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Spinder N, Bergman JEH, van Tongeren M, Boezen HM, Kromhout H, de Walle HEK. Maternal occupational exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and urogenital anomalies in the offspring. Hum Reprod 2021; 37:142-151. [PMID: 34741174 PMCID: PMC8730314 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is there an association between maternal occupational exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) early in pregnancy and subgroups of congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT), and hypospadias? SUMMARY ANSWER Exposure to specific EDCs can increase the risk of CAKUT and no association with hypospadias was observed. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Previous studies showed an association between maternal occupational exposure to EDCs and hypospadias. However, little is known about the effect of these chemicals on the development of CAKUT, especially subgroups of urinary tract anomalies. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION For this case-control study, cases with urogenital anomalies from the European Concerted Action on Congenital Anomalies and Twins Northern Netherlands (Eurocat NNL) registry and non-malformed controls from the Lifelines children cohort (living in the same catchment region as Eurocat NNL) born between 1997 and 2013 were selected. This study included 530 cases with CAKUT, 364 cases with hypospadias, 7 cases with both a urinary tract anomaly and hypospadias and 5602 non-malformed controls. Cases with a genetic or chromosomal anomaly were excluded, and to avoid genetic correlation, we also excluded cases in which a sibling with the same defect was included. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Information on maternal occupation held early in pregnancy was collected via self-administered questionnaires. Job titles were translated into occupational exposure to EDCs using a job-exposure matrix (JEM). Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% CIs were estimated to assess the association between maternal occupational exposure to EDCs (and to specific types of EDCs) and CAKUT and hypospadias. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE For CAKUT and hypospadias, 23.1% and 22.9% of the cases were exposed to EDCs, respectively, whereas 19.8% of the controls were exposed. We found an association between maternal occupational exposure to organic solvents/alkylphenolic compounds and CAKUT (aOR 1.41, 95% CI 1.01-1.97) that became stronger when combinations of urinary tract anomalies co-occurred with other defects (aOR 7.51, 95% CI 2.41-23.43). An association was also observed for exposure to phthalates/benzophenones/parabens/siloxanes and CAKUT (aOR 1.56, 95% CI 1.06-2.29), specifically urinary collecting system anomalies (aOR 1.62, 95% CI 1.03-2.54) and combinations of urinary tract anomalies (aOR 2.90, 95% CI 1.09-7.71). We observed no association between EDC exposure and hypospadias. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The different study designs of Eurocat NNL and Lifelines could have introduced differential information bias. Also, exposure misclassification could be an issue: it is possible that the actual exposure differed from the exposure estimated by the JEM. In addition, women could also have been exposed to other exposures not included in the analysis, which could have resulted in residual confounding by co-exposures. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Women, their healthcare providers, and their employers need to be aware that occupational exposure to specific EDCs early in pregnancy may be associated with CAKUT in their offspring. An occupational hygienist should be consulted in order to take exposure to those specific EDCs into consideration when risk assessments are carried out at the workplace. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) N.S. was paid by the Graduate School of Medical Sciences (MD/PhD programme), University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, the Netherlands. Eurocat Northern Netherlands is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports. The Lifelines Biobank initiative has been made possible by subsidy from the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG the Netherlands), University Groningen and the Northern Provinces of the Netherlands. The authors report no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NO N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Spinder
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - J E H Bergman
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - M van Tongeren
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - H M Boezen
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - H Kromhout
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Science, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - H E K de Walle
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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Loane M, Given JE, Tan J, Reid A, Akhmedzhanova D, Astolfi G, Barišić I, Bertille N, Bonet LB, Carbonell CC, Carollo OM, Coi A, Densem J, Draper E, Garne E, Gatt M, Glinianaia SV, Heino A, Hond ED, Jordan S, Khoshnood B, Kiuru-Kuhlefelt S, Klungsøyr K, Lelong N, Lutke LR, Neville AJ, Ostapchuk L, Puccini A, Rissmann A, Santoro M, Scanlon I, Thys G, Tucker D, Urhoj SK, de Walle HEK, Wellesley D, Zurriaga O, Morris JK. Linking a European cohort of children born with congenital anomalies to vital statistics and mortality records: A EUROlinkCAT study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256535. [PMID: 34449798 PMCID: PMC8396745 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
