in Texas, we found little evidence that the implementation of tolling was consistently associated with improvements in local infant health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary D Willis
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, United States.
| | - Lena Harris
- Department of Economics, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Rochester, 238 Harkness Hall, P.O. Box 270156, Rochester, NY 14627, United States
| | - Erin J Campbell
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, United States
| | - Mira Chaskes
- Department of Economics, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Rochester, 238 Harkness Hall, P.O. Box 270156, Rochester, NY 14627, United States
| | - Ethan Sawyer
- Department of Economics, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Rochester, 238 Harkness Hall, P.O. Box 270156, Rochester, NY 14627, United States
| | - Max Harleman
- Department of Government and Sociology, College of Arts and Sciences, Georgia College and State University, 410 W. Greene Streer, Campus Box 18, Milledgeville, GA 31061, United States
| | - Beate Ritz
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Box 951772 Suite 71-254 CHS, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States; School of Nutrition and Public Health, College of Health, Oregon State University, 101 Milam Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - Elaine L Hill
- Department of Economics, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Rochester, 238 Harkness Hall, P.O. Box 270156, Rochester, NY 14627, United States; Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, 265 Crittenden Blvd, Rochester, NY 14642, United States
| | - Perry Hystad
- School of Nutrition and Public Health, College of Health, Oregon State University, 101 Milam Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Tavares Veras Florentino P, Cerqueira-Silva T, Freire De Carvalho L, Jôse Oliveira Alves F, De Araújo Oliveira V, Mateus Oliveira Aguilar G, De Sousa Prado R, Soranz D, Pearce N, Boaventura V, Loreiro Werneck G, Oliveira Penna G, Lima Barreto M, Henrique De Oliveira Garcia M, Barral-Netto M, Santos da Paixão E. Safety of BNT162b2 and CoronaVac during pregnancy on birth outcomes and neonatal mortality: a cohort study from Brazil. Int J Epidemiol 2023; 52:1708-1715. [PMID: 37690066 PMCID: PMC10749744 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyad120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to protect pregnant individuals against mild and severe COVID-19 outcomes. However, limited safety data are available for inactivated (CoronaVac) and mRNA (BNT162b2) vaccines during pregnancy regarding their effect on birth outcomes and neonatal mortality, especially in low- and middle-income countries. METHODS We conducted a retrospective population-based cohort study in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with 17 513 singleton live births conceived between 15 May 2021 and 23 October 2021. The primary exposure was maternal vaccination with CoronaVac or mRNA BNT162b2 vaccines and sub-analyses were performed by the gestational trimester of the first dose and the number of doses given during pregnancy. The outcomes were pre-term birth (PTB), small for gestational age (SGA), low birthweight (LBW), low Apgar 5 and neonatal death. We used the Cox model to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) with a 95% CI and applied the inverse probability of treatment weights to generate adjusted HRs. RESULTS We found no significant increase in the risk of PTB (HR: 0.98; 95% CI 0.88, 1.10), SGA (HR: 1.09; 95% CI 0.96, 1.27), LBW (HR: 1.00; 95% CI 0.88, 1.14), low Apgar 5 (HR: 0.81; 95% CI 0.55, 1.22) or neonatal death (HR: 0.88; 95% CI 0.56, 1.48) in women vaccinated with CoronaVac or BNT162b2 vaccines. These findings were consistent across sub-analyses stratified by the gestational trimester of the first dose and the number of doses given during pregnancy. We found mild yet consistent protection against PTB in women who received different vaccine platforms during the third trimester of pregnancy (any vaccines, HR: 0.78; 95% CI 0.63, 0.98; BNT162b2, HR: 0.75; 95% CI 0.59, 0.99). CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence that COVID-19 vaccination in all trimesters of pregnancy, irrespective of the vaccine type, is safe and does not increase the risk of adverse birth outcomes or neonatal deaths.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Tavares Veras Florentino
- Centro de Integração de Dados e Conhecimentos para Saúde, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Thiago Cerqueira-Silva
- Centro de Integração de Dados e Conhecimentos para Saúde, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Luciana Freire De Carvalho
- Centro de Inteligência Epidemiológica, Secretaria Municipal de Saúde do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto de Estudos em Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Flávia Jôse Oliveira Alves
- Centro de Integração de Dados e Conhecimentos para Saúde, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Vinicius De Araújo Oliveira
- Centro de Integração de Dados e Conhecimentos para Saúde, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - Rodrigo De Sousa Prado
- Centro de Inteligência Epidemiológica, Secretaria Municipal de Saúde do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniel Soranz
- Câmara dos Deputados, Câmara Legislativa do Distrito Federal, Congresso Nacional, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Neil Pearce
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Viviane Boaventura
- Laboratório de Medicina e Saúde Pública de Precisão, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Salvador, Brazil
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Loreiro Werneck
- Instituto de Estudos em Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gerson Oliveira Penna
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, Universidade de Brasília, Escola do Governo de Brasília—Fiocruz, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Mauricio Lima Barreto
- Centro de Integração de Dados e Conhecimentos para Saúde, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - Manoel Barral-Netto
- Laboratório de Medicina e Saúde Pública de Precisão, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Salvador, Brazil
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Enny Santos da Paixão
- Laboratório de Medicina e Saúde Pública de Precisão, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Salvador, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Nyadanu SD, Tessema GA, Mullins B, Chai K, Yitshak-Sade M, Pereira G. Critical Windows of Maternal Exposure to Biothermal Stress and Birth Weight for Gestational Age in Western Australia. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:127017. [PMID: 38149876 PMCID: PMC10752220 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited and inconsistent evidence on the risk of ambient temperature on small for gestational age (SGA) and there are no known related studies for large for gestational age (LGA). In addition, previous studies used temperature rather than a biothermal metric. OBJECTIVES Our aim was to examine the associations and critical susceptible windows of maternal exposure to a biothermal metric [Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI)] and the hazards of SGA and LGA. METHODS We linked 385,337 singleton term births between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2015 in Western Australia to daily spatiotemporal UTCI. Distributed lag nonlinear models with Cox regression and multiple models were used to investigate maternal exposure to UTCI from 12 weeks preconception to birth and the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of SGA and LGA. RESULTS Relative to the median exposure, weekly and monthly specific exposures showed potential critical windows of susceptibility for SGA and LGA at extreme exposures, especially during late gestational periods. Monthly exposure showed strong positive associations from the 6th to the 10th gestational months with the highest hazard of 13% for SGA (HR = 1.13 ; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.14) and 7% for LGA (HR = 1.07 ; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.11) at the 10th month for the 1st UTCI centile. Entire pregnancy exposures showed the strongest hazards of 11% for SGA (HR = 1.11 ; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.18) and 3% for LGA (HR = 1.03 ; 95% CI: 0.95, 1.11) at the 99th UTCI centile. By trimesters, the highest hazards were found during the second and first trimesters for SGA and LGA, respectively, at the 99th UTCI centile. Based on estimated interaction effects, male births, mothers who were non-Caucasian, smokers, ≥ 35 years of age, and rural residents were most vulnerable. CONCLUSIONS Both weekly and monthly specific extreme biothermal stress exposures showed potential critical susceptible windows of SGA and LGA during late gestational periods with disproportionate sociodemographic vulnerabilities. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12660.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvester Dodzi Nyadanu
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
- Education, Culture, and Health Opportunities (ECHO) Ghana, ECHO Research Group International, Aflao, Ghana
| | - Gizachew A. Tessema
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ben Mullins
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kevin Chai
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Maayan Yitshak-Sade
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gavin Pereira
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
- enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health Impact Assessment, Faculty of Health Science, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Singh T, Jalaludin B, Hajat S, Morgan GG, Meissner K, Kaldor J, Green D, Jegasothy E. Acute air pollution and temperature exposure as independent and joint triggers of spontaneous preterm birth in New South Wales, Australia: a time-to-event analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1220797. [PMID: 38098836 PMCID: PMC10720724 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1220797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Exposure to high ambient temperatures and air pollution has been shown to increase the risk of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). Less clear are the effects of cold and the joint effects of air pollution and temperature. Methods Using a Cox proportional hazard regression model, we assessed the risk of independent and combined short-term exposure to ambient daily mean temperature and PM2.5 associated with sPTB in the last week before delivery on overall sPTB (weeks 23-36) and three subtypes: extremely sPTB, very sPTB, and moderate-to-late sPTB for a birth cohort of 1,318,570 births from Australia (Jan 2001-Dec 2019), while controlling for chronic exposure (i.e., throughout pregnancy except the last week before delivery) to PM2.5 and temperature. The temperature was modeled as a natural cubic spline, PM2.5 as a linear term, and the interaction effect was estimated using a multiplicative term. For short-term exposure to temperature hazard ratios reported are relative to the median temperature (18.1°C). Results Hazard ratios at low temperature [5th percentile(11.5°C)] were 0.95 (95% CI: 0.90, 1.00), 1.08 (95% CI: 0.84, 1.4), 0.87 (95% CI: 0.71, 1.06), and 1.00 (95% CI: 0.94, 1.06) and greater for high temperature [95th percentile (24.5°C)]: 1.22 (95% CI: 1.16, 1.28), 1.27 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.57), and 1.26 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.5) and 1.05 (1.00, 1.11), respectively, for overall, extremely, very, and moderate-to-late sPTBs. While chronic exposure to PM2.5 had adverse effects on sPTB, short-term exposure to PM2.5 appeared to have a negative association with all types of sPTB, with hazard ratios ranging from 0.86 (95th CI: 0.80, 0.94) to 0.98 (95th CI: 0.97, 1.00) per 5 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5. Discussion The risk of sPTB was found to increase following acute exposure to hot and cold ambient temperatures. Earlier sPTB subtypes seemed to be the most vulnerable. This study adds to the evidence that short-term exposure to ambient cold and heat and longer term gestational exposure to ambient PM2.5 are associated with an elevated risk of sPTB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Singh
- Climate Change Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Bin Jalaludin
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Shakoor Hajat
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Geoffrey G. Morgan
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- University Centre for Rural Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Lismore, NSW, Australia
- Healthy Environments and Lives (HEAL) National Research Network, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Centre for Air Pollution, Energy and Health Research (CAR), Glebe, NSW, Australia
| | - Katrin Meissner
- Climate Change Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - John Kaldor
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Donna Green
- Climate Change Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Edward Jegasothy
