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Kc A, Maharjan S, Basnet O, Malla H, Gurung R, Pokharel SM, Ghimire GK, Vaezghasemi M, Schröders J. Development, validation and reliability of scales and items for heat wave risk assessment of pregnant women. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00484-024-02738-x. [PMID: 39207507 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-024-02738-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The 1.2 °C rise of global ambient temperature since the pre-industrial era has led to an increase the intensity and frequency of heatwaves. Given the heightened vulnerability of pregnant women to heat stress, there is an urgent need for tools which accurately assess the knowledge, risk, and perception of pregnant woman toward heatwaves, enabling effective policy actions. In this research, we developed and validated tools to evaluate pregnant women's perceptions of heat wave risks and behaviors. METHOD We developed 50 items across seven constructs using the Health Belief Model, identified through a systematic literature review. The constructs comprised 8 Knowledge(K) items, 4 in Perceived Vulnerability (PV), 5 in Perceived Severity (PS), 6 in Perceived Benefit (PB), 4 in Perceived Barrier (PBa), 5 in Cue to Action(Cu) and 18 in Adaptation(A). Cognitive testing was performed with a separate group of pregnant women(n = 20). The tested tools were then administered to 120 pregnant women residing during the spring-summer 2023. Construct validation utilized exploratory factor analysis. RESULTS The Principal Axis Factoring Method was employed in the EFA with oblimin rotation for 51 items, considering communality > 0.20, and aiming to extract three factors. Across the three factors with Cronbach's alpha > 0.70, a total of 11 items were distributed. Factor 1 included Perceived Severity (PS1, PS2, PS3 and PS5); Factor 2 included Cue to Action (Cu1, Cu2, Cu3, and Cu4); and Factor 3 encompassed Perceived Vulnerability (PV1, PV2, PV4). Only two of the retained items had factor loadings > 0.50, namely PV4 and PS5. Consequently, the three constructs measuring Perceived Severity, Cues to Action, and Perceived Vulnerability using the HBM among pregnant women were deemed valid. CONCLUSION Our study has successfully validated a highly reliable tool which stands ready for application in assessing pregnant women's risk perception regarding heatwaves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Kc
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 18, Gothenburg 43190, Sweden.
| | | | - Omkar Basnet
- Research Division, Golden Community, Jawgal, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Honey Malla
- Research Division, Golden Community, Jawgal, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Rejina Gurung
- Research Division, Golden Community, Jawgal, Lalitpur, Nepal
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 14B, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | | | - Masoud Vaezghasemi
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå 90187, Sweden
| | - Julia Schröders
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå 90187, Sweden
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Liczbińska G, Antosik S, Brabec M, Tomczyk AM. Ambient temperature-related sex ratio at birth in historical urban populations: the example of the city of Poznań, 1848-1900. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14001. [PMID: 38890431 PMCID: PMC11189407 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64799-7] [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: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
This study examines whether exposure to ambient temperature in nineteenth-century urban space affected the ratio of boys to girls at birth. Furthermore, we investigate the details of temperature effects timing upon sex ratio at birth. The research included 66,009 individual births, aggregated in subsequent months of births for the years 1847-1900, i.e. 33,922 boys and 32,087 girls. The statistical modelling of the probability of a girl being born is based on logistic GAM with penalized splines and automatically selected complexity. Our research emphasizes the significant effect of temperature in the year of conception: the higher the temperature was, the smaller probability of a girl being born was observed. There were also several significant temperature lags before conception and during pregnancy. Our findings indicate that in the past, ambient temperature, similar to psychological stress, hunger, malnutrition, and social and economic factors, influenced the viability of a foetus. Research on the effects of climate on the sex ratio in historical populations may allow for a better understanding of the relationship between environmental factors and reproduction, especially concerning historical populations since due to some cultural limitations, they were more prone to stronger environmental stressors than currently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grażyna Liczbińska
- Institute of Human Biology and Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Szymon Antosik
- Doctoral School of Humanities, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - Marek Brabec
- Department of Statistical Modelling, Institute of Computer Science, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Biostatistics, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Arkadiusz M Tomczyk
- Department of Meteorology and Climatology, Faculty of Geographic and Geological Sciences, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
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Rancière F, Wafo O, Perrot X, Momas I. Associations between heat wave during pregnancy and term birth weight outcomes: The PARIS birth cohort. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 188:108730. [PMID: 38776654 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change will make extreme weather events more frequent in the 21st century. Extreme ambient temperatures during the prenatal period have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth. It is unclear, however, whether heat waves during pregnancy impact fetal growth in apparently healthy term newborns. OBJECTIVES We aimed to investigate associations between heat wave during pregnancy and birth weight outcomes in term newborns from the PARIS birth cohort, and to explore meteorological conditions and air pollution as possible intermediate factors. METHODS We examined data on 3,359 newborns born between 37 and 42 weeks in Paris, France, between 2003 and 2006. Associations of maternal exposure to heat wave (during whole pregnancy and each trimester) with birth weight and small for gestational age (SGA) at term were studied using linear and logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders. Maternal characteristics were investigated as possible modifiers. We explored the mediating role of ambient temperature, relative humidity, and air pollution levels in the relationship between heat wave during the first trimester and term SGA. RESULTS Mothers who were pregnant during the 2003 French heat wave (n = 506, 15 %) were more likely to have a term SGA baby (aOR = 2.70; 95 %CI: 1.38, 5.28) compared to mothers who did not experience heat wave during pregnancy. The association was stronger when heat wave occurred during the first trimester (aOR = 4.18; 95 %CI: 1.69, 10.35). Primiparous women were identified as more vulnerable than multiparous women. Average ambient temperature and air quality index explained about 36 % and 56 % of the association between heat wave during the first trimester and term SGA, respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests prenatal exposure to heat wave, especially during the first trimester, may adversely affect fetal growth of term newborns, which could be explained by both increasing ambient temperatures and worsening air quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Rancière
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm U1153 CRESS, Inrae, HERA team, Paris, France; Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France.
| | - Octave Wafo
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm U1153 CRESS, Inrae, HERA team, Paris, France
| | - Xavier Perrot
- Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique, Ecole Normale Supérieure, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Momas
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm U1153 CRESS, Inrae, HERA team, Paris, France; Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Cellule Cohorte, Direction de l'Action Sociale de l'Enfance et de la Santé, Mairie de Paris, Paris, France
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Guo J, Ruan Y, Wang Y, Wang H, Ma S, Wan X, Zhou X, Tang Z, He Y, Zou Z, Li J. Maternal Exposure to Extreme Cold Events and Risk of Congenital Heart Defects: A Large Multicenter Study in China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:3737-3746. [PMID: 38359432 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decade, extreme temperature events have become more frequent and longer in duration. Previous studies on the association between extreme cold events (ECEs) and congenital heart defects (CHDs) are few and inconsistent. We conducted a national multicenter study in 1313 hospitals in 26 provinces in China and collected a total of 14 808 high CHD-risk participants from 2013 to 2021. We evaluated the ECEs experienced by each pregnant women during the embryonic period (3-8 weeks). The results indicated that ECEs experienced by pregnant women during the embryonic period were associated with the development of fetal CHD and were more strongly associated with some specific fetal CHD subtypes, such as pulmonary stenosis, pulmonary atresia, and tetralogy of Fallot. Of the CHD burden, 2.21% (95% CI: 1.43, 2.99%)-2.40% (95% CI: 1.26, 3.55%) of fetal CHD cases were attributable to ECEs during the embryonic period. Our findings emphasize the need to pay more attention to pregnant women whose embryonic period falls during the cold season to reduce cold spell detriments to newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhui Guo
- Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanping Ruan
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center in Fetal Heart Disease, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Beijing 100029, People's Republic of China
- Echocardiography Medical Center, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaqi Wang
- Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Wang
- Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng Ma
- Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Wan
- Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxue Zhou
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center in Fetal Heart Disease, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Beijing 100029, People's Republic of China
- Echocardiography Medical Center, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziqi Tang
- Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Yihua He
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center in Fetal Heart Disease, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Beijing 100029, People's Republic of China
- Echocardiography Medical Center, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyong Zou
- Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Li
- Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
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Ruan T, Yue Y, Lu W, Zhou R, Xiong T, Jiang Y, Ying J, Tang J, Shi J, Wang H, Xiao G, Li J, Qu Y, Mu D. Association between low ambient temperature during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Chin Med J (Engl) 2023; 136:2307-2315. [PMID: 36805588 PMCID: PMC10538931 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extreme temperature events, including extreme cold, are becoming more frequent worldwide, which might be harmful to pregnant women and cause adverse birth outcomes. We aimed to investigate the association between exposure to low ambient temperature in pregnant women and adverse birth outcomes, such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth, and to summarize the evidence herein. METHODS Relevant studies were searched in PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase electronic databases until November 2021. Studies involving low ambient temperature, preterm birth, birth weight, and stillbirth were included. The guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses were followed to conduct this study risk of bias and methods for data synthesis. RESULTS A total of 34 studies were included. First, pregnant women exposed to low ambient temperature had an increased risk of preterm birth (risk ratio [RR] 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.13). Subgroup analyses revealed that exposure during late pregnancy was more likely to induce preterm birth. In addition, only pregnant women exposed to <1st percentile of the mean temperature suffered increased risk of preterm birth. Moreover, pregnant women living in medium or hot areas were more prone to have preterm births than those in cold areas when exposed to low ambient temperatures. Asians and Blacks were more susceptible to low ambient temperatures than Caucasians. Second, pregnant women exposed to low ambient temperature had an increased risk of low birth weight (RR 1.07; 95% CI 1.03-1.12). Third, pregnant women had an increased risk of stillbirth while exposed to low ambient temperature during the entire pregnancy (RR 4.63; 95% CI 3.99-5.38). CONCLUSIONS Exposure to low ambient temperature during pregnancy increases the risk of adverse birth outcomes. Pregnant women should avoid exposure to extremely low ambient temperature (<1st percentile of the mean temperature), especially in their late pregnancy. This study could provide clues for preventing adverse outcomes from meteorological factors. REGISTRATION No. CRD42021259776 at PROSPERO ( https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiechao Ruan