EUROCAT is a European network of population-based congenital anomaly (CA) registries. Twenty-one registries agreed to participate in the EUROlinkCAT study to determine if reliable information on the survival of children born with a major CA between 1995 and 2014 can be obtained through linkage to national vital statistics or mortality records. Live birth children with a CA could be linked using personal identifiers to either their national vital statistics (including birth records, death records, hospital records) or to mortality records only, depending on the data available within each region. In total, 18 of 21 registries with data on 192,862 children born with congenital anomalies participated in the study. One registry was unable to get ethical approval to participate and linkage was not possible for two registries due to local reasons. Eleven registries linked to vital statistics and seven registries linked to mortality records only; one of the latter only had identification numbers for 78% of cases, hence it was excluded from further analysis. For registries linking to vital statistics: six linked over 95% of their cases for all years and five were unable to link at least 85% of all live born CA children in the earlier years of the study. No estimate of linkage success could be calculated for registries linking to mortality records. Irrespective of linkage method, deaths that occurred during the first week of life were over three times less likely to be linked compared to deaths occurring after the first week of life. Linkage to vital statistics can provide accurate estimates of survival of children with CAs in some European countries. Bias arises when linkage is not successful, as early neonatal deaths were less likely to be linked. Linkage to mortality records only cannot be recommended, as linkage quality, and hence bias, cannot be assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Loane
- Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Ulster University, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - J. E. Given
- Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Ulster University, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - J. Tan
- Population Health Research Institute, St George’s, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - A. Reid
- Population Health Research Institute, St George’s, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - D. Akhmedzhanova
- OMNI-Net for Children International Charitable Fund, Rivne Regional Medical Diagnostic Center, Rivne, Ukraine
| | - G. Astolfi
- Emilia Romagna Registry of Birth Defects, University Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - I. Barišić
- Klinika za dječje bolesti, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - N. Bertille
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France
| | - L. B. Bonet
- Rare Diseases Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, Valencia, Spain
| | - C. C. Carbonell
- Rare Diseases Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - A. Coi
- Unit of Epidemiology of Rare Diseases and Congenital Anomalies, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - J. Densem
- Biomedical Computing Limited, Battle, United Kingdom
| | - E. Draper
- East Midlands & South Yorkshire Congenital Anomaly Registry, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - E. Garne
- Hospital Lillebaelt, Region Syddanmark, Denmark
| | - M. Gatt
- Directorate for Health Information and Research, G’Mangia, Malta
| | - S. V. Glinianaia
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - A. Heino
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - E. Den Hond
- Provinciaal Instituut voor Hygiëne (PIH), Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - S. Jordan
- Swansea University, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - B. Khoshnood
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France
| | | | - K. Klungsøyr
- Division of Mental and Physical Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - N. Lelong
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France
| | - L. R. Lutke
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - A. J. Neville
- Emilia Romagna Registry of Birth Defects, University Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - L. Ostapchuk
- OMNI-Net for Children International Charitable Fund, Rivne Regional Medical Diagnostic Center, Rivne, Ukraine
| | - A. Puccini
- Territorial Care Service, Emilia Romagna Health Authority, Bologna, Italy
| | - A. Rissmann
- Medical Faculty Otto-von-Guericke, Malformation Monitoring Centre Saxony-Anhalt, University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - M. Santoro
- Unit of Epidemiology of Rare Diseases and Congenital Anomalies, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - I. Scanlon
- Swansea University, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - G. Thys
- Provinciaal Instituut voor Hygiëne (PIH), Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - D. Tucker
- Public Health Wales, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - S. K. Urhoj
- Section of Epidemiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - H. E. K. de Walle
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - D. Wellesley
- Wessex Clinical Genetics Service, Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - O. Zurriaga
- Rare Diseases Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, Valencia, Spain
| | - J. K. Morris
- Population Health Research Institute, St George’s, University of London, London, United Kingdom