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- University Centre for Rural Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Lismore, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Scheefhals ZTM, de Vries EF, Molenaar JM, Numans ME, Struijs JN. Observational Data for Integrated Maternity Care: Experiences with a Data-Infrastructure for Parents and Children in the Netherlands. Int J Integr Care 2023; 23:20. [PMID: 38145057 PMCID: PMC10742107 DOI: 10.5334/ijic.7012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Observational data are increasingly seen as a valuable source for integrated care research. Especially since the growing availability of routinely collected data and quasi-experimental methods. The aim of this paper is to describe the potentials and challenges when using observational data for integrated maternity care research, based on our experience from developing and working with the Data-InfrAstructure for ParEnts and childRen (DIAPER). Methods and Results We provide a description of DIAPER, which is a linked data-infrastructure on the individual level based on maternity care claims data, quality and utilization of maternity care and data from municipal registries, covering the life course from preconception to adulthood. We then discuss potentials and practical applications of DIAPER such as to evaluate alternative payment models for integrated maternity care, to set the policy agenda regarding postpartum care, to provide insights into value of care and into provider variation, and to evaluate (policy) interventions designed to promote and support integrated maternity care. This is relevant for several stakeholders: policy makers, payers, providers and clients/patients. Based on experiences with DIAPER, we identify remaining challenges: missing data sources (especially self-reported outcomes), suboptimal quality of data, privacy concerns and potential biases introduced during data linkage, and describe how these challenges were tackled within the applications of DIAPER. Conclusions With DIAPER we demonstrated that using observational data can be of added value for integrated care research, but also that challenges remain. It is essential to keep exploring and developing the possibilities of observational data and continue the discussions in the scientific community. Learning from each other's successes and failures will be critical.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zoë T. M. Scheefhals
- Department of National Health and Healthcare, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), The Netherlands
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, LUMC Health Campus The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Eline F. de Vries
- Department of Health Economics and Healthcare, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), The Netherlands
| | - Joyce M. Molenaar
- Department of National Health and Healthcare, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), The Netherlands
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, LUMC Health Campus The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Mattijs E. Numans
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, LUMC Health Campus The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen N. Struijs
- Department of National Health and Healthcare, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), The Netherlands
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, LUMC Health Campus The Hague, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ahmad WA, Nirel R, Golan R, Kloog I, Rotem R, Negev M, Koren G, Levine H. Association between ambient particulate matter and preterm birth stratified by temperature: A population-based pregnancy cohort study. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 254:114269. [PMID: 37832218 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of literature reports associations between exposure to particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) and 2.5-10 μm (PM10-2.5) during pregnancy and preterm birth (PTB). However, the role of ambient temperature in PM-PTB associations was rarely investigated. In Israel, we used Maccabi Healthcare Services data to establish a population-based cohort of 381,265 singleton births reaching 24-42 weeks' gestation and birth weight of 500-5000 g (2004-2015). Daily PM and ambient temperature predictions from a satellite-based spatiotemporal model, at a 1 × 1 km spatial resolution, were linked to the date of birth and maternal residence. Mixed effects Cox regression models, adjusted for covariates, with a random intercept at the mother level were used to assess associations between mean exposure during pregnancy and PTB. We found that exposure to PM2.5 was positively associated with PTB when the average exposure during pregnancy was either low (first quintile) or high (fifth quintile), compared to exposure in the 2nd-4th quintiles, with hazard ratios (HRs) 1.18 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-1.24) and 1.07 (95% CI, 1.02-1.12), respectively. The results revealed effect modification of temperature. For mothers exposed to low (below median) average temperature during pregnancy, HRs of PTB were 0.93 (95% CI, 0.87-1.00) and 1.21 (95% CI, 1.14-1.29) for the first and fifth PM2.5 quintiles, respectively, when compared to the 2nd-4th quintiles. However, a reverse trend was indicated for high-temperature pregnancies, where the corresponding HRs were 1.48 (95% CI, 1.39-1.58) and 0.92, (95% CI, 0.96-0.98). In conclusion, consideration of climatic factors can provide new insights into the risk of PTB as a result of exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wiessam Abu Ahmad
- Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Public Health, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Ronit Nirel
- Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Rachel Golan
- Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Itai Kloog
- Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Ran Rotem
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Institute of Research and Innovation, Maccabitech, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Maya Negev
- University of Haifa, School of Public Health, Haifa, Israel
| | - Gideon Koren
- Institute of Research and Innovation, Maccabitech, Tel-Aviv, Israel; Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Hagai Levine
- Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Public Health, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Harper T, Kuohung W, Sayres L, Willis MD, Wise LA. Optimizing preconception care and interventions for improved population health. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:438-448. [PMID: 36516911 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.12.014] [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: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
There is growing literature indicating that optimal preconception health is associated with improved reproductive, perinatal, and pediatric outcomes. Given that preconception care is recommended for all individuals planning a pregnancy, medical providers and public health practitioners have a unique opportunity to optimize care and improve health outcomes for reproductive-aged individuals. Knowledge of the determinants of preconception health is important for all types of health professionals, including policy makers. Although some evidence-based recommendations have already been implemented, additional research is needed to identify factors associated with favorable health outcomes and to ensure that effective interventions are made in a timely fashion. Given the largely clinical readership of this journal, this piece is primarily focused on clinical care. However, we acknowledge that optimizing preconception health for the entire population at risk of pregnancy requires broadening our strategies to include population-health interventions that consider the larger social systems, structures, and policies that shape individual health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Harper
- Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado.
| | - Wendy Kuohung
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lauren Sayres
- Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Mary D Willis
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Tanner D, Murthy S, Lavista Ferres JM, Ramirez JM, Mitchell EA. Risk factors for late (28+ weeks' gestation) stillbirth in the United States, 2014-2015. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289405. [PMID: 37647261 PMCID: PMC10468071 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the United States (US) late stillbirth (at 28 weeks or more of gestation) occurs in 3/1000 births. AIM We examined risk factors for late stillbirth with the specific goal of identifying modifiable factors that contribute substantially to stillbirth burden. SETTING All singleton births in the US for 2014-2015. METHODS We used a retrospective population-based design to assess the effects of multiple factors on the risk of late stillbirth in the US. Data were drawn from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention live birth and fetal death data files. RESULTS There were 6,732,157 live and 18,334 stillbirths available for analysis (late stillbirth rate = 2.72/1000 births). The importance of sociodemographic determinants was shown by higher risks for Black and Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander mothers compared with White mothers, mothers with low educational attainment, and older mothers. Among modifiable risk factors, delayed/absent prenatal care, diabetes, hypertension, and maternal smoking were associated with increased risk, though they accounted for only 3-6% of stillbirths each. Two factors accounted for the largest proportion of late stillbirths: high maternal body mass index (BMI; 15%) and infants who were small for gestational age (38%). Participation in the supplemental nutrition for women, infants and children program was associated with a 28% reduction in overall stillbirth burden. CONCLUSIONS This study provides population-based evidence for stillbirth risk in the US. A high proportion of late stillbirths was associated with high maternal BMI and small for gestational age, whereas participation in supplemental nutrition programs was associated with a large reduction in stillbirth burden. Addressing obesity and fetal growth restriction, as well as broadening participation in nutritional supplementation programs could reduce late stillbirths.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darren Tanner
- AI for Good Research Lab, Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, United States of America
| | - Sushama Murthy
- AI for Good Research Lab, Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, United States of America
| | | | - Jan-Marino Ramirez
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Departments of Neurological Surgery and Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Edwin A. Mitchell
- Department of Paediatrics, Child and Youth Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Goin DE, Padula AM. Invited Perspective: Opportunities and Obstacles of Longitudinal Data in Pregnancy to Quantify Mechanisms and Understand Etiology. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:81303. [PMID: 37556306 PMCID: PMC10411632 DOI: 10.1289/ehp13230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dana E. Goin
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Amy M. Padula
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Michel S, Atmakuri A, von Ehrenstein OS. Prenatal exposure to ambient air pollutants and congenital heart defects: An umbrella review. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 178:108076. [PMID: 37454629 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to ambient air pollutants has been linked to congenital heart defects (CHD), but findings of existing systematic reviews have been mixed. OBJECTIVE To assess the epidemiological evidence on associations between prenatal exposure to ambient air pollutants and CHD subtypes, based on a systematic overview of reviews ("umbrella review"). METHODS We conducted a systematic search for reviews assessing associations between prenatal exposure to criteria air pollutants and CHD. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews (ROBIS) tool. The certainty of the systematic review findings was graded using the Navigation Guide methodology. RESULTS We identified eleven systematic reviews, including eight with meta-analyses, assessing in total 35 primary studies of prenatal exposure to criteria air pollutants and various CHD subtypes. The certainty of the findings of four meta-analyses indicating an increased risk for coarctation of the aorta associated with nitrogen dioxide exposure was rated as moderate. The certainty of findings indicating positive, inverse, or null associations for other pollutant-subtype combinations was rated as very low to low, based on low precision and high statistical heterogeneity of summary odds ratios (SOR), substantial inconsistencies between review findings, and methodological limitations of the systematic reviews. DISCUSSION The inconsistent findings and high statistical heterogeneity of many SOR of the included systematic reviews may partly be traced to differences in methodological approaches, and the risk of bias across included reviews (e.g., inclusion criteria, systematic search strategies, synthesis methods) and primary studies (e.g., exposure assessment, diagnostic criteria). Adherence to appropriate systematic review guidelines for environmental health research, as well as rigorous evaluation of risk of bias in primary studies, are essential for future risk assessments and policy-making. Still, our findings suggest that prenatal exposure to ambient air pollutants may increase risks for at least some CHD subtypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Michel