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yan Yue
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Wenting Lu
- Department of General Practice, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Ruixi Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Tao Xiong
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yin Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Junjie Ying
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jun Tang
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jing Shi
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Guoguang Xiao
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jinhui Li
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yi Qu
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Dezhi Mu
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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Cowell W, Ard N, Herrera T, Medley EA, Trasande L. Ambient temperature, heat stress and fetal growth: A review of placenta-mediated mechanisms. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 576:112000. [PMID: 37460007 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy is increasingly considered a period of vulnerability for extreme heat exposure. Multiple lines of evidence support that heat stress is associated with placental insufficiency, poor fetal growth and decreased birth weight. In this narrative review, we first summarize evidence linking ambient temperature or experimentally-induced heat stress with fetal and placental growth outcomes in humans, ruminants and murine species. We then synthesize the literature on putative underlying biological pathways with a focus on the placenta. Reviewed mechanisms include: reduced uterine-placental blood flow, impaired supply of metabolic substrates to the fetus, activation of the maternal stress-response system, and disruption of other endocrine and immune system endpoints. Taken together, this body of evidence supports that exposure to extreme ambient heat likely has adverse consequences for placental development and function. However, research investigating placenta-mediated pathophysiological mechanisms in humans remains extremely limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney Cowell
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Natasha Ard
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Teresa Herrera
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eleanor A Medley
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Leonardo Trasande
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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Wu Y, Ye H, Yuan Y, Kong C, Jing W, Liu J, Liu M. Association between season of conception, month of conception with preterm birth in China: a population-based retrospective cohort study. Reprod Health 2023; 20:88. [PMID: 37312160 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-023-01636-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seasonal patterns of preterm birth were identified in previous studies, but the effect of conception season on preterm birth has not been extensively studied. Based on the notion that the etiological roots of preterm birth lie in the beginning of pregnancy, we did a population-based retrospective cohort study in Southwest China to examine the effects of season of conception and month of conception on preterm birth. METHODS We did a population-based retrospective cohort study in women (aged 18-49) who participated in the NFPHEP from 2010 to 2018, and had a singleton livebirth in southwest China. According to the time of the last menstruation reported by the participants, month of conception and season of conception were then ascertained. We used multivariate log-binomial model to adjust the potential risk factors for preterm birth and obtained adjusted risk ratio (aRR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) for conception season, conception month and preterm birth. RESULTS Among 194 028 participants, 15 034 women had preterm birth. Compared with pregnancies that were conceived in the summer, pregnancies that were conceived in the spring, autumn and winter had the higher risk of preterm birth (Spring: aRR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.04-1.15; Autumn: aRR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.09-1.20; Winter: aRR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.22-1.34) and also had a higher risk of early preterm birth (Spring: aRR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01-1.18; Autumn: aRR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01-1.19; Winter: aRR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.08-1.25). Pregnancies in December, and January had a higher risk of preterm birth and early preterm birth than pregnancies that were conceived in July. CONCLUSIONS Our study found that preterm birth was significantly related to season of conception. Preterm and early preterm birth rates were the highest among pregnancies that were conceived in winter, and the lowest among pregnancies in summer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, School of Public Health, Peking University, No. 38, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanfeng Ye
- Yunnan Population and Family Planning Research Institute, No. 146, Qingnian Road, Wuhua District, Kunming, 650021, Yunnan, China
| | - Yanling Yuan
- Yunnan Population and Family Planning Research Institute, No. 146, Qingnian Road, Wuhua District, Kunming, 650021, Yunnan, China
| | - Cai Kong
- Yunnan Population and Family Planning Research Institute, No. 146, Qingnian Road, Wuhua District, Kunming, 650021, Yunnan, China
| | - Wenzhan Jing
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, School of Public Health, Peking University, No. 38, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Jue Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, School of Public Health, Peking University, No. 38, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, School of Public Health, Peking University, No. 38, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China.
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Rekha S, Nalini SJ, Bhuvana S, Kanmani S, Vidhya V. A Comprehensive Review on Hot Ambient Temperature and its Impacts on Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes. JOURNAL OF MOTHER AND CHILD 2023; 27:10-20. [PMID: 37368943 PMCID: PMC10298495 DOI: 10.34763/jmotherandchild.20232701.d-22-00051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION High workplace/ambient temperatures have been associated with Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes (APO). Millions of women working in developing nations suffer due to the rising temperatures caused by climate change. There are few pieces of research linking occupational heat stress to APO, and fresh evidence is required. METHODOLOGY We used databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct to search for research on high ambient/workplace temperatures and their effects. Original articles, newsletters, and book chapters were examined. The literature we analysed was categorised as follows: Heat, strain, and physical activity harming both mother and fetus. After categorising the literature, it was examined to identify the major results. RESULTS We found a definite association between heat stress and APOs such as miscarriages, premature birth, stillbirth, low birthweight, and congenital abnormalities in 23 research articles. Our work provides important information for future research into the biological mechanisms that create APOs and various prevention measures. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that temperature has long-term and short-term effects on maternal and fetal health. Though small in number, this study stressed the need for bigger cohort studies in tropical developing countries to create evidence for coordinated policies to safeguard pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanmugam Rekha
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sirala Jagadeesh Nalini
- Faculty of Nursing, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Srinivasan Bhuvana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S. Kanmani
- Centre for Environmental Studies, College of Engineering Guindy, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Venugopal Vidhya
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Ding Y, Zhou H, Tong M, Chen X, Zhao Q, Ma Y, Wu L. Relationship between birth weight and ambient temperature during pregnancy in a cross-sectional study of the residents of Suzhou, China. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1056849. [PMID: 37213619 PMCID: PMC10192556 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1056849] [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: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The association between birth weight and ambient temperature during pregnancy remains inconclusive, and data from Chinese populations are scarce. We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate the association between birth weight and ambient temperature during pregnancy among the residents of Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, China. Methods Information regarding 10,903 infants born between January 2018 and December 2018 who were born at the hospitals in Suzhou Industrial Park, Jiangsu province was obtained via public birth records. Results This study found that the ambient temperature during the first trimester of pregnancy was negatively correlated with birth weight, suggesting that elevated temperature may be related to lower birth weight. However, the ambient temperatures during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy were positively correlated with birth weight. Moreover, when the ambient temperature was below 15°C during the second trimester of pregnancy, the birth weight increased with temperature. However, when the temperature was higher than 15°C, the birth weight decreased with temperature. The relationship between ambient temperature in the third trimester and birth weight presented an inverted "U" curve. When the ambient temperature was lower than 20°C, the birth weight increased with ambient temperature, but when the ambient temperature was higher than 20°C, the increase of ambient temperature showed no significant relationship with the increase of birth weight. Conclusion The ambient temperature was correlated with birth weight. The ambient temperature during the first trimester of pregnancy was negatively correlated with birth weight. The relationship between ambient temperature in the third trimester and birth weight presented an inverted "U" curve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ding
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Clinical Medicine, Suzhou Vocational Health College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- Disease Control Center of Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Min Tong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Clinical Medicine, Suzhou Vocational Health College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaofang Chen
- Disease Control Center of Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Clinical Medicine, Suzhou Vocational Health College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuqin Ma
- Disease Control Center of Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Wu
- Disease Control Center of Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- *Correspondence: Lei Wu
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Martenies SE, Hoskovec L, Wilson A, Moore BF, Starling AP, Allshouse WB, Adgate JL, Dabelea D, Magzamen S. Using non-parametric Bayes shrinkage to assess relationships between multiple environmental and social stressors and neonatal size and body composition in the Healthy Start cohort. Environ Health 2022; 21:111. [PMID: 36401268 PMCID: PMC9675112 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-022-00934-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both environmental and social factors have been linked to birth weight and adiposity at birth, but few studies consider the effects of exposure mixtures. Our objective was to identify which components of a mixture of neighborhood-level environmental and social exposures were driving associations with birth weight and adiposity at birth in the Healthy Start cohort. METHODS Exposures were assessed at the census tract level and included air pollution, built environment characteristics, and socioeconomic status. Prenatal exposures were assigned based on address at enrollment. Birth weight was measured at delivery and adiposity was measured using air displacement plethysmography within three days. We used non-parametric Bayes shrinkage (NPB) to identify exposures that were associated with our outcomes of interest. NPB models were compared to single-predictor linear regression. We also included generalized additive models (GAM) to assess nonlinear relationships. All regression models were adjusted for individual-level covariates, including maternal age, pre-pregnancy BMI, and smoking. RESULTS Results from NPB models showed most exposures were negatively associated with birth weight, though credible intervals were wide and generally contained zero. However, the NPB model identified an interaction between ozone and temperature on birth weight, and the GAM suggested potential non-linear relationships. For associations between ozone or temperature with birth weight, we observed effect modification by maternal race/ethnicity, where effects were stronger for mothers who identified as a race or ethnicity other than non-Hispanic White. No associations with adiposity at birth were observed. CONCLUSIONS NPB identified prenatal exposures to ozone and temperature as predictors of birth weight, and mothers who identify as a race or ethnicity other than non-Hispanic White might be disproportionately impacted. However, NPB models may have limited applicability when non-linear effects are present. Future work should consider a two-stage approach where NPB is used to reduce dimensionality and alternative approaches examine non-linear effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheena E Martenies