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Spinder N, Prins JR, Bergman JEH, Smidt N, Kromhout H, Boezen HM, de Walle HEK. Congenital anomalies in the offspring of occupationally exposed mothers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies using expert assessment for occupational exposures. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:903-919. [PMID: 30927411 PMCID: PMC6505450 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is there an association between maternal occupational exposure to solvents, pesticides and metals as assessed by expert-based assessment and congenital anomalies in the offspring? SUMMARY ANSWER There is an association between maternal occupational exposure to solvents and congenital anomalies in the offspring, including neural tube defects, congenital heart defects and orofacial clefts. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY One important environmental risk factor for development of congenital anomalies is maternal occupational exposure to chemicals in the workplace prior to and during pregnancy. A number of studies have assessed the association with often conflicting results, possibly due to different occupational exposure assessing methods. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION For this systematic review with meta-analysis, the search terms included maternal occupation, exposure, congenital anomalies and offspring. Electronic databases MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for English studies up to October 2017. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Two reviewers independently screened all citations identified by the search. Case-control studies and cohort studies were included if (I) they reported on the association between maternal occupational exposure to solvents, pesticides or metals and congenital anomalies, and (II) assessment of occupational exposure was performed by experts. Data on study characteristics, confounders and odds ratios (ORs) were extracted from the included studies for four subgroups of congenital anomalies. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. In the meta-analysis, random effects models were used to pool estimates. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In total, 2806 titles and abstracts and 176 full text papers were screened. Finally, 28 studies met the selection criteria, and 27 studies could be included in the meta-analysis. Our meta-analysis showed that maternal occupational exposure to solvents was associated with neural tube defects (OR: 1.51, 95%CI: 1.09–2.09) and congenital heart defects (OR: 1.31, 95%CI:1.06–1.63) in the offspring. Also maternal occupational exposure to glycol ethers, a subgroup of solvents, was associated with neural tube defects (OR: 1.93, 95%CI: 1.17–3.18) and orofacial clefts (OR: 1.95, 95%CI: 1.38–2.75) in the offspring. Only one study investigated the association between maternal occupational exposure to solvents and hypospadias and found an association (OR: 3.63, 95%CI: 1.94–7.17). Results of the included studies were consistent. In our meta-analysis, we found no associations between occupational exposure to pesticides or metals and congenital anomalies in the offspring. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION A limited number of studies was included, which made it impossible to calculate pooled estimates for all congenital anomalies, analyse individual chemicals or calculate exposure–response relations. Bias could have been introduced because not all included studies corrected for potentially confounding factors. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Employers and female employees should be aware of the possible teratogenic effects of solvent exposure at the workplace. Therefore, is it important that clinicians and occupational health specialist provide women with preconception advice on occupational solvent exposure, to reduce the congenital anomaly risk. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) NSp was paid by the Graduate School of Medical Sciences (MD/PhD program), UMCG, Groningen, the Netherlands. EUROCAT Northern Netherlands is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports. There are no competing interests. REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42017053943.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Spinder
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - J R Prins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - J E H Bergman
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - N Smidt
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - H Kromhout
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - H M Boezen
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - H E K de Walle
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Morris JK, Garne E, Loane M, Addor MC, Barisic I, Bianchi F, Gatt M, Lanzoni M, Lynch C, Mokoroa O, Nelen V, Neville A, O'Mahony MT, Randrianaivo-Ranjatoelina H, Rissmann A, Tucker D, de Walle HEK, Zymak-Zakutnia N, Rankin J. Prevalence of valproate syndrome in Europe from 2005 to 2014: A registry based multi-centre study. Eur J Med Genet 2018; 61:479-482. [PMID: 29753923 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2018.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Women with epilepsy need to continue to take anticonvulsants during their pregnancies to prevent seizures from occurring. Since the 1980's, it has been known that the use of valproate (an anticonvulsant) in the first trimester of pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of spina bifida. Recent studies have also demonstrated increased risks of other congenital anomalies as well as a risk of cognitive impairment. Doctors in the EU are now advised not to prescribe valproate in pregnant women, in women who can become pregnant or in girls unless other treatments are ineffective or not tolerated. This study aimed to determine if there has been a reduction in the numbers of babies born with valproate syndrome in Europe from 2005 to 2014. Data from 15 European congenital anomaly registries, who are members of EUROCAT (A European network of population-based registries for the epidemiologic surveillance of congenital anomalies), identified 28 cases of valproate syndrome in 2.74 million births from 2005 to 2014. The prevalence of valproate syndrome in Europe significantly decreased from 0.22 per 10,000 births in 2005/6 to 0.03 per 10,000 births in 2013/14. One registry, Ile de la Reunion, had the majority of cases (17). After excluding these cases there still remained a decreasing trend even though it no longer reached statistical significance due to the small number of cases. This study emphasises the continued need for European collaboration in analysing rare exposures and rare anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan K Morris
- Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine Queen Mary University of London, UK.