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Aishwarya Atmakuri
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ondine S von Ehrenstein
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA; Department of Community Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Fell DB, Dimanlig-Cruz S, Török E, Håberg SE, Regan AK, Kaufman JS, Platt RW, Gravel CA, Bruce L, Shah PS, Wilson K, Sprague AE, Alton GD, Dhinsa T, El-Chaâr D, Buchan SA, Kwong JC, Wilson SE, Dunn SI, MacDonald SE, Barrett J, Okun N, Walker MC. Pregnancy, fetal, and neonatal outcomes after a first booster dose of covid-19 vaccine during pregnancy in Ontario, Canada: population based, retrospective cohort study. BMJ MEDICINE 2023; 2:e000632. [PMID: 37456362 PMCID: PMC10347452 DOI: 10.1136/bmjmed-2023-000632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Objective To assess risk of adverse pregnancy, fetal, and neonatal outcomes after a third dose (first booster dose) of covid-19 vaccine during pregnancy among individuals who had completed both doses of primary covid-19 vaccine series before pregnancy. Design Population based, retrospective cohort study. Setting Ontario, Canada, from 20 December 2021 to 31 August 2022. Participants Individuals were included if they were pregnant with an expected date of delivery from 20 December 2021 (start date of third dose eligibility for everyone ≥18 years) to 31 August 2022, who had completed the two doses of primary covid-19 messenger RNA vaccine series before pregnancy, and became eligible for a third dose (≥six months since dose two) before the end of pregnancy. Main outcome measures Pregnancy outcomes included hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, placental abruption, caesarean delivery, chorioamnionitis, and postpartum hemorrhage. Fetal and neonatal outcomes included stillbirth, preterm birth, admission to neonatal intensive care unit for >24 h, newborn 5 min Apgar score <7, and small-for-gestational age infant (<10th percentile). We estimated hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for study outcomes, treating dose three as a time varying exposure and adjusting for confounding using inverse probability weighting. Results Among 32 689 births, 18 491 (56.6%) were born to individuals who received a third covid-19 dose during pregnancy. Compared with eligible individuals who did not receive a third dose during pregnancy, no increased risks were associated with receiving a third covid-19 vaccine dose during pregnancy for placental abruption (adjusted hazard ratio 0.84 (95% confidence interval 0.70 to 1.02)), chorioamnionitis (0.67 (0.49 to 0.90)), postpartum haemorrhage (1.01 (0.89 to 1.16)), caesarean delivery (0.90 (0.87 to 0.94)), stillbirth (0.56 (0.39 to 0.81)), preterm birth (0.91 (0.84 to 0.99)), neonatal intensive care unit admission (0.96 (0.90 to 1.03)), 5 min Apgar score<7 (0.96 (0.82 to 1.14)), or small-for-gestational age infant (0.86 (0.79 to 0.93)). Conclusion Receipt of a third covid-19 vaccine dose during pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy, fetal, or neonatal outcomes. These findings can help to inform evidence based decision making about the risks and benefits of covid-19 booster doses during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deshayne B Fell
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sheryll Dimanlig-Cruz
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Better Outcomes Registry and Network, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Eszter Török
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Better Outcomes Registry and Network, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Siri E Håberg
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Centre for Fertility and Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Annette K Regan
- School of Nursing and Health Professions, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jay S Kaufman
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Robert W Platt
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Christopher A Gravel
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Liam Bruce
- Better Outcomes Registry and Network, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Prakesh S Shah
- Department of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Maternal-infant Care Research Centre, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kumanan Wilson
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ann E Sprague
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Better Outcomes Registry and Network, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Gillian D Alton
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Better Outcomes Registry and Network, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Tavleen Dhinsa
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Better Outcomes Registry and Network, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Darine El-Chaâr
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah A Buchan
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jeffrey C Kwong
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah E Wilson
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sandra I Dunn
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Better Outcomes Registry and Network, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Shannon E MacDonald
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jon Barrett
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Nannette Okun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mark C Walker
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Better Outcomes Registry and Network, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Agay-Shay K. Invited Perspective: Air Pollution and Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs)-a Summary of Two Decades and Future Direction in Research. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:61305. [PMID: 37339065 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Keren Agay-Shay
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Buteau S, Veira P, Bilodeau-Bertrand M, Auger N. Association between First Trimester Exposure to Ambient PM2.5 and NO2 and Congenital Heart Defects: A Population-Based Cohort Study of 1,342,198 Live Births in Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:67009. [PMID: 37339064 PMCID: PMC10281560 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The extent to which ambient air pollution contributes to the pathogenesis of congenital heart defects remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE We investigated whether first trimester exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) was associated with the risk of critical and noncritical heart defects in a large population-based cohort of births. METHODS We carried out a retrospective cohort study of children conceived between 2000 and 2016 in Quebec, Canada. Heart defects were identified via data from the Maintenance and Use of Data for the Study of Hospital Clientele registry. The main exposures were average concentration of PM2.5 and NO2 in a) the first trimester and b) the month of conception. Exposures were estimated at the residential postal code. Associations with critical and noncritical heart defects were assessed using logistic regression models, adjusted for maternal and infant characteristics. We considered single- and two-pollutant models and assessed modifying effects of maternal comorbidity, including preexisting hypertension, preeclampsia, anemia, and diabetes. RESULTS The cohort comprised 1,342,198 newborns, including 12,715 with heart defects. Exposure in the first trimester and month of conception yielded similar results; both were associated with a greater risk of heart defects. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) for any heart defect per interquartile range increase were 1.02 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.05) for PM2.5 and 1.10 (95% CI: 1.07, 1.13) for NO2. Associations with atrial septal defects were 1.08 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.14) for PM2.5 and 1.19 (95% CI: 1.12, 1.25) for NO2. Corresponding ORs for ventricular septal defects and individual critical heart defects were not significant. PM2.5 (OR=1.11; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.17) and NO2 (OR=1.23; 95% CI: 1.17, 1.31) exposure were associated with a greater risk of heart defects in mothers with comorbidity. DISCUSSION In this population-based cohort, prenatal exposure to ambient air pollution during the first trimester was associated with an increased risk of heart defects, particularly atrial septal defects. The association with heart defects was greater in mothers with comorbidity. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11120.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Buteau
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Paige Veira
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Nathalie Auger
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Quebec, Canada
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Caniglia EC, Zash R, Fennell C, Diseko M, Mayondi G, Heintz J, Mmalane M, Makhema J, Lockman S, Mumford SL, Murray EJ, Hernández-Díaz S, Shapiro R. Emulating Target Trials to Avoid Immortal Time Bias - An Application to Antibiotic Initiation and Preterm Delivery. Epidemiology 2023; 34:430-438. [PMID: 36805380 PMCID: PMC10263190 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000001601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Randomized trials in pregnancy are extremely challenging, and observational studies are often the only option to evaluate medication safety during pregnancy. However, such studies are often susceptible to immortal time bias if treatment initiation occurs after time zero of follow-up. We describe how emulating a sequence of target trials avoids immortal time bias and apply the approach to estimate the safety of antibiotic initiation between 24 and 37 weeks gestation on preterm delivery. METHODS The Tsepamo Study captured birth outcomes at hospitals throughout Botswana from 2014 to 2021. We emulated 13 sequential target trials of antibiotic initiation versus no initiation among individuals presenting to care <24 weeks, one for each week from 24 to 37 weeks. For each trial, eligible individuals had not previously initiated antibiotics. We also conducted an analysis susceptible to immortal time bias by defining time zero as 24 weeks and exposure as antibiotic initiation between 24 and 37 weeks. We calculated adjusted risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for preterm delivery. RESULTS Of 111,403 eligible individuals, 17,009 (15.3%) initiated antibiotics between 24 and 37 weeks. In the sequence of target trials, RRs (95% CIs) ranged from 1.04 (0.90, 1.19) to 1.24 (1.11, 1.39) (pooled RR: 1.11 [1.06, 1.15]). In the analysis susceptible to immortal time bias, the RR was 0.90 (0.86, 0.94). CONCLUSIONS Defining exposure as antibiotic initiation at any time during follow-up after time zero resulted in substantial immortal time bias, making antibiotics appear protective against preterm delivery. Conducting a sequence of target trials can avoid immortal time bias in pregnancy studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen C. Caniglia
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership
| | - Rebecca Zash
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centerss
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Shahin Lockman
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital
| | | | | | | | - Roger Shapiro
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Rodriguez-Lopez M, Escobar MF, Merlo J, Kaufman JS. Reevaluating the protective effect of smoking on preeclampsia risk through the lens of bias. J Hum Hypertens 2023; 37:338-344. [PMID: 37041252 PMCID: PMC10156598 DOI: 10.1038/s41371-023-00827-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder that is usually diagnosed after 20 weeks' gestation. Despite the deleterious effect of smoking on cardiovascular disease, it has been frequently reported that smoking has a protective effect on preeclampsia risk and biological explanations have been proposed. However, in this manuscript, we present multiple sources of bias that could explain this association. First, key concepts in epidemiology are reviewed: confounder, collider, and mediator. Then, we describe how eligibility criteria, losses of women potentially at risk, misclassification, or performing incorrect adjustments can create bias. We provide examples to show that strategies to control for confounders may fail when they are applied to variables that are not confounders. Finally, we outline potential approaches to manage this controversial effect. We conclude that there is probably no single epidemiological explanation for this counterintuitive association.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Merida Rodriguez-Lopez
- Faculty of Health Science, Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia.