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 906 S Goodwin Ave, M/C 052, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
| | - Lauren Hoskovec
- Department of Statistics, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Ander Wilson
- Department of Statistics, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Brianna F Moore
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Anne P Starling
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD Center), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - William B Allshouse
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - John L Adgate
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Dana Dabelea
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD Center), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Sheryl Magzamen
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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11
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VURALLI D, SUCU M, TOTİK DOĞAN N. Evaluation of the factors affecting newborn weight. CUKUROVA MEDICAL JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.17826/cumj.1053457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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12
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Miłkowska K, Nenko I, Klimek M, Galbarczyk A, Jasienska G. Season of birth and biomarkers of early-life environment. Am J Hum Biol 2020; 33:e23532. [PMID: 33166028 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Early-life conditions play an important role in human development, affecting health status and survival. Conditions in utero partly depend on the external environment and thus vary in relation to the season of birth. The aim of this study was to investigate if people born in different seasons of the year differ in values of biomarkers that reflect conditions during fetal development. METHODS The study was conducted among Polish rural women recruited at the Mogielica Human Ecology Study Site. The participants were 234 women aged 45 to 92 (mean = 60.2; SD = 10.44). The indicators of early-life environment analyzed in the study were: Absolute Finger Ridge Count (AFRC), the difference between mean number of ridge counts in both thumbs and both little fingers (Md15), overall facial fluctuating asymmetry (OFA), central facial asymmetry (CFA), right and left hand 2D:4D. RESULTS Values of biomarkers of fetal development did not vary among groups of women born in different seasons of the year. CONCLUSIONS Lack of differences in values of biomarkers according to birth season may indicate that: (a) season of birth is not a good indicator of early-life conditions; (b) tested biomarkers do not reliably reflect the prenatal environment; (c) season of birth does not fully overlap with the sensitive periods of biomarker development and thus fails to capture differences in developmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Miłkowska
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Ilona Nenko
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Klimek
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Andrzej Galbarczyk
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Grazyna Jasienska
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
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13
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Chersich MF, Pham MD, Areal A, Haghighi MM, Manyuchi A, Swift CP, Wernecke B, Robinson M, Hetem R, Boeckmann M, Hajat S. Associations between high temperatures in pregnancy and risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirths: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ 2020; 371:m3811. [PMID: 33148618 PMCID: PMC7610201 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.m3811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether exposure to high temperatures in pregnancy is associated with increased risk for preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. DESIGN Systematic review and random effects meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES Medline and Web of Science searched up to September 2018, updated in August 2019. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES Clinical studies on associations between high environmental temperatures, and preterm birth, birth weight, and stillbirths. RESULTS 14 880 records and 175 full text articles were screened. 70 studies were included, set in 27 countries, seven of which were countries with low or middle income. In 40 of 47 studies, preterm births were more common at higher than lower temperatures. Exposures were classified as heatwaves, 1°C increments, and temperature threshold cutoff points. In random effects meta-analysis, odds of a preterm birth rose 1.05-fold (95% confidence interval 1.03 to 1.07) per 1°C increase in temperature and 1.16-fold (1.10 to 1.23) during heatwaves. Higher temperature was associated with reduced birth weight in 18 of 28 studies, with considerable statistical heterogeneity. Eight studies on stillbirths all showed associations between temperature and stillbirth, with stillbirths increasing 1.05-fold (1.01 to 1.08) per 1°C rise in temperature. Associations between temperature and outcomes were largest among women in lower socioeconomic groups and at age extremes. The multiple temperature metrics and lag analyses limited comparison between studies and settings. CONCLUSIONS Although summary effect sizes are relatively small, heat exposures are common and the outcomes are important determinants of population health. Linkages between socioeconomic status and study outcomes suggest that risks might be largest in low and middle income countries. Temperature rises with global warming could have major implications for child health. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD 42019140136 and CRD 42018118113.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Francis Chersich
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Hillbrow, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa
| | - Minh Duc Pham
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ashtyn Areal
- Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Marjan Mosalam Haghighi
- The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Cardiology Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Albert Manyuchi
- Global Change Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Bianca Wernecke
- Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Environmental Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Robyn Hetem
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Melanie Boeckmann
- Department of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Germany
| | - Shakoor Hajat
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, and the Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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14
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Jakpor O, Chevrier C, Kloog I, Benmerad M, Giorgis-Allemand L, Cordier S, Seyve E, Vicedo-Cabrera AM, Slama R, Heude B, Schwartz J, Lepeule J. Term birthweight and critical windows of prenatal exposure to average meteorological conditions and meteorological variability. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 142:105847. [PMID: 32559561 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heat stress during pregnancy may limit fetal growth, with ramifications throughout the life course. However, critical exposure windows are unknown, and effects of meteorological variability have not been investigated. OBJECTIVES We aimed to identify sensitive windows for the associations of mean and variability of temperature and humidity with term birthweight. METHODS We analyzed data from two French mother-child cohorts, EDEN and PELAGIE (n = 4771), recruited in 2002-2006. Temperature exposure was assessed using a satellite-based model with daily 1-km2 resolution, and relative humidity exposure data were obtained from Météo France monitors. Distributed lag models were constructed using weekly means and standard deviation (SD, to quantify variability) from the first 37 gestational weeks. Analyses were then stratified by sex. Results for each exposure were adjusted for the other exposures, gestational age at birth, season and year of conception, cohort and recruitment center, and individual confounders. RESULTS There was no evidence of association between term birthweight and mean temperature. We identified a critical window in weeks 6-20 for temperature variability (cumulative change in term birthweight of -54.2 g [95% CI: -102, -6] for a 1 °C increase in SD of temperature for each week in that window). Upon stratification by sex of the infant, the relationship remained for boys (weeks 1-21, cumulative change: -125 g [95% CI: -228, -21]). For mean humidity, there was a critical window in weeks 26-37, with a cumulative change of -28 g (95% CI: -49, -7) associated with a 5% increase in humidity for each week. The critical window was longer and had a stronger association in boys (weeks 29-37; -37 g, 95% CI: -63, -11) than girls (week 14; -1.8 g, 95% CI: -3.6, -0.1). DISCUSSION Weekly temperature variability and mean humidity during critical exposure windows were associated with decreased term birthweight, especially in boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otana Jakpor
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CNRS, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, IAB, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Cécile Chevrier
- Univ. Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Itai Kloog
- Department of Geography and Environmental Development, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Meriem Benmerad
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CNRS, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, IAB, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Lise Giorgis-Allemand
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CNRS, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, IAB, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Sylvaine Cordier
- Univ. Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Emie Seyve
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CNRS, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, IAB, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Ana Maria Vicedo-Cabrera
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rémy Slama
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CNRS, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, IAB, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Barbara Heude
- Université de Paris, Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Statistics (CRESS), INSERM, INRAE, Paris, France
| | - Joel Schwartz
- Department of Environmental Health, Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Johanna Lepeule
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CNRS, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, IAB, 38000 Grenoble, France.
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15
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A population-based case-control study of the association between weather-related extreme heat events and low birthweight. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2020; 12:335-342. [PMID: 32468978 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174420000392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Although prenatal exposure to high ambient temperatures were reported to be associated with preterm birth, limited research assessed the impact of weather-related extreme heat events (EHE) on birthweight, particularly by trimester. We, therefore, investigated the impact of prenatal EHE on birthweight among term babies (tLBW) by trimester and birthweight percentile. We conducted a population-based case-control study on singleton live births at 38-42 gestational weeks in New York State (NYS) by linking weather data with NYS birth certificates. A total of 22,615 cases were identified as birthweight <2500 gram, and a random sample of 139,168 normal birthweight controls was included. EHE was defined as three consecutive days with the maximum temperatures of ≥32.2 °C/90 °F (EHE90) and two consecutive days of temperatures ≥97th percentile (EHE97) based on the distribution of the maximum temperature for the season and region. We estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) with multivariable unconditional logistic regression, controlling for confounders. Overall exposure to EHE97 for 2 d was associated with tLBW (OR 1.05; 95% CI 1.02, 1.09); however, the strongest associations were only observed in the first trimester for both heat indicators, especially when exposure was ≥3 d (ORs ranged: 1.06-1.13). EHE in the first trimester was associated with significant reduction in mean birthweight from 26.78 gram (EHE90) to 36.25 gram (EHE97), which mainly affected the 40th and 60th birthweight percentiles. Findings revealed associations between multiple heat indicators and tLBW, where the impact was consistently strongest in the first trimester.