| | - Ester Garne
- Paediatric Department, Hospital Lillebaelt, Kolding, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Fabrizio Bianchi
- Institute of Clinical Physiology-National Research Council (IFC-CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - Miriam Gatt
- Malta Congenital Anomalies Registry, Directorate for Health Information and Research, Malta
| | - Monica Lanzoni
- European Commission, DG Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy
| | | | - Olatz Mokoroa
- Public Health Division of Gipuzkoa, Biodonostia Research Institute, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Vera Nelen
- PIH, Province of Antwerp, Department of Environment, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Amanda Neville
- Center for Clinical and Epidemiological Research, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | - Anke Rissmann
- Malformation Monitoring Centre Saxony-Anhalt, Medical Faculty Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Natalya Zymak-Zakutnia
- OMNI-Net Ukraine Birth Defects Program and Khmelnytsky City Children's Hospital, Ukraine
| | - Judith Rankin
- Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, UK
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de Walle HEK, Reefhuis J, Cornel MC. Folic acid prevents more than neural tube defects: a registry-based study in the northern Netherlands. Eur J Epidemiol 2016; 18:279-80. [PMID: 12800956 DOI: 10.1023/a:1023385500037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Bergman JEH, Otten E, Verheij JBGM, de Walle HEK. Folic acid supplementation influences the distribution of neural tube defect subtypes: A registry-based study. Reprod Toxicol 2015; 59:96-100. [PMID: 26627544 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2015.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Revised: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Periconceptional folic acid (FA) reduces neural tube defect (NTD) risk, but seems to have a varying effect per NTD subtype. We aimed to study the effect of FA supplementation on NTD subtype distribution using data from EUROCAT Northern Netherlands. We included all birth types with non-syndromal NTDs born in 1997-2012. By Fisher's exact test we analyzed possible differences in NTD subtype distribution between a correct FA supplementation group and incorrect FA supplementation group. We found proportionally fewer cervical/thoracic spina bifida cases and more lumbar/sacral spina bifida cases in the correct FA supplementation group, irrespective of the presence of the main NTD risk factors. The effect on NTD subtype distribution was only seen when FA supplementation was started before conception. We conclude that FA not only prevents the occurrence of a significant proportion of NTDs, but might also decrease the severity of NTDs, as long as supplementation is started before conception.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E H Bergman
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - E Otten
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - J B G M Verheij
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - H E K de Walle
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Baardman ME, du Marchie Sarvaas GJ, de Walle HEK, Fleurke-Rozema H, Snijders R, Ebels T, Bergman JEH, Bilardo CM, Berger RMF, Bakker MK. Impact of introduction of 20-week ultrasound scan on prevalence and fetal and neonatal outcomes in cases of selected severe congenital heart defects in The Netherlands. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2014; 44:58-63. [PMID: 24443357 DOI: 10.1002/uog.13269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Revised: 11/15/2013] [Accepted: 11/22/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate in a population-based cohort the effect of the introduction of the 20-week ultrasound scan in 2007 on the time of diagnosis, pregnancy outcome and total prevalence and liveborn prevalence of cases with selected congenital heart defects (CHDs) in The Netherlands. METHODS We included children and fetuses diagnosed with selected severe CHD, born in the 11-year period from 2001 to 2011. Two groups of CHD were defined: those associated with an abnormal four-chamber view at ultrasound (Group 1), and those associated with a normal four-chamber view at ultrasound (Group 2). The time of diagnosis, pregnancy outcome and total liveborn prevalence were compared for both groups over two 5-year periods, before and after the introduction of the 20-week ultrasound scan. Trends in total and liveborn prevalence were examined over 2001 to 2011. RESULTS Information was collected on 269 children and fetuses. After the introduction of the 20-week ultrasound scan, the prenatal detection rate of CHDs increased in both groups (Group 1, 34.6% in 2001-2005 vs 84.8% in 2007-2011 (P < 0.001); Group 2, 14.3% in 2001-2005 vs 29.6% in 2007-2011 (P = 0.037)). The rate of termination of pregnancy (TOP) increased significantly only for Group 1 (15.4% vs 51.5% (P < 0.001)). The total prevalence of CHD in Group 1 increased over time from 2.9 per 10 000 births in 2001 to 6.4 per 10 000 births in 2011 (P = 0.016). The liveborn prevalence did not show a trend over time. For Group 2, no trends in total or liveborn prevalence could be detected over time. CONCLUSIONS Since the implementation of the routine 20-week ultrasound scan in The Netherlands, prenatal detection rate of selected severe CHDs increased significantly. Improved prenatal detection was accompanied by a more than three-fold increase in TOP, although only in those CHDs with an abnormal four-chamber view at prenatal ultrasound.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Baardman