- Unit for Social Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Maria Fernanda Escobar
- Faculty of Health Science, Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia
- Clinical Research Center, Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia
| | - Juan Merlo
- Unit for Social Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Jay S Kaufman
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Zhang Y, Ye T, Yu P, Xu R, Chen G, Yu W, Song J, Guo Y, Li S. Preterm birth and term low birth weight associated with wildfire-specific PM 2.5: A cohort study in New South Wales, Australia during 2016-2019. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 174:107879. [PMID: 36958111 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to wildfire smoke has been linked with a range of health outcomes. However, to date, evidence is limited for the association between wildfire-specific PM2.5, a primary emission of wildfire smoke, and adverse birth outcomes. OBJECTIVE We aimed to estimate the risk and burden of preterm birth/term low birth weight, associated with maternal exposure to wildfire-specific PM2.5. METHODS A total of 330,884 birth records with maternal information were collected from the New South Wales Australia from 2015 to 2019, covering 523 residential communities. Daily wildfire-specific PM2.5 at a 0.25° × 0.25° (≈ 25 km × 25 km) resolution was estimated by a machine learning method combining 3-D chemical transport model (GEOS-Chem) and reanalysis meteorological data. Cox proportional hazards models were implemented to evaluate the association between wildfire-specific PM2.5 and preterm birth/term low birth weight. Number and fraction of preterm birth/term low birth weight attributable to wildfire-specific PM2.5 during pregnancy were calculated. RESULTS Per one interquartile-range rise in wildfire-specific PM2.5 was found to be associated with 6.9% (HR: 1.069, 95% CI: 1.058-1.081) increased risk of preterm birth and 3.6% (HR: 1.036, 95% CI: 1.014-1.058) higher risk of term low birth weight. The most susceptible gestational window was the 2nd trimester for preterm birth whereas the 1st for term low birth weight. We estimated that 14.30% preterm births and 8.04% term low birth weight cases were attributable to maternal exposure to wildfire-specific PM2.5 during the whole pregnancy. Male infants and mothers aged ≥ 40, experiencing temperature extremes or living in the inner region, and concepted during spring had higher risks of preterm birth/term low birth weight associated with wildfire-specific PM2.5. Comparatively, mothers with advanced age have a higher risk of preterm birth while younger mothers were more likely to deliver term newborns with low birth weight, when being exposed to wildfire-specific PM2.5. Pregnancy-induced hypertension enhanced the risk of preterm birth associated with wildfire-specific PM2.5. CONCLUSIONS This study strengthened robust evidence on the enhanced risk of preterm birth/term low birth weight associated with maternal exposure to wildfire-specific PM2.5. In light of higher frequency and intensity of wildfire occurrences globally, more special attention should be paid to pregnant women by policy makers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Zhang
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tingting Ye
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Pei Yu
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rongbin Xu
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gongbo Chen
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Wenhua Yu
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jiangning Song
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Yuming Guo
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Shanshan Li
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Wilkie AA, Richardson DB, Luben TJ, Serre ML, Woods CG, Daniels JL. Sulfur dioxide reduction at coal-fired power plants in North Carolina and associations with preterm birth among surrounding residents. Environ Epidemiol 2023; 7:e241. [PMID: 37064422 PMCID: PMC10097570 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Coal-fired power plants (CFPP) are major contributors of air pollution, including the majority of anthropogenic sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions, which have been associated with preterm birth (PTB). To address a 2002 North Carolina (NC) policy, 14 of the largest NC CFPPs either installed desulfurization equipment (scrubbers) or retired coal units, resulting in substantial reductions of SO2 air emissions. We investigated whether SO2 air emission reduction strategies at CFPPs in NC were associated with changes in prevalence of PTB in nearby communities. Methods We used US EPA Air Markets Program Data to track SO2 emissions and determine the implementation dates of intervention at CFPPs and geocoded 2003-2015 NC singleton live births. We conducted a difference-in-difference analysis to estimate change in PTB associated with change in SO2 reduction strategies for populations living 0-<4 and 4-<10 miles from CFPPs pre- and postintervention, with a comparison of those living 10-<15 miles from CFPPs. Results With the spatial-temporal exposure restrictions applied, 42,231 and 41,218 births were within 15 miles of CFPP-scrubbers and CFPP-retired groups, respectively. For residents within 4-<10 miles from a CFPP, we estimated that the absolute prevalence of PTB decreased by -1.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): -2.6, -0.4] associated with scrubber installation and -0.5% (95% CI: -1.6, 0.6) associated with the retirement of coal units at CFPPs. Our findings were imprecise and generally null-to-positive among those living within 0-<4 miles regardless of the intervention type. Conclusions Results suggest a reduction of PTB among residents 4-<10 miles of the CFPPs that installed scrubbers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrien A Wilkie
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Postdoctoral Fellow at US EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - David B Richardson
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Thomas J Luben
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Marc L Serre
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Courtney G Woods
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Julie L Daniels
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Moore BF, Salmons KA, Hoyt AT, Swenson KS, Bates EA, Sauder KA, Shapiro ALB, Wilkening G, Kinney GL, Neophytou AM, Sempio C, Klawitter J, Christians U, Dabelea D. Associations between Prenatal and Postnatal Exposure to Cannabis with Cognition and Behavior at Age 5 Years: The Healthy Start Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4880. [PMID: 36981794 PMCID: PMC10049128 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20064880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to cannabis may influence childhood cognition and behavior, but the epidemiologic evidence is mixed. Even less is known about the potential impact of secondhand exposure to cannabis during early childhood. OBJECTIVE This study sought to assess whether prenatal and/or postnatal exposure to cannabis was associated with childhood cognition and behavior. STUDY DESIGN This sub-study included a convenience sample of 81 mother-child pairs from a Colorado-based cohort. Seven common cannabinoids (including delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)) and their metabolites were measured in maternal urine collected mid-gestation and child urine collected at age 5 years. Prenatal and postnatal exposure to cannabis was dichotomized as exposed (detection of any cannabinoid) and not exposed. Generalized linear models examined the associations between prenatal or postnatal exposure to cannabis with the NIH Toolbox and Child Behavior Checklist T-scores at age 5 years. RESULTS In this study, 7% (n = 6) of the children had prenatal exposure to cannabis and 12% (n = 10) had postnatal exposure to cannabis, with two children experiencing this exposure at both time points. The most common cannabinoid detected in pregnancy was Δ9-THC, whereas the most common cannabinoid detected in childhood was CBD. Postnatal exposure to cannabis was associated with more aggressive behavior (β: 3.2; 95% CI: 0.5, 5.9), attention deficit/hyperactivity problems (β: 8.0; 95% CI: 2.2, 13.7), and oppositional/defiant behaviors (β: 3.2; 95% CI: 0.2, 6.3), as well as less cognitive flexibility (β: -15.6; 95% CI: -30.0, -1.2) and weaker receptive language (β: -9.7; 95% CI: -19.2, -0.3). By contrast, prenatal exposure to cannabis was associated with fewer internalizing behaviors (mean difference: -10.2; 95% CI: -20.3, -0.2) and fewer somatic complaints (mean difference: -5.2, 95% CI: -9.8, -0.6). CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that postnatal exposure to cannabis is associated with more behavioral and cognitive problems among 5-year-old children, independent of prenatal and postnatal exposure to tobacco. The potential risks of cannabis use (including smoking and vaping) during pregnancy and around young children should be more widely communicated to parents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brianna F. Moore
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, Health Science Center, The University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kaytlyn A. Salmons
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Adrienne T. Hoyt
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Science, Health Science Center, The University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Karli S. Swenson
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Emily A. Bates
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Katherine A. Sauder
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Allison L. B. Shapiro
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Greta Wilkening
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Gregory L. Kinney
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Andreas M. Neophytou
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Cristina Sempio
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Jost Klawitter
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Uwe Christians
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Dana Dabelea
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Keeler C, Luben TJ, Forestieri N, Olshan AF, Desrosiers TA. Is residential proximity to polluted sites during pregnancy associated with preterm birth or low birth weight? Results from an integrated exposure database in North Carolina (2003-2015). JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:229-236. [PMID: 36100666 PMCID: PMC10008762 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00475-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm birth (PTB) and term low birth weight (LBW) have been associated with pollution and other environmental exposures, but the relationship between these adverse outcomes and specific characteristics of polluted sites is not well studied. OBJECTIVES We conducted a retrospective cohort study to examine relationships between residential proximity to polluted sites in North Carolina (NC) and PTB and LBW. We further stratified exposure to polluted sites by route of contaminant emissions and specific contaminants released at each site. METHODS We created an integrated exposure geodatabase of polluted sites in NC from 2002 to 2015 including all landfills, Superfund sites, and industrial sites. Using birth certificates, we assembled a cohort of 1,494,651 singleton births in NC from 2003 to 2015. We geocoded the gestational parent residential address on the birth certificate, and defined exposure to polluted sites as residence within one mile of a site. We used log-binomial regression models to estimate adjusted risk ratios (aRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Binomial models were used to estimate adjusted risk differences (aRD) per 10,000 births and 95% CIs for associations between exposure to polluted sites and PTB or LBW. RESULTS We observed weak associations between residential proximity to polluted sites and PTB [aRR(95% CI): 1.07(1.06,1.09); aRD(95% CI): 61(48,74)] and LBW [aRR(95% CI): 1.09(1.06,1.12); aRD(95% CI): 24(17,31)]. Secondary analyses showed increased risk of both PTB and LBW among births exposed to sites characterized by water emissions, air emissions, and land impoundment. In analyses of specific contaminants, increased risk of PTB was associated with proximity to sites containing arsenic, benzene, cadmium, lead, mercury, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. LBW was associated with exposure to arsenic, benzene, cadmium, lead, and mercury. SIGNIFICANCE This study provides evidence for potential reproductive health effects of polluted sites, and underscores the importance of accounting for heterogeneity between polluted sites when considering these exposures. IMPACT STATEMENT We documented an overall increased risk of both PTB and LBW in births with gestational exposure to polluted sites using a harmonized geodatabase of three site types, and further examined exposures stratified by site characteristics (route of emission, specific contaminants present). We observed increased risk of both PTB and LBW among births exposed to sites with water emissions or air emissions, across site types. Increased risk of PTB was associated with gestational proximity to sites containing arsenic, benzene, cadmium, lead, mercury, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; increased risk of LBW was associated with exposure to arsenic, benzene, cadmium, lead, and mercury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corinna Keeler
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Thomas J Luben
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nina Forestieri
- Birth Defects Monitoring Program, State Center for Health Statistics, Division of Public Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Andrew F Olshan
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tania A Desrosiers