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16
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Paterson SK, Godsmark CN. Heat-health vulnerability in temperate climates: lessons and response options from Ireland. Global Health 2020; 16:29. [PMID: 32228631 PMCID: PMC7106697 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-020-00554-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Ireland, rising temperatures remains the climate projection that national climate scientists associate with the highest degree of confidence. However, the health challenge of heat has been largely absent from Ireland’s public health sector. This is epitomised by the lack of a comprehensive public health-focused heat-health action plan or country-specific codes of practice for heat-health when working outdoors. Our objective is to highlight the anticipated heat-health challenges in Ireland, and other temperate regions, through analysing vulnerable groups and systems, reinforcing the need to respond. Methods A scoping literature review was conducted to determine how heat affects health of the vulnerable in temperate climatic regions, with a focus on Ireland. Additionally, national Google Trends data was coarsely analysed to determine whether heat is a growing societal concern. Results and discussion The heat-vulnerable include: older people; chronically ill; infants, pregnant women, children; outdoor workers; socio-economically disadvantaged; urban dwellers; food systems and the health sector. Google Trends data suggest an increase in heat-related health searches over time, demonstrating rising levels of concern to temperature increases, reinforcing a gap in national policy associated with communication of, and response to, the heat-health challenge. Specific, actionable recommendations for adaptation and mitigation strategies are proposed. Conclusion Heat poses a public and occupational health challenge, receiving limited attention in Ireland. Lack of a co-ordinated effort, places vulnerable populations at risk. Our recommendations, with reference to vulnerable groups and acknowledging the multi-sectoral nature of heat-health and climate change, advocate for the adoption of a “health and climate change in all policies” approach and the development of a public health-focused heat-health action plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shona K Paterson
- College of Business, Arts and Social Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Christie Nicole Godsmark
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Western Gateway Building, Western Road, Cork, T12 XF62, Ireland. .,Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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17
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Martens DS, Plusquin M, Cox B, Nawrot TS. Early Biological Aging and Fetal Exposure to High and Low Ambient Temperature: A Birth Cohort Study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2019; 127:117001. [PMID: 31691586 PMCID: PMC6927502 DOI: 10.1289/ehp5153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although studies have provided estimates of premature mortality to either heat or cold in adult populations, and fetal exposure to ambient temperature may be associated with life expectancy, the effects of temperature on aging in early life have not yet been studied. Telomere length (TL) is a marker of biological aging, and a short TL at birth may predict lifespan and disease susceptibility later in life. OBJECTIVES We studied to what extent prenatal ambient temperature exposure is associated with newborn TL. METHODS In the ENVIRONAGE (ENVIRonmental influence ON early AGEing) birth cohort in Flanders, Belgium, we measured cord blood and placental TL in 1,103 mother-newborn pairs (singletons with ≥36wk of gestation) using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method. We associated newborn TL with average weekly exposure to ambient temperature using distributed lag nonlinear models (DLNMs) while controlling for potential confounders. Double-threshold DLNMs were used to estimate cold and heat thresholds and the linear associations between temperature and TL below the cold threshold and above the heat threshold. RESULTS Prenatal temperature exposure above the heat threshold (19.5°C) was associated with shorter cord blood TL. The association with a 1°C increase in temperature was strongest at week 36 of gestation and resulted in a 3.29% [95% confidence interval (CI): -4.67, -1.88] shorter cord blood TL. Consistently, prenatal temperature exposure below the cold threshold (5.0°C) was associated with longer cord blood TL. The association with a 1°C decrease in temperature was strongest at week 10 of gestation with 0.72% (95% CI: 0.46, 0.97) longer cord blood TL. DISCUSSION Our study supports potential effects of prenatal temperature exposure on longevity and disease susceptibility later in life. Future climate scenarios might jeopardize the potential molecular longevity of future generations from birth onward. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP5153.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dries S Martens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Michelle Plusquin
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Bianca Cox
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
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18
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Garay SM, Savory KA, Sumption LA, Penketh RJ, Jones IR, Janssen AB, John RM. Seasonal variation in salivary cortisol but not symptoms of depression and trait anxiety in pregnant women undergoing an elective caesarean section. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 108:14-19. [PMID: 31181440 PMCID: PMC6854466 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Seasonal changes in mood and behaviour are commonly reported in the general population but considerably less is known regarding seasonality and pregnancy. This study investigated the relationship between seasons and depression and anxiety symptoms, salivary cortisol concentrations, custom birthweight centiles (CBWC) and placenta weight for pregnant women living in South Wales. METHODS This study utilised data from the longitudinal Grown in Wales (GiW) cohort. Women were recruited at the presurgical elective caesarean section (ELCS) appointment, when they provided saliva samples and completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and trait subscale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Data on birthweight and placental weight was extracted from medical notes. Seasonal data was available for 316 participants. RESULTS No association was identified between seasons and EPDS (p = .178), STAI scores (p = .544), CBWC (p = .683) or placental weight (p = .857). Significance was identified between seasons and salivary cortisol concentration (p<.001), with highest levels in autumn and winter. Adjusted linear regression identified spring (B=-.05, p=.007, 95% CI -.09, -.01) and summer (B=-.06, p = .001, 95% CI -09, -.02) compared to autumn, and spring (B=-.05, p=.009, 95% CI -.09, -.01) and summer (B=-.06, p=.002, 95% CI -.10, -.02) compared to winter to be associated with decreased cortisol concentrations. CONCLUSION This study found no association between season and maternally-reported mental health symptoms, birthweight by CBWC or placental weight but did between season and term salivary cortisol. This finding will have implications for studies that do not account for seasonality when using salivary cortisol as a biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M. Garay
- Biomedicine Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, United Kingdom
| | - Katrina A. Savory
- Biomedicine Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, United Kingdom
| | - Lorna A. Sumption
- Biomedicine Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J.A. Penketh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Wales, Cardiff, Wales, CF144XW, United Kingdom
| | - Ian R. Jones
- National Centre for Mental Health, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, CF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| | - Anna B. Janssen
- Biomedicine Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, United Kingdom
| | - Rosalind M. John
- Biomedicine Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, United Kingdom,Corresponding author.
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Li Z, Yuan X, Fu J, Zhang L, Hong L, Hu L, Liu L. Association of ambient air pollutants and birth weight in Ningbo, 2015-2017. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 249:629-637. [PMID: 30933760 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.03.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested a change of birth weight linked with elevated ambient air pollutant concentrations during the pregnancy. However, investigations of the influence of higher pollutant levels on birth weight change are limited. The goal of this study is to evaluate whether the air pollution of Ningbo is associated with birth weight, and which trimester could be a window period for maternal exposure to air pollution. A total of 170,008 live births were selected in the Ningbo city of Zhejiang, China, from 2015 to 2017. We estimated the association between the decreased birth weight and the increased air pollutant concentrations in the three trimesters and full gestation. The effects of interaction among pollutants were identified using a co-pollutant adjustment model. An interquartile range increases in PM2.5 (10.55 μg/m3), SO2(4.6 μg/m3), CO (125.59 μg/m3), and O3 (14.54 μg/m3) concentrations during the entire gestation were associated with 3.65 g (95% confidence interval: -6.02 g, -1.29 g), 5.02 g (-6.89 g, -3.14 g), 2.64 g (-4.65 g, -0.63 g) and 2.9 g (-4.8 g, 1 g) decreases, respectively, in birth weight. With each interquartile range increment in NO2 concentration was associated with an 8.05 g (6.24 g, 9.85 g) increase in birth weight. In the first trimester, only the PM2.5 exposure seemed to be associated with the greatest decline in birth weight. After adjustment for co-pollutant, both PM2.5 and SO2 were still associated with birth weight, except for CO for O3 adjustment, O3 for SO2 adjustment, and O3 for NO2 adjustment. Maternal exposure to air pollution may be associated with a decrease of birth weight, but the contribution of various pollutants is necessary to verify by future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Li
- Department of Preventative Medicine, Medicine School of Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqi Yuan
- Pediatric Surgery Ward, Ningbo Women and Children Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315012, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianfei Fu
- Department of Medical Records and Statistics, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315010, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingyun Zhang
- Department of Preventative Medicine, Medicine School of Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Lixia Hong
- Department of Preventative Medicine, Medicine School of Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingjie Hu
- Department of Preventative Medicine, Medicine School of Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Liya Liu
- Department of Preventative Medicine, Medicine School of Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315211, People's Republic of China.
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20
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Zhang W, Spero TL, Nolte CG, Garcia VC, Lin Z, Romitti PA, Shaw GM, Sheridan SC, Feldkamp ML, Woomert A, Hwang S, Fisher SC, Browne ML, Hao Y, Lin S. Projected Changes in Maternal Heat Exposure During Early Pregnancy and the Associated Congenital Heart Defect Burden in the United States. J Am Heart Assoc 2019; 8:e010995. [PMID: 30696385 PMCID: PMC6405581 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.118.010995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Background More intense and longer-lasting heat events are expected in the United States as a consequence of climate change. This study aimed to project the potential changes in maternal heat exposure during early pregnancy (3-8 weeks post conception) and the associated burden of congenital heart defects ( CHD s) in the future. Methods and Results This study expanded on a prior nationwide case-control study that evaluated the association between CHD s and maternal heat exposure during early pregnancy in summer and spring. We defined multiple indicators of heat exposure, and applied published odds ratios obtained for the matching season of the baseline (1995-2005) into the projection period (2025-2035) to estimate potential changes in CHD burden throughout the United States. Increases in maternal heat exposure were projected across the United States and to be larger in the summer. The Midwest will potentially have the highest increase in summer maternal exposure to excessively hot days (3.42; 95% CI, 2.99-3.88 per pregnancy), heat event frequency (0.52; 95% CI, 0.44-0.60) and heat event duration (1.73; 95% CI, 1.49-1.97). We also found large increases in specific CHD subtypes during spring, including a 34.0% (95% CI, 4.9%-70.8%) increase in conotruncal CHD in the South and a 38.6% (95% CI , 9.9%-75.1%) increase in atrial septal defect in the Northeast. Conclusions Projected increases in maternal heat exposure could result in an increased CHD burden in certain seasons and regions of the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangjian Zhang