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, EUROCAT Registration Northern Netherlands, Department of Genetics, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Fleurke-Rozema JH, Vogel TA, Voskamp BJ, Pajkrt E, van den Berg PP, Beekhuis JR, Bilardo CM, Brouwer OF, de Walle HEK, Snijders RJM. Impact of introduction of mid-trimester scan on pregnancy outcome of open spina bifida in The Netherlands. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2014; 43:553-556. [PMID: 23828717 DOI: 10.1002/uog.12546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Revised: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the impact of introduction of the mid-trimester scan on pregnancy outcome in cases of open spina bifida in two regions of The Netherlands. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of 190 cases of open spina bifida diagnosed pre- or postnatally, with an estimated date of delivery between 2003 and 2011. RESULTS With implementation of the mid-trimester scan the percentage of cases of open spina bifida detected before the 24(th) week of pregnancy increased from 43% to 88%. The rise in prenatal detection rate was associated with a significant increase in the number of terminated pregnancies and a decrease in the rate of perinatal loss; the percentage of children born alive did not change significantly. In the subgroup that underwent a scan between 18 and 24 weeks of pregnancy, cranial signs were present in 94.4% of cases. CONCLUSION Introduction of the mid-trimester scan has led to an increase in early identification of pregnancies complicated by open spina bifida. Pregnancies previously destined to end in perinatal loss are now terminated whilst pregnancies with a relatively good prognosis are frequently continued; the number of children with open spina bifida who are born alive has not changed significantly. Our study confirms that prenatal diagnosis is usually triggered by visualization of a lemon-shaped skull or a banana-shaped cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Fleurke-Rozema
- Department of Obstetrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Wijers CHW, van Rooij IALM, Bakker MK, Marcelis CLM, Addor MC, Barisic I, Béres J, Bianca S, Bianchi F, Calzolari E, Greenlees R, Lelong N, Latos-Bielenska A, Dias CM, McDonnell R, Mullaney C, Nelen V, O'Mahony M, Queisser-Luft A, Rankin J, Zymak-Zakutnia N, de Blaauw I, Roeleveld N, de Walle HEK. Anorectal malformations and pregnancy-related disorders: a registry-based case-control study in 17 European regions. BJOG 2013; 120:1066-74. [PMID: 23574029 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.12235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify pregnancy-related risk factors for different manifestations of congenital anorectal malformations (ARMs). DESIGN A population-based case-control study. SETTING Seventeen EUROCAT (European Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies) registries, 1980-2008. POPULATION The study population consisted of 1417 cases with ARM, including 648 cases of isolated ARM, 601 cases of ARM with additional congenital anomalies, and 168 cases of ARM-VACTERL (vertebral, anal, cardiac, tracheo-esophageal, renal, and limb defects), along with 13 371 controls with recognised syndromes or chromosomal abnormalities. METHODS Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for potential risk factors for ARM, such as fertility treatment, multiple pregnancy, primiparity, maternal illnesses during pregnancy, and pregnancy-related complications. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Adjusted ORs for pregnancy-related risk factors for ARM. RESULTS The ARM cases were more likely to be firstborn than the controls (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.4-1.8). Fertility treatment and being one of twins or triplets seemed to increase the risk of ARM in cases with additional congenital anomalies or VACTERL (ORs ranging from 1.6 to 2.5). Maternal fever during pregnancy and pre-eclampsia were only associated with ARM when additional congenital anomalies were present (OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.3-11.6; OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.6-7.1, respectively), whereas maternal epilepsy during pregnancy resulted in a five-fold elevated risk of all manifestations of ARM (OR 5.1, 95% CI 1.7-15.6). CONCLUSIONS This large European study identified maternal epilepsy, fertility treatment, multiple pregnancy, primiparity, pre-eclampsia, and maternal fever during pregnancy as potential risk factors primarily for complex manifestations of ARM with additional congenital anomalies and VACTERL.