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Chen X, Chen S, Zhu Z, Luo J, Wang H, Wulayin M, Huang C, Zhao W, Wang Q. Identifying the critical windows and joint effects of temperature and PM 2.5 exposure on small for gestational age. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 173:107832. [PMID: 36822007 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The potential critical windows for extreme ambient temperature, air pollution exposure and small for gestational age (SGA) are still unclear, and no study has explored their joint effects on SGA. In a national multi-center prospective cohort, we included 179,761 pairs of mother-infant from 16 counties of 8 provinces in China during 2014-2018. Daily averaged temperature and PM2.5 concentration were matched to the maternal residential address to estimate personal exposure. Extreme temperature exposures were categorized by a series of percentile in each meteorological and geographic division for the entire pregnancy, each trimester and gestational week (GA-week). Generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) and distributed lag nonlinear models (DLNMs) were used to estimate the whole pregnancy-, trimester-specific, and weekly-specific associations of extreme temperature and PM2.5 exposures with SGA. Combined effects were evaluated with the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) and proportion attributable to interaction (AP). We observed that by referring to temperature at the 41st - 50th percentile, heat (>90th percentile) exposure during 13th - 29th GA-weeks was associated with SGA; odds ratio (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) was 1.16 (1.06, 1.28). For cold (<=10th percentile), inverse associations were observed during the 1st - 8th GA-weeks. PM2.5 exposure during the 2nd - 5th and 19th - 27th GA-weeks was associated with SGA, with the strongest association in the 2nd GA-week (OR = 1.0017, 95 %CI: 1.0001, 1.0034, for a 10 μg/m3 increase). No interactive effects between ambient temperature and PM2.5 on SGA were observed. Our findings suggest the weekly susceptibility windows for heat and PM2.5 exposure were primarily the gestational weeks within the 2nd trimester, therefore, corresponding protective measures should be conveyed to pregnant women during routine prenatal visits to reduce exposures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sidi Chen
- National Center for Women and Children's Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenghong Zhu
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiajun Luo
- Institute for Population and Precision Health, the University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Huailin Wang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Cunrui Huang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- National Center for Women and Children's Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
| | - Qiong Wang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Nethery E, Hutcheon JA, Kotaska A, Law MR, Janssen P. Weight gain in pregnancy and infant birthweight after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic: an interrupted time series analysis. Am J Clin Nutr 2023; 117:364-372. [PMID: 36863829 PMCID: PMC9972866 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased weight gain and decreased physical activity have been reported in some populations since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, but this has not been well characterized in pregnant populations. OBJECTIVES Our objective was to characterize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated countermeasures on pregnancy weight gain and infant birthweight in a US cohort. METHODS Washington State pregnancies and births (1 January, 2016 to 28 December, 2020) from a multihospital quality improvement organization were examined for pregnancy weight gain, pregnancy weight gain z-score adjusted for pregestational BMI and gestational age, and infant birthweight z-score, using an interrupted time series design that controls for underlying time trends. We used mixed-effect linear regression models, controlled for seasonality and clustered at the hospital level, to model the weekly time trends and changes on 23 March, 2020, the onset of local COVID-19 countermeasures. RESULTS Our analysis included 77,411 pregnant people and 104,936 infants with complete outcome data. The mean pregnancy weight gain was 12.1 kg (z-score: -0.14) during the prepandemic time period (March to December 2019) and increased to 12.4 kg (z-score: -0.09) after the onset of the pandemic (March to December 2020). Our time series analysis found that after the pandemic onset, the mean weight gain increased by 0.49 kg (95% CI: 0.25, 0.73 kg) and weight gain z-score increased by 0.080 (95% CI: 0.03, 0.13), with no changes in the baseline yearly trend. Infant birthweight z-scores were unchanged (-0.004; 95% CI: -0.04, 0.03). Overall, the results were unchanged in analyses stratified by pregestational BMI categories. CONCLUSIONS We observed a modest increase in weight gain after the onset of the pandemic among pregnant people but no changes in infant birthweights. This weight change could be more important in high BMI subgroups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Nethery
- School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Jennifer A Hutcheon
- School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Andrew Kotaska
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael R Law
- School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Patricia Janssen
- School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Ochoa LB, van der Meer L, Waelput AJM, Been JV, Bertens LCM. Neighbourhood-related socioeconomic perinatal health inequalities: An illustration of the mediational g-formula and considerations for the big data context. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2023; 37:341-349. [PMID: 36717678 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.12954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advances in computing power have enabled the collection, linkage and processing of big data. Big data in conjunction with robust causal inference methods can be used to answer research questions regarding the mechanisms underlying an exposure-outcome relationship. The g-formula is a flexible approach to perform causal mediation analysis that is suited for the big data context. Although this approach has many advantages, it is underused in perinatal epidemiology and didactic explanation for its implementation is still limited. OBJECTIVE The aim of this was to provide a didactic application of the mediational g-formula by means of perinatal health inequalities research. METHODS The analytical procedure of the mediational g-formula is illustrated by investigating whether the relationship between neighbourhood socioeconomic status (SES) and small for gestational age (SGA) is mediated by neighbourhood social environment. Data on singleton births that occurred in the Netherlands between 2010 and 2017 (n = 1,217,626) were obtained from the Netherlands Perinatal Registry and linked to sociodemographic national registry data and neighbourhood-level data. The g-formula settings corresponded to a hypothetical improvement in neighbourhood SES from disadvantaged to non-disadvantaged. RESULTS At the population level, a hypothetical improvement in neighbourhood SES resulted in a 6.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.2, 7.5) relative reduction in the proportion of SGA, that is the total effect. The total effect was decomposed into the natural direct effect (5.6%, 95% CI 5.1, 6.1) and the natural indirect effect (0.7%, 95% CI 0.6, 0.9). In terms of the magnitude of mediation, it was observed the natural indirect effect accounted for 11.4% (95% CI 9.2, 13.6) of the total effect of neighbourhood SES on SGA. CONCLUSIONS The mediational g-formula is a flexible approach to perform causal mediation analysis that is suited for big data contexts in perinatal health research. Its application can contribute to providing valuable insights for the development of policy and public health interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lizbeth Burgos Ochoa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lindsey van der Meer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adja J M Waelput
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jasper V Been
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Division of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Loes C M Bertens
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Maldonado LE, Farzan SF, Toledo-Corral CM, Dunton GF, Habre R, Eckel SP, Johnson M, Yang T, Grubbs BH, Lerner D, Chavez T, Breton CV, Bastain TM. A Vegetable, Oil, and Fruit Dietary Pattern in Late Pregnancy is Linked to Reduced Risks of Adverse Birth Outcomes in a Predominantly Low-Income Hispanic and Latina Pregnancy Cohort. J Nutr 2023; 152:2837-2846. [PMID: 36055799 PMCID: PMC9840002 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxac209] [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: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies examining diet and its links to birth outcomes among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations in the United States are scarce. OBJECTIVES We aimed to identify prenatal dietary patterns, examine their relationships with birth outcomes, and evaluate the variation of these associations by maternal diabetes status [no diabetes, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preexisting diabetes]. METHODS Women in the Maternal and Developmental Risks from Environmental and Social Stressors (MADRES) study (n = 465)-an ongoing, prospective pregnancy cohort of predominantly low-income Hispanic/Latina women in Los Angeles-completed up to two 24-hour dietary recalls in the third trimester of pregnancy. We identified prenatal dietary patterns via factor analysis and evaluated their associations with infant birth weight and gestational age at birth (GA) z-scores, separately, using linear regression, as well as the associations of the dietary patterns with premature births, having an infant that was small for gestational age (SGA), and having an infant that was large for gestational age, using logistic regression and adjusting for relevant covariates. We additionally tested interaction terms between prenatal dietary patterns and maternal diabetes status in separate models. We adjusted for multiple comparisons using the false discovery rate. RESULTS We identified 2 dietary patterns: 1) a dietary pattern of solid fats, refined grains, and cheese (SRC); and 2) a dietary pattern of vegetables, oils, and fruit (VOF). Comparing the highest to lowest quartiles, the VOF was significantly associated with a greater infant birth weight (β = 0.40; 95% CIs: 0.10, 0.70; Ptrend = 0.011), a greater GA (β = 0.32; 95% CIs: 0.03, 0.61; Ptrend = 0.036), lower odds of a premature birth (OR = 0.31; 95% CIs: 0.10, 0.95; Ptrend = 0.049), and lower odds of having an infant that was SGA (OR = 0.18; 95% CIs: 0.06, 0.58; Ptrend = 0.028). Only among women with GDM, a 1-SD score increase in the prenatal SRC was significantly associated with a lower infant birth weight (β = -0.20; 95% CIs -0.39, -0.02; Pinteraction = 0.040). CONCLUSIONS Among low-income Hispanic/Latina pregnant women, greater adherence to the prenatal VOF may lower the risk of a premature birth and having an infant that is SGA. Greater adherence to the SRC, however, may adversely affect newborn birth weight among mothers with GDM, but future research is needed to verify our findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis E Maldonado
- Department of Population & Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shohreh F Farzan
- Department of Population & Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Claudia M Toledo-Corral
- Department of Population & Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Health Sciences, California State University, Northridge, Northridge, CA, USA
| | - Genevieve F Dunton
- Department of Population & Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rima Habre
- Department of Population & Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sandrah P Eckel
- Department of Population & Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mark Johnson
- Department of Population & Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tingyu Yang
- Department of Population & Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brendan H Grubbs
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Thomas Chavez
- Department of Population & Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Carrie V Breton
- Department of Population & Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Theresa M Bastain
- Department of Population & Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Bias in the association between advanced maternal age and stillbirth using left truncated data. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19214. [PMID: 36357770 PMCID: PMC9649623 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23719-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Restriction to analysis of births that survive past a specified gestational age (typically 20 weeks gestation) leads to biased exposure-outcome associations. This bias occurs when the cause of restriction (early pregnancy loss) is influenced by both the exposure and unmeasured factors that also affect the outcome. The aim of this study is to estimate the magnitude of bias resulting from left truncated data in the association between advanced maternal age and stillbirth. We simulated data for the causal pathway under a collider-stratification mechanism. Simulation parameters were based on an observed birth cohort from Western Australia and a range of plausible values for the prevalence of early pregnancy loss, unmeasured factor U and the odds ratios for the selection effects. Selection effects included the effects of maternal age on early pregnancy loss, U on early pregnancy loss, and U on stillbirth. We compared the simulation scenarios to the observed birth cohort that was truncated to pregnancies that survived beyond 20 gestational weeks. We found evidence of marginal downward bias, which was most prominent for women aged 40 + years. Overall, we conclude that the magnitude of bias due to left truncation is minimal in the association between advanced maternal age and stillbirth.