- Department of Medical Statistics and EpidemiologySchool of Public HealthSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Department of Environmental Health SciencesUniversity at Albany, State University of New YorkRensselaerNY
| | - Tanya L. Spero
- National Exposure Research LaboratoryU.S. Environmental Protection AgencyResearch Triangle ParkNC
| | - Christopher G. Nolte
- National Exposure Research LaboratoryU.S. Environmental Protection AgencyResearch Triangle ParkNC
| | - Valerie C. Garcia
- National Exposure Research LaboratoryU.S. Environmental Protection AgencyResearch Triangle ParkNC
| | - Ziqiang Lin
- Department of Environmental Health SciencesUniversity at Albany, State University of New YorkRensselaerNY
- Department of MathematicsUniversity at AlbanyNY
| | | | - Gary M. Shaw
- Stanford University School of MedicineStanfordCA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marilyn L. Browne
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsUniversity at Albany, State University of New YorkRensselaerNY
- New York State Department of HealthAlbanyNY
| | - Yuantao Hao
- Department of Medical Statistics and EpidemiologySchool of Public HealthSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Shao Lin
- Department of Environmental Health SciencesUniversity at Albany, State University of New YorkRensselaerNY
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21
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Li S, Wang J, Xu Z, Wang X, Xu G, Zhang J, Shen X, Tong S. Exploring associations of maternal exposure to ambient temperature with duration of gestation and birth weight: a prospective study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2018; 18:513. [PMID: 30594173 PMCID: PMC6311008 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-018-2100-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence suggests the possible impact of ambient high temperature on fetal growth and birth outcomes. However, little is known about the relative impact of exposure to heat and cold and the possible vulnerable window during pregnancy. Methods Data on a total of 237,585 pregnant women from January 1st, 2001 to December 31st, 2010 were acquired from the Queensland Health, Australia. Daily data on meteorological factors, including ambient temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, and air pollutants, such as PM10, SO2, NO2, and O3, were obtained from relevant government agencies. This study was to examine the associations of maternal exposure to ambient temperature (high and low temperatures, in early vs. late pregnancy) with the duration of gestation and birth weight. Results A J-shaped association between minimum temperature at conception and duration of gestation was observed after adjusting for seasonality and other confounders. Compared to women who were exposed to the minimum temperature of 15–20 °C in the first gestational week, exposure to the minimum temperature of > 20 °C significantly increased the duration of gestation by 0.029 weeks (95% CI: 0.008, 0.049). A cumulative effect was found when exposure across the first four weeks was examined. There was an inverted U-shaped relationship between minimum temperature at delivery and the duration of gestation. Compared to women exposed to 15–20 °C, exposure to minimum temperature of > 20 °C and ≤ 10 °C was associated with a shortened gestation by 0.030 weeks (95% CI: -0.052, − 0.008) and 0.018 weeks (95% CI: -0.057, − 0.004), respectively. By contrast, an inverse relationship between maximum temperature and birth weight was observed. Compared to exposure to the maximum temperature of > 30 °C in the last week of pregnancy, maternal exposure to 20–25 °C and < 20 °C significantly increased birth weight by 0.011 kg (95% CI: 0.008, 0.018) and 0.018 kg (95% CI: 0.010, 0.031), respectively. Similarly, a mild cumulative effect was observed when maximum temperature exposure across the four weeks before delivery was evaluated. Conclusions The finding emphasized the importance of keeping an optimal temperature range during pregnancy for reducing the risk of preterm birth and low birthweight. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12884-018-2100-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenghui Li
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China. .,MOE - Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jiajia Wang
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Zhiwei Xu
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Gang Xu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,MOE - Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoming Shen
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,MOE - Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shilu Tong
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
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22
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Kloog I, Novack L, Erez O, Just AC, Raz R. Associations between ambient air temperature, low birth weight and small for gestational age in term neonates in southern Israel. Environ Health 2018; 17:76. [PMID: 30413171 PMCID: PMC6234799 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-018-0420-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increase in ambient temperatures (Ta) and emissions of greenhouse gases over the last century has focused attention on the effects of ambient temperatures on health outcomes. We aimed to investigate the association between Ta and the clinical measures of term low birth weight (tLBW) and small for gestational age (SGA) in singleton term infants using a decade of regional hospital data in southern Israel. METHODS We linked all births in Soroka University Medical Center in the southern district of Israel insured by Clalit Health Services with pregnancy Ta estimated by our novel hybrid spatio-temporally resolved prediction model. Logistic regression generalized additive models and general linear models were used, with either tLBW or SGA as the dependent variable, modeling entire pregnancy and trimester-specific Ta adjusting for seasonality, time trend, particulate matter, maternal age, gravidity, parity, ethnicity, sex, poverty index and population density. RESULTS The study population included 56,141 singleton term newborns, with 1716 (3.1%) cases of tLBW and 8634 (15.4%) cases of SGA. The average and the median Ta across the entire pregnancy were 19.9 (SD: 1.77, range: 14.6-24.9) degrees centigrade. The lowest Ta quartile (Ta = < 18.5) was associated with higher risk of tLBW (odds ratio = 1.33, 95%CI 1.11-1.58) while the highest Ta quartile (Ta > =21.3) was not significantly associated with tLBW (odds ratio = 1.17, 95%CI 0.99-1.38), in comparison to the two intermediate quartiles. When analyzing SGA as the dependent variable, the lowest Ta quartile was associated with significantly higher risk of SGA (odds ratio = 1.18, 95%CI 1.09-1.29) while the highest quartile was associated with significantly lower risk of SGA (odds ratio = 0.91, 95%CI 0.84-0.99) in comparison to the two intermediate quartiles. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that lower pregnancy Ta may increase the risk of tLBW and SGA, and higher pregnancy Ta may decrease the risk of SGA in singleton term infants in southern Israel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itai Kloog
- Department of Geography and Environmental Development, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B, 653 Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Lena Novack
- Department of Public Health, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B, 653 Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Offer Erez
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Soroka medical center, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Allan C. Just
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt Sinai, New York, NY USA
| | - Raanan Raz
- Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of medicine, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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Duchoslav J. Prenatal Temperature Shocks Reduce Cooperation: Evidence from Public Goods Games in Uganda. Front Behav Neurosci 2017; 11:249. [PMID: 29311866 PMCID: PMC5742612 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2017.00249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change has not only led to a sustained rise in mean global temperature over the past decades, but also increased the frequency of extreme weather events. This paper explores the effect of temperature shocks in utero on later-life taste for cooperation. Using historical climate data combined with data on child and adult behavior in public goods games, I show that abnormally high ambient temperatures during gestation are associated with decreased individual contributions to the public good in a statistically and economically significant way. A 1 standard deviation rise in mean ambient temperature during gestation is associated with a 10% point decrease in children's cooperation rate in a dichotomous public goods game, and the reduced taste for cooperation lasts into adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Duchoslav
- Development Economics Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
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24
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Michikawa T, Morokuma S, Fukushima K, Kato K, Nitta H, Yamazaki S. Maternal exposure to air pollutants during the first trimester and foetal growth in Japanese term infants. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 230:387-393. [PMID: 28672151 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.06.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Evidence supporting an inverse association between maternal exposure to air pollutants and foetal growth has been accumulating. However, the findings from Asian populations are limited, and the question of critical windows of exposure remains unanswered. We examined whether maternal exposure to air pollutants, in particular exposure during the first trimester (an important period of placental development), was associated with foetal growth in Japanese term infants. From the Japan Perinatal Registry Network database, we received birth data for 29,177 term singleton births in western Japan (Kyushu-Okinawa Districts) between 2005 and 2010. Exposure was expressed in terms of average concentrations of air pollutants (ozone, suspended particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and sulphur dioxide), as measured at the nearest monitoring stations to the respective delivery hospitals of the pregnant women, during the entire pregnancy and each trimester. As proxy markers of foetal growth restriction, we used small for gestational age (SGA), and adverse birth weight (low birth weight in addition to SGA). For pollutant exposure during the entire pregnancy, we did not observe the association with SGA and adverse birth weight. In the single-trimester model for the first trimester, however, we found a positive association between ozone exposure, and SGA (odds ratio [OR] per 10 ppb increase = 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-1.12) and adverse birth weight (OR = 1.07; 95% CI = 1.01-1.14). This association persisted in the multi-trimester model, and no association for exposure during the second or third trimester was observed. Exposure to other pollutants during each trimester was not associated with these outcomes. In conclusion, maternal exposure to ozone during the first trimester was independently associated with an elevated risk of poor foetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehiro Michikawa
- Environmental Epidemiology Section, Centre for Health and Environmental Risk Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan.
| | - Seiichi Morokuma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kyushu University Hospital, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Kotaro Fukushima
- Fukushima Clinic, 1-14-23 Yoshizuka, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka 812-0041, Japan.
| | - Kiyoko Kato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kyushu University Hospital, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Nitta
- Environmental Epidemiology Section, Centre for Health and Environmental Risk Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan.
| | - Shin Yamazaki
- Environmental Epidemiology Section, Centre for Health and Environmental Risk Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan.