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Affiliation(s)
- C H W Wijers
- Department for Health Evidence, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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10
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van Spaendonck-Zwarts KY, van Hessem L, Jongbloed JDH, de Walle HEK, Capetanaki Y, van der Kooi AJ, van Langen IM, van den Berg MP, van Tintelen JP. Desmin-related myopathy. Clin Genet 2010; 80:354-66. [PMID: 20718792 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0004.2010.01512.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Desmin-related myopathy (DRM) is an autosomally inherited skeletal and cardiac myopathy, mainly caused by dominant mutations in the desmin gene (DES). We provide (i) a literature review on DRM, including clinical manifestations, inheritance, molecular genetics, myopathology and management and (ii) a meta-analysis of reported DES mutation carriers, focusing on their clinical characteristics and potential genotype-phenotype correlations. Meta-analysis: DES mutation carriers (n = 159) with 40 different mutations were included. Neurological signs were present in 74% and cardiological signs in 74% of carriers (both neurological and cardiological signs in 49%, isolated neurological signs in 22%, and isolated cardiological signs in 22%). More than 70% of carriers exhibited myopathy or muscular weakness, with normal creatine kinase levels present in one third of them. Up to 50% of carriers had cardiomyopathy and around 60% had cardiac conduction disease or arrhythmias, with atrioventricular block as an important hallmark. Symptoms generally started during the 30s; a quarter of carriers died at a mean age of 49 years. Sudden cardiac death occurred in two patients with a pacemaker, suggesting a ventricular tachyarrhythmia as cause of death. The majority of DES mutations were missense mutations, mostly located in the 2B domain. Mutations in the 2B domain were predominant in patients with an isolated neurological phenotype, whereas head and tail domain mutations were predominant in patients with an isolated cardiological phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Y van Spaendonck-Zwarts
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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11
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prevalence of the awareness of and the behaviour towards folic acid in 2003 and the trend of folic acid use among pregnant Dutch women between 1995 and 2003 with regard to socio-economic status (SES). METHOD We conducted 2-yearly cross-sectional studies among pregnant women who filled in a questionnaire during the first or second antenatal visit. The highest achieved level of education was taken as a proxy for SES. RESULTS In 2003 the general level of folic acid awareness was high but with significant differences relating to SES; a quarter of the lower educated women did not know about folic acid before pregnancy. Of the subjects with a lower SES 20% knew the correct period of use compared with nearly 50% in the higher SES group. The reported correct use of folic acid among the lower educated women has decreased over the past 3 years (22% in 2003), while it has increased for the higher SES groups (59% in 2003), implying larger differences in health. CONCLUSION In 2003, 8 years after a mass media campaign, awareness and use of folic acid were increased considerably in comparison with the start of the campaign. However, differences in knowledge and use of folic acid with respect to the level of education had never been so impressive in the Netherlands as in 2003. A once-only campaign has a short-term effect especially for lower educated women. Implementing strategies to promote folic acid use in daily structural health care systems are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- H E K de Walle
- EUROCAT Registration, Department of Medical Genetics, University Medical Centre of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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12
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Niessen RC, Berends MJW, Wu Y, Sijmons RH, Hollema H, Ligtenberg MJL, de Walle HEK, de Vries EGE, Karrenbeld A, Buys CHCM, van der Zee AGJ, Hofstra RMW, Kleibeuker JH. Identification of mismatch repair gene mutations in young patients with colorectal cancer and in patients with multiple tumours associated with hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer. Gut 2006; 55:1781-8. [PMID: 16636019 PMCID: PMC1856475 DOI: 10.1136/gut.2005.090159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) or those with multiple tumours associated with hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) raise suspicion of the presence of germline DNA mismatch repair (MMR) gene mutations. AIM To analyse the value of family history, microsatellite instability (MSI) analysis and MMR protein staining in the tumour to predict the presence of an MMR gene mutation in such patients. METHODS In 281 patients diagnosed with CRC before the age of 50 years or with CRC and at least one additional HNPCC-associated cancer, germline mutation analysis in MLH1, MSH2 and MSH6 was carried out with denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. MSI analysis with five consensus markers and MMR protein staining for MLH1, MSH2 and MSH6 were carried out in the tumours. RESULTS 25 pathogenic mutations (8 in MLH1, 9 in MSH2 and 8 in MSH6) were found. MSI analysis missed three and immunohistochemistry (IHC) missed two mutation carriers. Sensitivities of family history, MSI analysis and IHC for the presence of a mutation were 76%, 82% and 88%, specificities were 64%, 70% and 84%, and positive predictive values were 19%, 23% and 38%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed the highest odds ratio for IHC (38.3, 95% confidence interval 9.0 to 184). Prevalence of pathogenic germline MMR gene mutations in patients with CRC before the age of 50 years was 6% and in those with > or =2 HNPCC-associated tumours was 22%. In the second group, no mutation carriers were found among the 29 patients who were diagnosed with their first tumour after the age of 60 years. CONCLUSION Family history, MSI analysis and IHC are indicative parameters to select patients with CRC for MMR gene mutation analysis. The data show that IHC is the best single selection criterion.