Collapse
|
36
|
Nolan K, Boland MR, Hill AD. Pregnancy After Breast Cancer - Prognostic Safety and Pregnancy Outcomes According to Oestrogen Receptor Status: A Systematic Review. J Breast Cancer 2022; 25:443-453. [PMID: 36479601 PMCID: PMC9807324 DOI: 10.4048/jbc.2022.25.e45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Breast cancer is the primary cause of cancer-related death in women. Women diagnosed with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer have prolonged treatment durations. Owing to the paucity of research and lack of consensus regarding conception planning and pregnancy for patients with ER-positive breast cancer, we aimed to assess pregnancy and survival outcomes in women with ER-positive breast cancer during and after treatment. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of the available studies on pregnancy after ER-positive breast cancer. The assessed outcomes included overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), hormonal therapy duration, and pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS Ultimately, 2,669 patients from five studies were included in this study. When all breast cancer receptor subtypes were included in the analysis, pregnancy after breast cancer was associated with a time-dependent protective effect on both DFS and OS. This protective effect was not evident when examining ER-positive patients with subsequent pregnancies, and no significant differences in DFS were observed. ER-positive patients who became pregnant received significantly lower rates of hormonal therapy. Hormonal treatment at the time of pregnancy was correlated with increased rates of termination owing to concerns about teratogenic effects. CONCLUSIONS Pregnancy after breast cancer did not significantly affect DFS in ER-positive patients over a follow-up period of 5-10 years from diagnosis, although did significantly affect hormonal treatment duration in the reviewed studies. Further analysis and in-depth studies are required to assess the effects of altered hormonal treatment times, as well as patient management related to pregnancy planning after breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katie Nolan
- Department of General/Breast & Endocrine Surgery, Beaumont Hospital and The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael R. Boland
- Department of General/Breast & Endocrine Surgery, Beaumont Hospital and The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Arnold D.K. Hill
- Department of General/Breast & Endocrine Surgery, Beaumont Hospital and The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Willis MD, Schrank D, Xu C, Harris L, Ritz BR, Hill EL, Hystad P. A population-based cohort study of traffic congestion and infant growth using connected vehicle data. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabp8281. [PMID: 36306359 PMCID: PMC9616495 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abp8281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
More than 11 million Americans reside within 150 meters of a highway, an area of high air pollution exposure. Traffic congestion further contributes to environmental pollution (e.g., air and noise), but its unique importance for population health is unclear. We hypothesized that degraded environmental quality specifically from traffic congestion has harmful impacts on fetal growth. Using a population-based cohort of births in Texas (2015-2016), we leveraged connected vehicle data to calculate traffic congestion metrics around each maternal address at delivery. Among 579,122 births, we found consistent adverse associations between traffic congestion and reduced term birth weight (8.9 grams), even after accounting for sociodemographic characteristics, typical traffic volume, and diverse environmental coexposures. We estimated that up to 1.2 million pregnancies annually may be exposed to traffic congestion (27% of births in the United States), with ~256,000 in the highest congestion zones. Therefore, improvements to traffic congestion may yield positive cobenefits for infant health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary D. Willis
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | | | - Chunxue Xu
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Lena Harris
- Department of Economics, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Beate R. Ritz
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Elaine L. Hill
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
- Department of Economics, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
- National Bureau of Economic Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Perry Hystad
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Salway T, Rich AJ, Ferlatte O, Gesink D, Ross LE, Bränström R, Sadr A, Khan S, Grennan T, Shokoohi M, Brennan DJ, Gilbert M. Preventable mortality among sexual minority Canadians. SSM Popul Health 2022; 20:101276. [PMID: 36337988 PMCID: PMC9634359 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epidemiologic studies point to multiple health inequities among sexual minority people, but few studies have examined mortality. Some causes of death are more preventable than others, and access to prevention is theorized to follow patterns of access to social and material resources. The objective of this study is to compare estimates of preventable mortality between sexual minority (SM)-i.e., bisexual, lesbian, gay-and heterosexual adults in Canada. Methods A population-based retrospective cohort with 442,260 (unweighted N) Canadian adults, ages 18-59 years, was drawn from the Canadian Community Health Survey/Canadian Mortality Database linked database (2003-2017). The Rutstein preventability rating index was used to classify cause-specific mortality (low/high). Longitudinal analyses were conducted using Cox proportional hazards models. Results SM respondents had higher hazard of all-cause mortality (unadjusted hazard ratio [uHR] 1.28, 95% CI 1.06, 1.55). The uHR increased when the outcome was limited to highly-preventable causes of mortality (uHR 1.43, 95% CI 1.14, 1.80). The uHR further increased in sensitivity analyses using higher thresholds of the Rutstein index. SM respondents had higher hazard of cause-specific mortality for heart disease (uHR 1.53, 95% CI 1.03, 2.29), accidents (uHR 1.97, 95% CI 1.01, 3.86), HIV (uHR 75.69, 95% CI 18.77, 305.20), and suicide (uHR 2.22, 95% CI 0.93, 5.30) but not for cancer (uHR 0.86, 95% CI 0.60, 1.25). The adjusted HR (aHR) for highly-preventable mortality was not attenuated by adjustment for confounders (aHR 1.57, 95% CI 1.20, 2.05) but was reduced by adjustment for hypothesized mediators relating to access to social and material resources (marital status, children, income, education; aHR 1.11, 95% CI 0.78, 1.58). Conclusions Preventable mortality was elevated for SM Canadians compared to heterosexuals. Early and broad access to sexual minority-affirming primary and preventive healthcare should be expanded.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Travis Salway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, Canada
- Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, Canada
- Corresponding author. Blusson Room 11300, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - Ashleigh J. Rich
- Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Olivier Ferlatte
- École de santé publique, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Dionne Gesink
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lori E. Ross
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Richard Bränström
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Aida Sadr
- Department of Family Practice, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Syma Khan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Troy Grennan
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mostafa Shokoohi
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - David J. Brennan
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mark Gilbert
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Fell DB, Dimanlig-Cruz S, Regan AK, Håberg SE, Gravel CA, Oakley L, Alton GD, Török E, Dhinsa T, Shah PS, Wilson K, Sprague AE, El-Chaâr D, Walker MC, Barrett J, Okun N, Buchan SA, Kwong JC, Wilson SE, Dunn SI, MacDonald SE, Dougan SD. Risk of preterm birth, small for gestational age at birth, and stillbirth after covid-19 vaccination during pregnancy: population based retrospective cohort study. BMJ 2022; 378:e071416. [PMID: 35977737 PMCID: PMC9382031 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-071416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the risk of preterm birth, small for gestational age at birth, and stillbirth after covid-19 vaccination during pregnancy. DESIGN Population based retrospective cohort study. SETTING Ontario, Canada, 1 May to 31 December 2021. PARTICIPANTS All liveborn and stillborn infants from pregnancies conceived at least 42 weeks before the end of the study period and with gestational age ≥20 weeks or birth weight ≥500 g. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Using Cox regression, hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated for preterm birth before 37 weeks (overall and spontaneous preterm birth), very preterm birth (<32 weeks), small for gestational age at birth (<10th centile), and stillbirth. Vaccination against covid-19 was treated as a time varying exposure in the outcome specific risk window, and propensity score weighting was used to adjust hazard ratios for potential confounding. RESULTS Among 85 162 births, 43 099 (50.6%) occurred in individuals who received one dose or more of a covid-19 vaccine during pregnancy-42 979 (99.7%) received an mRNA vaccine. Vaccination during pregnancy was not associated with any increased risk of overall preterm birth (6.5% among vaccinated v 6.9% among unvaccinated; adjusted hazard ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval 0.96 to 1.08), spontaneous preterm birth (3.7% v 4.4%; 0.96, 0.90 to 1.03), or very preterm birth (0.59% v 0.89%; 0.80, 0.67 to 0.95). No increase was found in risk of small for gestational age at birth (9.1% v 9.2%; 0.98, 0.93 to 1.03) or stillbirth (0.25% v 0.44%; 0.65, 0.51 to 0.84). Findings were similar by trimester of vaccination, mRNA vaccine product, and number of doses received during pregnancy. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that vaccination against covid-19 during pregnancy is not associated with a higher risk of preterm birth, small for gestational age at birth, or stillbirth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deshayne B Fell
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sheryll Dimanlig-Cruz
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Better Outcomes Registry and Network (BORN) Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Annette K Regan
- School of Nursing and Health Professions, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Siri E Håberg
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christopher A Gravel
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Laura Oakley
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Gillian D Alton
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Better Outcomes Registry and Network (BORN) Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Eszter Török
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Better Outcomes Registry and Network (BORN) Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Tavleen Dhinsa
- Better Outcomes Registry and Network (BORN) Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Prakesh S Shah
- Department of Paediatrics, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Maternal-infant Care Research Centre, Department of Paediatrics, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kumanan Wilson
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ann E Sprague
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Better Outcomes Registry and Network (BORN) Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Darine El-Chaâr
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Mark C Walker
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Better Outcomes Registry and Network (BORN) Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jon Barrett
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Nannette Okun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah A Buchan
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jeffrey C Kwong
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah E Wilson