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25
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MacVicar S, Berrang-Ford L, Harper S, Huang Y, Namanya Bambaiha D, Yang S. Whether weather matters: Evidence of association between in utero meteorological exposures and foetal growth among Indigenous and non-Indigenous mothers in rural Uganda. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0179010. [PMID: 28591162 PMCID: PMC5462429 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy and birth outcomes have been found to be sensitive to meteorological variation, yet few studies explore this relationship in sub-Saharan Africa where infant mortality rates are the highest in the world. We address this research gap by examining the association between meteorological factors and birth weight in a rural population in southwestern Uganda. Our study included hospital birth records (n = 3197) from 2012 to 2015, for which we extracted meteorological exposure data for the three trimesters preceding each birth. We used linear regression, controlling for key covariates, to estimate the timing, strength, and direction of meteorological effects on birth weight. Our results indicated that precipitation during the third trimester had a positive association with birth weight, with more frequent days of precipitation associated with higher birth weight: we observed a 3.1g (95% CI: 1.0–5.3g) increase in birth weight per additional day of exposure to rainfall over 5mm. Increases in average daily temperature during the third trimester were also associated with birth weight, with an increase of 41.8g (95% CI: 0.6–82.9g) per additional degree Celsius. When the sample was stratified by season of birth, only infants born between June and November experienced a significant associated between meteorological exposures and birth weight. The association of meteorological variation with foetal growth seemed to differ by ethnicity; effect sizes of meteorological were greater among an Indigenous subset of the population, in particular for variation in temperature. Effects in all populations in this study are higher than estimates of the African continental average, highlighting the heterogeneity in the vulnerability of infant health to meteorological variation in different contexts. Our results indicate that while there is an association between meteorological variation and birth weight, the magnitude of these associations may vary across ethnic groups with differential socioeconomic resources, with implications for interventions to reduce these gradients and offset the health impacts predicted under climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah MacVicar
- Department of Geography, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Lea Berrang-Ford
- Department of Geography, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sherilee Harper
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yi Huang
- Department of Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Seungmi Yang
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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26
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Zhang Y, Yu C, Wang L. Temperature exposure during pregnancy and birth outcomes: An updated systematic review of epidemiological evidence. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 225:700-712. [PMID: 28284544 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.02.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Seasonal patterns of birth outcomes have been observed worldwide, and there was increasing evidence that ambient temperature played as a trigger of adverse birth outcomes, such as preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW), and stillbirth. To systematically review updated epidemiological evidence about the relationship between temperature exposure during pregnancy and PTB, LBW, and stillbirth, we searched for related studies published in English from electronic databases and references of identified papers. We only included original articles that directly reported the effects of prenatal temperature exposure on birth outcomes. The characteristics and main findings of included studies were examined. A total of 36 epidemiological studies were finally included in this review. Most of these studies focused on PTB and LBW, while less attention has been paid to stillbirth that was relatively rare in the occurrence. Several designs including ecological (e.g., descriptive and time-series) and retrospective cohort studies (e.g., case-crossover and time-to-event) were applied to assess temperature effects on birth outcomes. Temperature metrics and exposure windows varied greatly in these investigations. Exposure to high temperature was generally found to be associated with PTB, LBW, and stillbirth, while several studies also reported the adverse impact of low temperature on birth outcomes of PTB and LBW. Despite no conclusive causality demonstrated, the current evidence for adverse effect on birth outcomes was stronger for heat than for cold. In summary, the evidence linking birth outcomes with ambient temperature was still very limited. Consequently, more related studies are needed worldwide and should be conducted in diversified climate zones, so as to further ascertain the association between temperature and birth outcomes. Future studies should focus on more sophisticated study designs, more accurate estimation of temperature exposure during pregnancy, and more efficient methods to find out the exposure windows, as well as cold-related effects on birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunquan Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Chuanhua Yu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430071, China; Global Health Institute, Wuhan University, 8 Donghunan Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430071, China
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Rashid H, Kagami M, Ferdous F, Ma E, Terao T, Hayashi T, Wagatsuma Y. Temperature during pregnancy influences the fetal growth and birth size. Trop Med Health 2016; 45:1. [PMID: 28077924 PMCID: PMC5223368 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-016-0041-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Birth weight and length have seasonal fluctuations. However, it is uncertain which meteorological element has an effect on birth outcomes and which timing of pregnancy would explain such effect. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine temperature effects during pregnancy and which timing of pregnancy has effects on size at birth. METHODS A large, randomized, controlled trial of food and micronutrient supplementation for pregnant women was conducted in Matlab, Bangladesh (MINIMat Study), where women were enrolled from November 2001 to October 2003. The fetal growth data which included the size at birth and information of their mothers were obtained (n = 3267). Meteorological data such as temperature, precipitation, relative humidity, and daily sunshine hours during pregnancy were observed at the nearest observatory site of Bangladesh Meteorological Department. RESULTS Infants born in colder months (November-January) were shorter than those born in hot and dry, and monsoon months (mean (SD) of birth length was 47.5 cm (2.2) vs. 47.8 cm (2.1) vs. 47.9 cm (2.1) respectively; P < 0.001). Increased temperature during the last month of pregnancy was significantly related with increased birth length with adjustment for gestational weeks and the season at birth, and remained significant with further adjustments for precipitation, sex of infants, maternal early-pregnancy BMI, parity, and education status of the mother (P < 0.01). On the other hand, increased temperature at mid-gestation was associated with increased birth weight (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that temperature affects both birth weight and length. The more temperature increased at the last month of pregnancy, birth length became longer. For birth weight, the temperature at mid-pregnancy affected in a positive way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harunor Rashid
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan ; International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Miki Kagami
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Farzana Ferdous
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Enbo Ma
- Department of Clinical Trial and Clinical Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575 Japan
| | - Toru Terao
- Faculty of Education, Kagawa University, Takamatsu, Kagawa Japan
| | - Taiichi Hayashi
- Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yukiko Wagatsuma
- Department of Clinical Trial and Clinical Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575 Japan
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28
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Yitshak-Sade M, Novack L, Landau D, Kloog I, Sarov B, Hershkovitz R, Karakis I. Relationship of ambient air pollutants and hazardous household factors with birth weight among Bedouin-Arabs. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 160:314-322. [PMID: 27391054 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.06.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 06/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution and meteorology exposures during pregnancy have been suggested to be associated with Birth Weight (BW). Yet, the individual medical background and close household environment is rarely addressed. We aimed to evaluate the independent association of BW with meteorological and air pollution exposures during pregnancy, in addition to individual, parental and household risk factors, among the Bedouin-Arab population in Southern Israel; a semi nomadic population, featured by low socio-economic levels and poor housing and household environment. METHODS In a retrospective cohort study we enrolled pregnant women upon their arrival in the local hospital for delivery during December 2011-April 2013. We interviewed the women and collected data on socio-demographic characteristics, medical history and household environmental hazards. Air pollution (NO2, SO2, CO, Ozone and Particulate Matter <2.5 μ and 10 μ in diameter) and meteorological data (temperature, relative humidity), retrieved from 13 monitoring sites, were linked to each woman based on the proximity of her residential address. RESULTS A total of 959 women were eligible for the study, half of them resided in temporary tribal localities. Ozone IQR elevation in the 3rd trimester was associated with 0.119 gr decrease in BW (95%CI -0.127 gr; -0.112 gr); temperature IQR elevation in the 3rd trimester was associated with 0.002 gr (95%CI -0.004 gr; -0.001 gr) decrease in BW. Waste in the house surroundings was associated with a decrease of 117.27 gr in BW (95%CI -209.19 gr; -25.34 gr). CONCLUSION Although exposure to high levels of temperature and O3 were associated with lower BW, the contribution of poor household environment indicators to BW reduction was substantially higher.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maayan Yitshak-Sade
- Clinical Research Center, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel; Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Lena Novack
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University, Beer Sheva, Israel.
| | - Daniella Landau
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University, Beer Sheva, Israel; Department of Neonatology Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Itai Kloog
- Department of Geography, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Batia Sarov
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Reli Hershkovitz
- Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University, Beer Sheva, Israel; Ultrasound Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Isabella Karakis
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University, Beer Sheva, Israel; Environmental Epidemiology Department, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel; Ashkelon Academic College, Ashkelon, Israel
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29
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Sohn K. Disappearing seasonality in birthweight. Am J Hum Biol 2016; 28:767-773. [DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.22864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Revised: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kitae Sohn
- Department of Economics; Konkuk University; 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu Seoul 05029 South Korea
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30
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Osei E, Agbemefle I, Kye-Duodu G, Binka FN. Linear trends and seasonality of births and perinatal outcomes in Upper East Region, Ghana from 2010 to 2014. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2016; 16:48. [PMID: 26944402 PMCID: PMC4779262 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-016-0835-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seasonal variations greatly influence birth patterns differently from country to country. In Ghana, there is paucity of information on birth seasonal patterns. This retrospective study described the trends and seasonality of births and perinatal outcomes in Upper East Region of Ghana. METHODS Births occurring in each month of the calendar years (2010-2014; inclusive) were extracted from the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS2) database of the Bolgatanga Municipal Health Directorate and exported into Microsoft Excel spread sheet and Epi Ifo for analysis. Analysis was carried out by calculating average number of births per month correcting for unequal month length using 30 days. A Chi-square test for trend was performed to check for statistical significance (p < 0.05) in trends and seasonality of birth and perinatal outcomes. RESULTS There were 24,171 health facility deliveries, of which 97.7% were singleton deliveries and 2.3% were multiple (two or three) deliveries. There was a consistent rise in the annual health facility deliveries controlled for the number of fertile women, from 4169 in 2010 to 5474 in 2014 (p < 0.0001). Monthly birth distribution displayed a periodic pattern with peaks in May, September and October and troughs during the months of January, February and July (p < 0.0001). Women were likely to give birth during the raining season than the dry season. Caesarean Section (CS) rate showed a steady rise over the years (124 per 1000 births in 2010 to 185 per 1000 births in 2014 (p < 0.0001) with overall rate of 14.6%. Stillbirth (SB) rate, however decreased slightly over the years from 29 per 1000 births to 23 per 1000 births (p = 0.197) with overall SB rate of 2.6%. Similarly, Low Birth Weight (LBW) declined from 77 per 1000 live births to 71 per 1000 live births from 2010 to 2014 (p < 0.0001). Seasonal (rainy and dry) distributions did not show a clear difference in birth frequencies. CONCLUSION Health facility delivery was persistently high in the Bolgatanga Municipality with birth peaking in May, September and October. Despite the rising rate of caesarean section, stillbirth rate did not significantly improved over the years. A prospective study may reveal the reasons for the increasing caesarean section rate. Additionally, understanding the factors that affect the decreasing trends of low birth weight in the municipality is crucial to public health policy makers in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Osei
- Department of Population and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana.
- School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana.
| | - Isaac Agbemefle
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana.
| | - Gideon Kye-Duodu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana.
| | - Fred Newton Binka
- Chancellery, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana.
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Hughes MM, Katz J, Mullany LC, Khatry SK, LeClerq SC, Darmstadt GL, Tielsch JM. Seasonality of birth outcomes in rural Sarlahi District, Nepal: a population-based prospective cohort. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2014; 14:310. [PMID: 25195204 PMCID: PMC4162951 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2393-14-310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background While seasonality of birth outcomes has been documented in a variety of settings, data from rural South Asia are lacking. We report a descriptive study of the seasonality of prematurity, low birth weight, small for gestational age, neonatal deaths, and stillbirths in the plains of Nepal. Methods Using data collected prospectively during a randomized controlled trial of neonatal skin and umbilical cord cleansing with chlorhexidine, we analyzed a cohort of 23,662 babies born between September 2002 and January 2006. Project workers collected data on birth outcomes at the infant’s household. Supplemental data from other studies conducted at the same field site are presented to provide context. 95% confidence intervals were constructed around monthly estimates to examine statistical significance of findings. Results Month of birth was associated with higher risk for adverse outcomes (neonatal mortality, low birthweight, preterm, and small for gestational age), even when controlling for maternal characteristics. Infants had 87% (95% CI: 27 – 176%) increased risk of neonatal mortality when born in August, the high point, versus March, the low point. Conclusion Seasonality of neonatal deaths, stillbirths, birth weight, gestational age, and small for gestational age were found in Nepal. Maternal factors, meteorological conditions, infectious diseases, and nutritional status may be associated with these adverse birth outcomes. Further research is needed to understand the causal mechanisms that explain the seasonality of adverse birth outcomes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2393-14-310) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joanne Katz
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.