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Affiliation(s)
- R C Niessen
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
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13
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de Jong-van den Berg LTW, Bakker MK, de Walle HEK, van den Berg PB. [The use of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors during pregnancy clearly increases the risk of congenital malformations]. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd 2006; 150:2222-3. [PMID: 17061436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
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14
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Meijer WM, de Walle HEK. [Differences in folic-acid policy and the prevalence of neural-tube defects in Europe; recommendations for food fortification in a EUROCAT report]. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd 2005; 149:2561-4. [PMID: 16320666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The European Registration Of Congenital Anomalies and Twins (EUROCAT), a network of 40 European registries of congenital anomalies, has published a special report on the prevention of neural-tube defects by, periconceptional folic-acid supplementation in Europe. This report reviews the progress made in 17 European countries since i99I in terms of developing and implementing public health policies to raise periconceptional folate status. Data on the prevalence of neural-tube defects in 1980-2000 were also analysed. - At the beginning of 2002, 10 of the 17 countries had an official government recommendation that women planning a pregnancy should take folic-acid supplementation daily. Only 7 countries implemented official health-education initiatives. - Despite the various measures taken to date, the majority of women in all countries surveyed are not taking periconceptional folic-acid supplements. Even in the Netherlands, where the percentage of planned pregnancies is estimated at 85%, only 36% of women take folic-acid supplements during the advised period. - Overall, the number of neural-tube defects has not decreased in Europe. A slight decrease was seen in those countries with an official policy regarding periconceptional folic-acid supplementation. - It is clear from the report that more effective prevention of neuraltube defects could be achieved with folic-acid fortification of staple foods; this approach has led to a reduction in the prevalence of neuraltube defects in the US and Canada. This approach can also prevent the majority of neural-tube defects in unplanned pregnancies and reduce the socioeconomic differences in prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- W M Meijer
- Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen, European Registration Of Congenital Anomalies and Twins (EUROCAT), disciplinegroep Medische Genetica, Triadegebouw, Groningen
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15
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Heuterman JSJ, de Walle HEK, Poortvliet MC, Bouman K, Cornel MC. Age at Postnatal Diagnosis of Down Syndrome in the Northern Netherlands for the Period 1981–2000. Public Health Genomics 2004; 7:55-9. [PMID: 15475671 DOI: 10.1159/000080304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In live-born children with Down syndrome it may be very difficult for the clinician or midwife assisting at the delivery to recognise Down syndrome in newborn babies due to varying physical appearances. Meanwhile more and more therapeutical interventions become available that should start early in life. We were interested in the age at the postnatal diagnosis of Down syndrome, and found no literature on the subject. METHODS We studied the age at the diagnosis of Down syndrome for live-born babies born in the period of 1981-2000 and registered by the European Registration of Congenital Anomalies in the northern part of The Netherlands. RESULTS For 289 children, data on the age at the postnatal diagnosis were available, in 70.8% of whom there was suspicion of DS on the day of birth. In 1.7% of the cases, the diagnosis was made after 1 year. Place of birth and the specialty of the health worker assisting at the delivery were associated with age at diagnosis. When the child was delivered at hospital, 96.4% of the Down syndrome cases had been diagnosed within 1 month compared to 81.3% following home delivery. CONCLUSION In some cases of Down syndrome in live-born babies, the diagnosis is made only after months or a year. The diagnosis was made faster in babies born in hospital compared to those born at home.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S J Heuterman
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Human Genetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Abstract