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sandra I Dunn
- Better Outcomes Registry and Network (BORN) Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Shannon E MacDonald
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Shelley D Dougan
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Better Outcomes Registry and Network (BORN) Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Cairncross ZF, Couloigner I, Ryan MC, McMorris C, Muehlenbachs L, Nikolaou N, Wong RCK, Hawkins SM, Bertazzon S, Cabaj J, Metcalfe A. Association Between Residential Proximity to Hydraulic Fracturing Sites and Adverse Birth Outcomes. JAMA Pediatr 2022; 176:585-592. [PMID: 35377398 PMCID: PMC8981068 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.0306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The association between hydraulic fracturing and human development is not well understood. Several studies have identified significant associations between unconventional natural gas development and adverse birth outcomes; however, geology and legislation vary between regions. OBJECTIVE To examine the overall association between residential proximity to hydraulic fracturing sites and adverse birth outcomes, and investigate whether well density influenced this association. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This population-based retrospective cohort study of pregnant individuals in rural Alberta, Canada, took place from 2013 to 2018. Participants included reproductive-aged individuals (18-50 years) who had a pregnancy from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2018, and lived in rural areas. Individuals were excluded if they lived in an urban setting, were outside of the age range, or were missing data on infant sex, postal code, or area-level socioeconomic status. EXPOSURES Oil and gas wells that underwent hydraulic fracturing between 2013 to 2018 were identified through the Alberta Energy Regulator (n = 4871). Individuals were considered exposed if their postal delivery point was located within 10 km of 1 or more wells that was hydraulically fractured during 1 year preconception or during pregnancy. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Outcomes investigated were spontaneous and indicated preterm birth, small for gestational age, major congenital anomalies, and severe neonatal morbidity or mortality. RESULTS After exclusions, the sample included 26 193 individuals with 34 873 unique pregnancies, and a mean (SD) parental age of 28.2 (5.2) years. Small for gestational age and major congenital anomalies were significantly higher for individuals who lived within 10 km of at least 1 hydraulically fractured well after adjusting for parental age at delivery, multiple births, fetal sex, obstetric comorbidities, and area-level socioeconomic status. Risk of spontaneous preterm birth and small for gestational age were significantly increased in those with 100 or more wells within 10 km. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Results suggest that individuals who were exposed to hydraulic fracturing within pregnancy may be at higher risk of several adverse birth outcomes. These results may be relevant to health policy regarding legislation of unconventional oil and gas development in Canada and internationally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zoe F. Cairncross
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Isabelle Couloigner
- Department of Geography, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada,Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - M. Cathryn Ryan
- Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Carly McMorris
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Nickie Nikolaou
- Faculty of Law, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ron Chik-Kwong Wong
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Stefania Bertazzon
- Department of Geography, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jason Cabaj
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Amy Metcalfe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada,Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada,Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Fell DB, Dhinsa T, Alton GD, Török E, Dimanlig-Cruz S, Regan AK, Sprague AE, Buchan SA, Kwong JC, Wilson SE, Håberg SE, Gravel CA, Wilson K, El-Chaâr D, Walker MC, Barrett J, MacDonald SE, Okun N, Shah PS, Dougan SD, Dunn S, Bisnaire L. Association of COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy With Adverse Peripartum Outcomes. JAMA 2022; 327:1478-1487. [PMID: 35323842 PMCID: PMC8949767 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2022.4255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Importance There is limited comparative epidemiological evidence on outcomes associated with COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy; monitoring pregnancy outcomes in large populations is required. Objective To evaluate peripartum outcomes following COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy. Design, Setting, and Participants Population-based retrospective cohort study in Ontario, Canada, using a birth registry linked with the provincial COVID-19 immunization database. All births between December 14, 2020, and September 30, 2021, were included. Exposures COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy, COVID-19 vaccination after pregnancy, and no vaccination. Main Outcomes and Measures Postpartum hemorrhage, chorioamnionitis, cesarean delivery (overall and emergency cesarean delivery), admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and low newborn 5-minute Apgar score (<7). Linear and robust Poisson regression was used to generate adjusted risk differences (aRDs) and risk ratios (aRRs), respectively, comparing cumulative incidence of outcomes in those who received COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy with those vaccinated after pregnancy and those with no record of COVID-19 vaccination at any point. Inverse probability of treatment weights were used to adjust for confounding. Results Among 97 590 individuals (mean [SD] age, 31.9 [4.9] years), 22 660 (23%) received at least 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy (63.6% received dose 1 in the third trimester; 99.8% received an mRNA vaccine). Comparing those vaccinated during vs after pregnancy (n = 44 815), there were no significantly increased risks of postpartum hemorrhage (incidence: 3.0% vs 3.0%; aRD, -0.28 per 100 individuals [95% CI, -0.59 to 0.03]; aRR, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.82-1.02]), chorioamnionitis (0.5% vs 0.5%; aRD, -0.04 per 100 individuals [95% CI, -0.17 to 0.09]; aRR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.70-1.21]), cesarean delivery (30.8% vs 32.2%; aRD, -2.73 per 100 individuals [95% CI, -3.59 to -1.88]; aRR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.89-0.95]), NICU admission (11.0% vs 13.3%; aRD, -1.89 per 100 newborns [95% CI, -2.49 to -1.30]; aRR, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.80-0.90]), or low Apgar score (1.8% vs 2.0%; aRD, -0.31 per 100 newborns [95% CI, -0.56 to -0.06]; aRR, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.73-0.97]). Findings were qualitatively similar when compared with individuals who did not receive COVID-19 vaccination at any point (n = 30 115). Conclusions and Relevance In this population-based cohort study in Ontario, Canada, COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy, compared with vaccination after pregnancy and with no vaccination, was not significantly associated with increased risk of adverse peripartum outcomes. Study interpretation should consider that the vaccinations received during pregnancy were primarily mRNA vaccines administered in the second and third trimester.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deshayne B. Fell
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tavleen Dhinsa
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Better Outcomes Registry & Network (BORN) Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gillian D. Alton
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Better Outcomes Registry & Network (BORN) Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eszter Török
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Better Outcomes Registry & Network (BORN) Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sheryll Dimanlig-Cruz
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Better Outcomes Registry & Network (BORN) Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Annette K. Regan
- School of Nursing and Health Professions, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ann E. Sprague
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Better Outcomes Registry & Network (BORN) Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah A. Buchan
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeffrey C. Kwong
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah E. Wilson
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Siri E. Håberg
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christopher A. Gravel
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Kumanan Wilson
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Darine El-Chaâr
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark C. Walker
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Better Outcomes Registry & Network (BORN) Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jon Barrett
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shannon E. MacDonald
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nannette Okun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Prakesh S. Shah
- Department of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Maternal-infant Care Research Centre, Department of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shelley D. Dougan
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Better Outcomes Registry & Network (BORN) Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sandra Dunn
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Better Outcomes Registry & Network (BORN) Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lise Bisnaire
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Better Outcomes Registry & Network (BORN) Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Younger A, Alkon A, Harknett K, Jean Louis R, Thompson LM. Adverse birth outcomes associated with household air pollution from unclean cooking fuels in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112274. [PMID: 34710435 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 3.8 billion people in low- and middle-income countries use unclean fuels as a source of primary cooking fuel as well as for heating. For pregnant women, the toxic chemicals produced by combustion of unclean fuels not only affect women's health directly, but particulate matter and carbon monoxide are absorbed in maternal blood and cross the placental barrier impairing fetal tissue growth. PRISMA 2009 guidelines were used for this systematic review. The inclusion criteria were quantitative, peer reviewed journal articles published within a date range of May 1, 2013-June 12, 2021 examining birth outcomes related to household air pollution from type of cooking fuel in low- and middle-income countries. The quality of available evidence was evaluated using the Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) risk of bias rating tool. Of the 553 studies screened, 23 satisfied the inclusion criteria. Of the studies that met the inclusion criteria, 14 were cross-sectional, 5 cohort, 1 case-control and 3 randomized control trials conducted across 15 different countries. A range of birth outcomes are reported across studies including birthweight (19), small for gestational age (6), spontaneous abortion (3), preterm birth (6), stillbirth (7) and neonatal mortality (6). The reviewed studies presented evidence for an increased risk of low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth (PTB), small for gestational age (SGA), stillbirth, neonatal mortality and reduction in birthweight with solid fuel and kerosene use compared to cleaner fuels like gas and LPG. Systematically reviewing the evidence and risk of bias ratings illuminated several gaps in the current literature related to exposure assessment, outcome measurement and adequacy of adjustment for confounding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Younger
- University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Nursing, United States.