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Pomeroy E, Wells JC, Stanojevic S, Miranda JJ, Cole TJ, Stock JT. Birth month associations with height, head circumference, and limb lengths among peruvian children. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2014; 154:115-24. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.22484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Pomeroy
- Newnham CollegeUniversity of CambridgeCambridge UK
- Division of Biological AnthropologyDepartment of Archaeology and AnthropologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridge UK
| | | | - Sanja Stanojevic
- Division of Respiratory MedicineThe Hospital for Sick ChildrenToronto ON Canada
| | - J. Jaime Miranda
- CRONICAS Centre of Excellence in Chronic Diseases and Department of MedicineSchool of Medicine, Universidad Peruana Cayetano HerediaLima Peru
| | - Tim J. Cole
- Centre of Paediatric Epidemiology and BiostatisticsUCL Institute of Child HealthLondon UK
| | - Jay T. Stock
- Division of Biological AnthropologyDepartment of Archaeology and AnthropologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridge UK
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Van Zutphen AR, Hsu WH, Lin S. Extreme winter temperature and birth defects: a population-based case-control study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 128:1-8. [PMID: 24407473 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2013.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Revised: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 11/23/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE We examined the relationship between extreme winter temperatures and birth defects to determine whether pregnant women might be vulnerable to the weather extremes expected with climate change. METHODS In this population-based, case-control study, we linked the New York State Congenital Malformations Registry to birth certificates (1992-2006). Cases were defined as live births with birth defects, and controls were selected from a 10% random sample of live births. We assigned meteorological data based on maternal birth residence and summarized universal apparent temperature across gestational weeks 3-8 (embryogenesis). We defined an extreme cold day as a day with mean temperature below the 10th percentile of the regional winter temperature distribution and a cold spell as 3 consecutive extreme cold days. We averaged temperature for each week of the first trimester to identify susceptible periods. We estimated adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) with multivariable logistic regression for 30 birth defects groups. RESULTS Among 13,044 cases and 59,884 controls with at least 1 week of embryogenesis in winter, coarctation of the aorta was associated with a 1°C decrease in mean universal apparent temperature (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02-1.11), cold spell (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.11-2.34), and number of extreme cold days. We observed reduced odds of hypoplastic left heart syndrome and dislocated hip for some cold indicators. CONCLUSIONS Most birth defects were not associated with cold indicators; however, we found positive associations between cold indicators and coarctation of the aorta in the biologically-relevant developmental window which warrants replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alissa R Van Zutphen
- New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Environmental & Occupational Epidemiology, Empire State Plaza, Corning Tower, Room 1203, Albany, NY 12237, United States; University at Albany, School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, One University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - Wan-Hsiang Hsu
- New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Environmental & Occupational Epidemiology, Empire State Plaza, Corning Tower, Room 1203, Albany, NY 12237, United States; University at Albany, School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, One University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - Shao Lin
- New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Environmental & Occupational Epidemiology, Empire State Plaza, Corning Tower, Room 1203, Albany, NY 12237, United States; University at Albany, School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, One University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States.
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Beltran AJ, Wu J, Laurent O. Associations of meteorology with adverse pregnancy outcomes: a systematic review of preeclampsia, preterm birth and birth weight. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 11:91-172. [PMID: 24362545 PMCID: PMC3924438 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph110100091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Revised: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The relationships between meteorology and pregnancy outcomes are not well known. This article reviews available evidence on the relationships between seasonality or meteorology and three major pregnancy outcomes: the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (including preeclampsia, eclampsia and gestational hypertension), gestational length and birth weight. In total 35, 28 and 27 studies were identified for each of these outcomes. The risks of preeclampsia appear higher for women with conception during the warmest months, and delivery in the coldest months of the year. Delivery in the coldest months is also associated with a higher eclampsia risk. Patterns of decreased gestational lengths have been observed for births in winter, as well as summer months. Most analytical studies also report decreases in gestational lengths associated with heat. Birth weights are lower for deliveries occurring in winter and in summer months. Only a limited number of studies have investigated the effects of barometric pressure on gestational length or the effects of temperature and sunshine exposure on birth weight, but these questions appear worth investigating further. Available results should encourage further etiological research aiming at enhancing our understanding of the relationships between meteorology and adverse pregnancy outcomes, ideally via harmonized multicentric studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jun Wu
- Program in Public Health, Anteater Instruction & Research Bldg (AIRB), 653 East Peltason Drive, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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Schreier N, Moltchanova E, Forsén T, Kajantie E, Eriksson JG. Seasonality and ambient temperature at time of conception in term-born individuals - influences on cardiovascular disease and obesity in adult life. Int J Circumpolar Health 2013; 72:21466. [PMID: 24137570 PMCID: PMC3797918 DOI: 10.3402/ijch.v72i0.21466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2013] [Revised: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The influence of environmental conditions early in life – including temperature and season – on health later in life has so far not attracted much attention. Objective Using data from the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study of 13,345 men and women, the influence of temperature and season at month of conception on birth weight, and on cardiovascular diseases and obesity-related traits in later life was studied. Design Linear regressions were fitted to examine the relationship between birth weight/obesity-related variables/hypertension and alternatively month of conception and average temperature of month of conception. The incidence of both coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease was assumed to follow a Weibull hazard model, and was modelled accordingly using survival analysis techniques. Results In women, unusually cold temperatures at month of conception predicted lower body mass index (BMI) and fat percentage, and protected from obesity. Warmer temperatures at month of conception were associated with higher risk for hypertension. In men, warmer temperatures around conception predicted lower BMI. No seasonal influences were detected on obesity-related variables, nor were there seasonal or temperature mediated influences on birth weight, coronary heart disease or cerebrovascular disease observed. Conclusions We suggest that ambient temperature has an influence on obesity-related outcomes and hypertension. This merits further study, also with regard to other health outcomes and from a global perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Schreier
- Department of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland ; Folkhälsan Research Centre, Helsinki, Finland
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Wolf J, Armstrong B. The association of season and temperature with adverse pregnancy outcome in two German states, a time-series analysis. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40228. [PMID: 22792247 PMCID: PMC3391296 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2012] [Accepted: 06/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A seasonality of low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth (PTB) has been described for most regions and there is evidence that this pattern is caused by ambient outdoor temperature. However, the association as such, the direction of effect and the critical time of exposure remain controversial. Methods Logistic, time-series regression was performed on nearly 300,000 births from two German states to study the association between season and daily mean temperature and changes in daily proportions of term LBW (tLBW) or PTB. Analyses were adjusted for time-varying factors. Temperature exposures were examined during different periods of pregnancy. Results Weak evidence for an association between season of conception, season of birth or ambient outdoor temperature and tLBW or PTB was found. Results of analyses of temperature were not consistent between the two states. Different sources of bias which would have artificially led to stronger findings were detected and are described. Conclusions No clear evidence for an association between season of conception, season of birth or temperature and tLBW or PTB was found. In the study of pregnancy outcome different sources of bias can be identified which can potentially explain heterogeneous findings of the past.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennyfer Wolf
- Department of Social and Environmental Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
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Seasonal variation in fetal growth: accounting for sociodemographic, biological, and environmental exposures. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2012; 206:74.e1-7. [PMID: 21982022 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2011.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2011] [Revised: 05/15/2011] [Accepted: 07/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We sought to investigate seasonal variation in fetal growth, accounting for important sociodemographic, biological, and environmental exposures. STUDY DESIGN Records of births 1998 through 2006 in Perth, Western Australia were obtained (N = 147,357). We investigated small for gestational age and sex and the proportion of optimal birthweight (POBW) in relation to seasonal exposures (season, temperature, sunlight) by trimester of pregnancy. Adjustment was made for a wide range of risk factors. RESULTS The POBW for neonates with third trimesters predominantly in summer was 0.18% (0.00-0.36%) lower than for those in winter. POBW decreased by 0.14% (0.01-0.27%) per interquartile range increase in third-trimester temperature (9.15°C). An interquartile range increase in temperature over pregnancy (0.73°C) was associated with an odds ratio of 1.02 (95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.05) for small for gestational age and sex. CONCLUSION Reduced fetal growth was associated with elevated ambient temperatures throughout and late in pregnancy, independently of air pollution and other risk factors.
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Strand LB, Barnett AG, Tong S. The influence of season and ambient temperature on birth outcomes: a review of the epidemiological literature. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2011; 111:451-62. [PMID: 21333980 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2011.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2010] [Revised: 01/17/2011] [Accepted: 01/28/2011] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Seasonal patterns of birth outcomes, such as low birth weight, preterm birth and stillbirth, have been found around the world. As a result, there has been an increasing interest in evaluating short-term exposure to ambient temperature as a determinant of adverse birth outcomes. This paper reviews the epidemiological evidence on seasonality of birth outcomes and the impact of prenatal exposure to ambient temperature on birth outcomes. We identified 20 studies that investigated seasonality of birth outcomes, and reported statistically significant seasonal patterns. Most of the studies found peaks of preterm birth, stillbirth and low birth weight in winter, summer or both, which indicates the extremes of temperature may be an important determinant of poor birth outcomes. We identified 13 studies that investigated the influence of exposure to ambient temperature on birth weight and preterm birth (none examined stillbirth). The evidence for an adverse effect of high temperatures was stronger for birth weight than for preterm birth. More research is needed to clarify whether high temperatures have a causal effect on fetal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linn B Strand
- School of Public Health and Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Rd, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia.
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Ohlsson A, Shah PS. Effects of the September 11, 2001 disaster on pregnancy outcomes: a systematic review. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2011; 90:6-18. [PMID: 21275910 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0412.2010.01020.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The terrorist explosions of the World Trade Center in New York City and the other events on the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania on 11 September 2001 were stressful events that affected people around the world. Pregnant women and their offspring are especially vulnerable during and after such a terrorist attack. The objective was to systematically review the risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes after the terrorist attacks on Sept 11, 2001. METHODS The Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) criteria were used for reporting of this review. Statistical analyses were performed using RevMan 5.0. RESULTS Ten reports of low-to-moderate risk of methodological bias were included. There was increased risks of infants with birthweight of 1,500 g-1,999 g (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.67 [95%CI 1.11-2.52]) and small-for-gestational age births (AOR 1.90; 95%CI 1.05-3.46) in New York. There was increased risks of low birthweight (relative risk 2.25; 95%CI 1.29-3.90) and preterm births (relative risk 1.50; 95%CI 1.06-2.14) among ethnically Arabic women living in California There was a reduction in birthweight by 276 g and in head circumference by 1 cm when DNA adducts, a marker for environmental toxin exposure, were doubled in maternal blood. In Holland, a 48-g reduction in birthweight was reported. CONCLUSIONS The World Trade Center disaster influenced pregnancy outcomes in New York, among ethnically Arab women living in California and among Dutch women. The adverse outcomes are likely due to environmental pollution and stress in New York, ethnic harassment in California and communal bereavement and stress in Holland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Ohlsson
- Department of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Canada.