BACKGROUND In 1993 all women of childbearing age in the Netherlands were advised to take a daily 0.5 mg folic acid pill to reduce the risk for neural tube defects. This study describes both recent and past awareness and use of folic acid supplements in relation to socio-economic status in the Northern Netherlands. The consequences of a recent report of the Dutch Health Council report will be discussed as well. METHODS In the most recent cross-sectional study (November 2000), pregnant women filled out a questionnaire. Out of 473 women, 461 were willing to cooperate. The highest fulfilled level of education was taken as an indicator for socio-economic status. RESULTS Seventy-seven percent (n = 357) of the respondents had heard about folic acid before being pregnant. Sixty-three percent (n = 289) knew about the protective effect for NTDs and 33% (n = 151) knew the entire advised period. Sixty-one percent (n = 265) of the respondents used folic acid in some part of the advised period and 36% (n = 164) used it in the entire advised period. Higher educated women knew more about folic acid and used it significantly more often in the periconceptional period than lower educated women. CONCLUSIONS Because compliance to proper use of folic acid was poor, food fortification in the Netherlands must be seriously considered. The Dutch Health Council wants to limit the fortification of food products to those products that are especially aimed for women who wish to become pregnant. The fortification of specific products instead of staple foods is a missed chance to reduce NTDs and possibly other birth defects and cardiovascular defects as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- H E K de Walle
- EUROCAT-Registration, Department of Medical Genetics, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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17
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Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated periconceptional awareness and the use of folic acid tablets 3 years after the 1995 campaign in the northern Netherlands. We studied whether the socioeconomic differences we found in 1996 with respect to awareness and use of folic acid remained in 1998. METHODS The present study took place in 1998. Pregnant women were asked to complete a questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 452 women completed the questionnaire in 1998. Sixty percent of the women with a lower level of education and 85% of the women with a higher level of education had heard of folic acid before pregnancy. Newspapers and magazines were the most often cited sources of information. Fifty percent of the women with a lower educational level used folic acid, while this figure was 80% for the group with higher education. CONCLUSION Awareness and use of folic acid increased after the 1995 campaign. However, socioeconomic differences with respect to awareness of folic acid remained and even increased with respect to knowledge of the advised period. Use of folic acid is also associated with level of education more strongly than in 1996. Therefore, fortification of staple foods is an attractive option.
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Affiliation(s)
- H E K de Walle
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Postma MJ, Londeman J, Veenstra M, de Walle HEK, de Jong-van den Berg LTW. Cost-effectiveness of periconceptional supplementation of folic acid. Pharm World Sci 2002; 24:8-11. [PMID: 11980171 DOI: 10.1023/a:1014848928212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Supplementation of folic acid prior to and in the beginning of pregnancy may prevent neural tube defects (NTDs) in newborns--such as spina bifida--and possibly other congenital malformations. OBJECTIVE To estimate cost effectiveness of periconceptional supplementation of folic acid using pharmaco-economic model calculation. METHOD Probabilities for NTDs, risk reductions through periconceptional supplementation of folic acid and lifetime costs of care for children with spina bifida were estimated using Dutch registrations and international literature. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Cost effectiveness was expressed in net costs per discounted life-year gained. Cost effectiveness was calculated in the baseline and in sensitivity analysis. RESULTS Estimated cost effectiveness of periconceptional supplementation of folic acid amounts to NLG 3900 ([symbol: see text] 1800) in the base case. In sensitivity analysis cost effectiveness mostly remains below NLG 10,000 ([symbol: see text] 4500). CONCLUSION Periconceptional supplementation of folic acid shows a favorable cost effectiveness. From pharmaco-economic point of view this justifies further stimulation of folic-acid supplementation prior to pregnancy. This can be done through targeted education by health-care workers, such as pharmacists.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Postma
- Groningen University, Institute for Drug Exploration/University of Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GUIDE/GRIP), Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands.
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