| | - Abbey Alkon
- University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Nursing, United States
| | - Kristen Harknett
- University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, United States
| | | | - Lisa M Thompson
- Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, United States
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Malaba TR, Newell ML, Myer L, Ramokolo V. Methodological Considerations for Preterm Birth Research. Front Glob Womens Health 2022; 2:821064. [PMID: 35088058 PMCID: PMC8787258 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2021.821064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Complications from preterm birth are a leading cause of infant mortality, with long-term implications for morbidity and quality of life of preterm infants. There are many important risk factors for preterm births however in this article, we focus on the maternal infection etiological pathway, given its significance in low-to-middle income countries. In high preterm birth settings such as sub-Saharan Africa, maternal HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy (ART) use have been associated with an increased risk of preterm births. Consequently, we highlight methodological considerations related to selection and measurement bias in preterm birth research. We further illustrate the potential impact of these biases in studies investigating the relationship between HIV/ART and preterm births. We also briefly discuss issues related to population-level estimations based on routinely collected clinical or civil registration data. We conclude by emphasizing the importance of strengthening of antenatal care services to improve quality of population data as well as optimizing current and future study designs, by taking into account the important methodological considerations described in this article.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thokozile R Malaba
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Marie-Louise Newell
- School of Human Development and Health, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.,School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Vundli Ramokolo
- HIV Prevention Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.,Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Regan AK, Arah O, Fell DB, Sullivan SG. SARS-CoV-2 Infection During Pregnancy and Associated Perinatal Health Outcomes: A National US Cohort Study. J Infect Dis 2021; 225:759-767. [PMID: 34958090 PMCID: PMC8755310 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has been associated with increased risk of adverse perinatal health outcomes, few large-scale, community-based epidemiological studies have been conducted. METHODS We conducted a national cohort study using deidentified administrative claims data for 78 283 pregnancies with estimated conception before 30 April 2020 and pregnancy end after 11 March 2020. We identified SARS-CoV-2 infections using diagnostic and laboratory testing data, and compared the risk of pregnancy outcomes using Cox proportional hazard models treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a time-varying exposure and adjusting for baseline covariates. RESULTS Of the pregnancies, 2655 (3.4%) had a documented SARS-CoV-2 infection. COVID-19 during pregnancy was not associated with risk of miscarriage, antepartum hemorrhage, or stillbirth, but was associated with 2-3 fold higher risk of induced abortion (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-5.78), cesarean delivery (aHR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.71-2.31), clinician-initiated preterm birth (aHR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.93-4.30), spontaneous preterm birth (aHR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.37-2.34), and fetal growth restriction (aHR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.72-2.43). CONCLUSIONS Prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Prevention could have fetal health benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annette K Regan
- School of Nursing and Health Professions, University of San Francisco, Orange CA, United States,Fielding School of Public Health, UCLA, Los Angeles CA, United States,OptumLabs Visiting Fellow, Prairie MN, United States,Corresponding author: Annette Regan Assistant Professor School of Nursing and Public Health University of San Francisco 480 S Batavia Street Orange CA 98484 T: +1 714.221.6213
| | - Onyebuchi Arah
- Fielding School of Public Health, UCLA, Los Angeles CA, United States,OptumLabs Visiting Fellow, Prairie MN, United States,Department of Statistics, College of Letters and Science, UCLLA, Los Angeles CA, United States
| | - Deshayne B Fell
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark,School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada,Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sheena G Sullivan
- Fielding School of Public Health, UCLA, Los Angeles CA, United States,WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne VIC, Australia,Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne VIC, Australia,Alternate corresponding author: Sheena Sullivan Senior Epidemiologist 790 Elizabeth Street Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Basagaña X, Michael Y, Lensky IM, Rubin L, Grotto I, Vadislavsky E, Levi Y, Amitai E, Agay-Shay K. Low and High Ambient Temperatures during Pregnancy and Birth Weight among 624,940 Singleton Term Births in Israel (2010-2014): An Investigation of Potential Windows of Susceptibility. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:107001. [PMID: 34643443 PMCID: PMC8513522 DOI: 10.1289/ehp8117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to heat during pregnancy has been associated with reduced fetal growth. Less is known about associations with cold and the potential for critical time windows of exposure. OBJECTIVES We aimed to evaluate, in a national retrospective cohort, critical windows of susceptibility during pregnancy to extreme temperatures (low and high) and fetal growth, among 624,940 singleton term births in Israel during the period 2010-2014. METHODS Temperature exposures were estimated using a spatially refined gridded climate data set with a 1-h and 1-km2 resolution. Percentiles of temperature were categorized by climatic zone for the entire pregnancy and by trimesters and weeks. Generalized additive models with the distributed lag nonlinear model framework were used to estimate unadjusted and adjusted associations between percentiles and categories of temperature and fetal growth markers: term [births after 36 weeks of gestational age (GA)] mean birth weight and term low birth weight (tLBW, term infants with birth weight below 2,500g). RESULTS After adjustment, extreme temperatures (percentiles) during the entire pregnancy were associated with a lower mean birth weight {≤10th vs. 41st-50th percentile: -56g [95% confidence interval (CI): -63g, -50g)]; >90th vs. 41st-50th percentile: -65g; 95% CI: -72g, -58g}. Similar inverse U-shaped patterns were observed for all trimesters, with stronger associations for heat than for cold and for exposures during the third trimester. For heat, results suggest critical windows between 3-9 and 19-34 GA-weeks, with the strongest association estimated at 3 GA-weeks (temperature >90th vs. 41st-50th percentiles: -3.8g; 95% CI: -7.1g, -0.4g). For cold, there was a consistent trend of null associations early in pregnancy and stronger inverse associations over time, with the strongest association at 36 GA-week (≤10th vs. 41st-50th percentiles: -2.9g; 95% CI: -6.5g, 0.7g). For tLBW, U-shape patterns were estimated for the entire pregnancy and third trimester exposures, as well as nonsignificant associations with heat for 29-36 GA-weeks. Generally, the patterns of associations with temperatures during the entire pregnancy were consistent when stratified by urbanicity and geocoding hierarchy, when estimated for daily minimum and maximum temperatures, when exposures were classified based on temperature distributions in 49 natural regions, and when estimated for all live births. DISCUSSION Findings from our study of term live births in Israel (2010-2014) suggest that exposure to extreme temperatures, especially heat, during specific time windows may result in reduced fetal growth. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP8117.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Basagaña
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Yaron Michael
- Department of Geography and Environment, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Itamar M. Lensky
- Department of Geography and Environment, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Lisa Rubin
- School of Public Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Itamar Grotto
- Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | | | - Yoav Levi
- Israel Meteorological Service (IMS), Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - Eyal Amitai
- Israel Meteorological Service (IMS), Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - Keren Agay-Shay
- Health & Environment Research (HER) Lab, Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Pereira G, Dunne J, Regan AK, Tessema GA. Smoking Cessation and Preterm Birth in Second Pregnancy Among Women who Smoked in Their First. Nicotine Tob Res 2021; 23:2013-2018. [PMID: 34297840 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntab135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The benefit of smoking cessation in reducing the risk of preterm birth is well established. Relatively less well understood is the prevalence of smoking cessation maintenance at the next pregnancy and the associated preterm risk reduction. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of maintenance of smoking cessation at second pregnancy and the associated relative risk of preterm birth. METHODS This was a longitudinal study with retrospectively obtained records of births to multiparous women who smoked in the pregnancy of their first birth in New South Wales, 1994-2016 (N = 63 195 mothers). Relative risks (RR) of preterm birth of the second child were estimated for smoking cessation with adjustment for final gestational age of the first birth, maternal age at the first birth, change in socioeconomic disadvantage between the first and second pregnancy, interpregnancy interval, and calendar time. RESULTS Approximately 34% (N = 21 540) of women who smoked during their first pregnancy did not smoke in the second pregnancy. Smoking cessation among women who smoked at first pregnancy was associated with a 26% (95% CI: 21%, 31%) decrease in risk of preterm birth at a second pregnancy. CONCLUSION Despite smoking during the first pregnancy, smoking cessation was achieved and maintained by more than one-third of women in their second pregnancy with encouraging levels of preterm risk reduction. It is well-established that the period after birth provides an opportunity to reduce smoking-related morbidity for both the mother and neonate. Our results indicate that this period also offers an opportunity to prevent morbidity of future pregnancy. IMPLICATIONS A considerable amount of research has been undertaken on the effects of smoking during pregnancy on birth outcomes, the influence of postpartum smoking on the health of the mother and newborn child, and postpartum smoking cessation. However, follow-up of women after giving birth does not tend to be long enough to observe smoking and outcomes of subsequent pregnancies. We show that smoking cessation in the subsequent pregnancy is achievable by a large proportion of women despite smoking in their first pregnancy, which translates to clear reductions in risk of preterm birth in the subsequent pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gavin Pereira
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, WA, Australia.,Centre for Fertility and Health (CeFH), Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jennifer Dunne
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, WA, Australia
| | - Annette K Regan
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, WA, Australia.,School of Nursing and Health Professions, University of San Francisco, San Fransisco, CA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Willis MD, Hill EL, Boslett A, Kile ML, Carozza SE, Hystad P. Associations between Residential Proximity to Oil and Gas Drilling and Term Birth Weight and Small-for-Gestational-Age Infants in Texas: A Difference-in-Differences Analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:77002. [PMID: 34287013 PMCID: PMC8293911 DOI: 10.1289/ehp7678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oil and natural gas extraction may produce environmental pollution at levels that affect reproductive health of nearby populations. Available studies have primarily focused on unconventional gas drilling and have not accounted for local population changes that can coincide with drilling activity. OBJECTIVE Our study sought to examine associations between residential proximity to oil and gas drilling and adverse term birth outcomes using a difference-in-differences study design. METHODS We created a retrospective population-based term birth cohort in Texas between 1996 and 2009 composed of mother-infant dyads (n=2,598,025) living <10km from an oil or gas site. We implemented a difference-in-differences approach to estimate associations between drilling activities and infant health: term birth weight and term small for gestational age (SGA). Using linear and logistic regression, we modeled interactions between births before (unexposed) or during (exposed) drilling activity and residential proximity near (0-1, 1-2, or 2-3km) or far (3-10km) from an active or future drilling site, adjusting for individual- and neighborhood-level characteristics. RESULTS The adjusted mean difference in term birth weight for mothers living 0-1 vs. 3-10km from a current or future drilling site was -7.3g [95% confidence interval (CI): -11.6, -3.0] for births during active vs. future drilling. The corresponding adjusted odds ratio for SGA was 1.02 (95% CI: 0.98, 1.06). Negative associations with term birth weight were observed for the 1-2 and 2-3km near groups, and no consistent differences were identified by type of drilling activity. Larger, though imprecise, adverse associations were found for infants born to Hispanic women, women with the lowest educational attainment, and women living in cities. CONCLUSIONS Residing near oil and gas drilling sites during pregnancy was associated with a small reduction in term birth weight but not SGA, with some evidence of environmental injustices. Additional work is needed to investigate specific drilling-related exposures that might explain these associations. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP7678.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary D Willis
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elaine L Hill
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Andrew Boslett
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
- Rochester Data Science Consortium, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Molly L Kile
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Susan E Carozza
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Perry Hystad
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| |
Collapse
|