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Torche F, Corvalan A. Seasonality of Birth Weight in Chile: Environmental and Socioeconomic Factors. Ann Epidemiol 2010; 20:818-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2010.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2010] [Accepted: 08/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Zilko CEM. Economic contraction and birth outcomes: an integrative review. Hum Reprod Update 2010; 16:445-58. [PMID: 20085917 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmp059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has demonstrated an association between economic contraction at both the individual and aggregate level, and adverse health outcomes. Proposed mechanisms include increased psychosocial stress and loss of resources. The aim of this review is to assess the quantity, validity and consistency of empirical evidence examining economic contraction and birth outcomes. METHODS Empirical, English-language articles examining the effects of economic change at either the aggregate or individual level on birthweight, length of gestation, neonatal mortality and the secondary sex ratio were identified using PubMed and ISI Web of Knowledge. Studies were organized by level of analysis and birth outcome and evaluated for internal and external validity. RESULTS One individual-level study reported a strong association between individual shift to inadequate employment and decreased birthweight. Of seven aggregate-level studies on birthweight, five exhibited moderate to strong validity but reported inconsistent findings. Similarly, findings from five studies (four with moderate to strong validity) examining rates of neonatal mortality reported inconsistent findings. Three of four moderate to strong studies reported a reduced secondary sex ratio following economic contraction. CONCLUSIONS Associations between economic contraction and birthweight, neonatal mortality and the secondary sex ratio remain speculative. Consensus on methodology is needed to compare findings across studies. Further research on economic contraction and the secondary sex ratio, as well as individual-level birthweight and length of gestation, is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Margerison Zilko
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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McGrath JJ, Barnett AG, Eyles DW. The association between birth weight, season of birth and latitude. Ann Hum Biol 2009; 32:547-59. [PMID: 16316912 DOI: 10.1080/03014460500154699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Birth weight is known to fluctuate with month of birth and with latitude; however the mechanisms underlying these gradients remain unclear. AIM The study examined within-year fluctuations in birth weight across four regions in Australia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS We obtained the birth weight of singleton births of at least 37 weeks gestation from four regions: (a) southeast Queensland, (b) Sydney and surrounding districts, (c) Victoria, and (d) Tasmania. Seasonal fluctuations were examined after long-term trends had been removed. The amplitude, timing and variability of seasonal fluctuations were examined and compared across regions. RESULTS Each of the four regions had prominent annual periodicity with the peak birth weight occurring in spring. The amplitude of this signal ranged from 1.4 g (Victoria) to 7.7 g (southeast Queensland). There was no significant correlation between the amplitude of these fluctuations and the latitude of four regions. In addition, a second smaller autumn peak was identified. CONCLUSION Environmental factors that have regular within-year variation influence birth weight in Australia. The evidence suggests that at least two distinguishable seasonal processes contribute to the findings. Identifying the factors underlying these seasonal fluctuations could have implications from a public health perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J McGrath
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol, QLD 4076, Australia.
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Deschenes O, Greenstone M, Guryan J. Climate Change and Birth Weight. THE AMERICAN ECONOMIC REVIEW 2009; 99:211-7. [PMID: 29505213 DOI: 10.1257/aer.99.2.211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Deschenes
- Department of Economics, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA
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Mediating medical risk factors in the residential segregation and low birthweight relationship by race in New York City. Health Place 2008; 14:661-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2007.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2007] [Revised: 10/18/2007] [Accepted: 10/19/2007] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Morrison JL. SHEEP MODELS OF INTRAUTERINE GROWTH RESTRICTION: FETAL ADAPTATIONS AND CONSEQUENCES. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2008; 35:730-43. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1681.2008.04975.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Parker JD, Woodruff TJ. Influences of study design and location on the relationship between particulate matter air pollution and birthweight. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2008; 22:214-27. [PMID: 18426516 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3016.2008.00931.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A large number of studies have identified a relationship between particulate matter air pollution and birthweight. Although reported associations are small and varied, they have been identified in studies from places around the world. Exposure assignment, covariates and study inclusion criteria vary among studies. To examine the effect of these and other study characteristics on associations between particulate matter and birthweight, US birth records for singletons delivered at 40 weeks gestation in 2001-03 during the months of March, June, September and December were linked to quarterly estimates of pollution exposure, both particulate matter exposure and exposure to multiple pollutants, by county of residence and month of birth. Annual, 9-month and trimester-specific exposures were assigned. Among births linked to particulate matter exposure there was a small association between coarse particle exposure and birthweight (beta -13 g per 10 microg/m(3) increase [95% CI -18.3 g, -7.6 g]) after controlling for maternal factors; this association was attenuated slightly and remained statistically significant after further adjustment for contextual factors, year of birth, region, or urban-rural status. The associations were slightly weaker among births linked to multiple pollutant exposure than among births linked to just particulate matter exposure. The association varied markedly by region, ranging from a decrement of 43 g per 10 microg/m(3)[95% CI -58.6 g, -27.6 g] in the north-west to a null association in the south-west. Trimester findings were smaller, yet remained significant and varied regionally. The association between fine particle exposure and birthweight varied considerably, with an overall small positive association that became null after control for region. This study found that wide regional differences in association may contribute to the varied published findings. The association between coarse particle exposure and birthweight appeared robust, if small; fine particles had no overall association with birthweight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D Parker
- National Center for Health Statistics, Office of Analysis and Epidemiology, National Center for Health Statistics, Hyattsville, MD 20782, USA.
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Hansen CA, Barnett AG, Pritchard G. The effect of ambient air pollution during early pregnancy on fetal ultrasonic measurements during mid-pregnancy. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2008; 116:362-9. [PMID: 18335104 PMCID: PMC2265059 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.10720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2007] [Accepted: 12/17/2007] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the past decade there has been mounting evidence that ambient air pollution during pregnancy influences fetal growth. OBJECTIVES This study was designed to examine possible associations between fetal ultrasonic measurements collected from 15,623 scans (13-26 weeks gestation) and ambient air pollution during early pregnancy. METHODS We calculated mothers' average monthly exposures over the first 4 months of pregnancy for the following pollutants: particulate matter < 10 microm aerodynamic diameter (PM10), ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. We examined associations with fetal femur length (FL), biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), and abdominal circumference (AC). Final analyses included scans from only those women within 2 km of an air pollution monitoring site. We controlled for long-term trend, season, temperature, gestation, mother's age, socioeconomic status, and fetal sex. RESULTS A reduction in fetal AC was associated with O3 during days 31-60 [-1.42 mm; 95% confidence interval (CI), -2.74 to -0.09], SO2 during days 61-90 (-1.67 mm; 95% CI, -2.94 to -0.40), and PM10 during days 91-120 (-0.78 mm; 95% CI, -1.49 to -0.08). Other results showed a reduction in BPD (-0.68 mm; 95% CI, -1.09 to -0.27) associated with SO2 during days 0-30, a reduction in HC (-1.02 mm; 95% CI, -1.78 to -0.26) associated with PM10 during days 91-120, and a reduction in FL associated with PM10 during days 0-30 (-0.28 mm; 95% CI, -0.48 to -0.08) and 91-120 (-0.23; 95% CI, -0.42 to -0.04). CONCLUSION We found strong effects of ambient air pollution on ultrasound measures. Future research, including more individually detailed data, is needed to confirm our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig A Hansen
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia.
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Abstract
The theory that natural selection has conserved mechanisms by which women subjected to environmental stressors abort frail male fetuses implies that climate change may affect sex ratio at birth and male longevity. Using time series methods, we find that cold ambient temperatures during gestation predict lower secondary sex ratios and longer life span of males in annual birth cohorts composed of Danes, Finns, Norwegians, and Swedes born between 1878 (earliest year with complete life tables) and 1914 (last birth cohort for which male life span can be estimated). We conclude that ambient temperature affects the characteristics of human populations by influencing who survives gestation, a heretofore unrecognized effect of climate on humanity.
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Lee SJ, Hajat S, Steer PJ, Filippi V. A time-series analysis of any short-term effects of meteorological and air pollution factors on preterm births in London, UK. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2008; 106:185-94. [PMID: 18021762 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2007.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2006] [Revised: 09/26/2007] [Accepted: 10/03/2007] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Although much is known about the incidence and burden of preterm birth, its biological mechanisms are not well understood. While several studies have suggested that high levels of air pollution or exposure to particular climatic factors may be associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, other studies do not support such an association. To determine whether exposure to various environmental factors place a large London-based population at higher risk for preterm birth, we analyzed 482,568 births that occurred between 1988 and 2000 from the St. Mary's Maternity Information System database. Using an ecological study design, any short-term associations between preterm birth and various environmental factors were investigated using time-series regression techniques. Environmental exposures included air pollution (ambient ozone and PM(10)) and climatic factors (temperature, rainfall, sunshine, relative humidity, barometric pressure, and largest drop in barometric pressure). In addition to exposure on the day of birth, cumulative exposure up to 1 week before birth was investigated. The risk of preterm birth did not increase with exposure to the levels of ambient air pollution or meteorological factors experienced by this population. Cumulative exposure from 0 to 6 days before birth also did not show any significant effect on the risk of preterm birth. This large study, covering 13 years, suggests that there is no association between preterm births and recent exposure to ambient air pollution or recent changes in the weather.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue J Lee
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK.
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