1
|
Betancourt D, Canfield MA, Ethen MK, Shumate C, Drummond-Borg M, Kubenka C, Palacios J, Agopian AJ. Connecting children with birth defects to health and social service programs: A collaboration between the Texas Birth Defects Registry and agency social workers. Birth Defects Res 2023; 115:110-119. [PMID: 36373841 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Timely referral to services for children born with birth defects can improve health outcomes. Birth defects surveillance registries may be a valuable data source for connecting children to health and social service programs. METHODS Population-based, state-wide data from the Texas Birth Defects Registry (TBDR) at the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) were used to connect children 9-18 months old, born with select birth defects with DSHS social workers. The social workers reviewed developmental milestones and referred children and their families to various health and social service programs. We tabulated the proportions of children meeting milestones and referral characteristics by referral program type and type of birth defect. RESULTS Social workers reached 67% (909/1,362) of identified families. Over half of children (54%, 488/909) were not meeting the developmental milestones for their age. Social workers provided over 3,000 program referrals, including referring 21% (194/909) of children to Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) and 28% (257/909) to case management. CONCLUSION Our results illustrate a method of leveraging a birth defects surveillance system for referral services. Given the large number of referrals made, our findings suggest that birth defects registries can be a valuable source of data for referring children to programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dayana Betancourt
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Mark A Canfield
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Mary K Ethen
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Charles Shumate
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Margaret Drummond-Borg
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Christina Kubenka
- Regional and Local Health Operations, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas, USA
| | | | - A J Agopian
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Luke B, Brown MB, Wantman E, Schymura MJ, Browne ML, Fisher SC, Forestieri NE, Rao C, Nichols HB, Yazdy MM, Gershman ST, Sacha CR, Williams M, Ethen MK, Canfield MA, Doody KJ, Eisenberg ML, Baker VL, Williams C, Sutcliffe AG, Richard MA, Lupo PJ. The risks of birth defects and childhood cancer with conception by assisted reproductive technology. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:2672-2689. [PMID: 36112004 PMCID: PMC9960485 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is there an association between fertility status, method of conception and the risks of birth defects and childhood cancer? SUMMARY ANSWER The risk of childhood cancer had two independent components: (i) method of conception and (ii) presence, type and number of birth defects. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The rarity of the co-occurrence of birth defects, cancer and ART makes studying their association challenging. Prior studies have indicated that infertility and ART are associated with an increased risk of birth defects or cancer but have been limited by small sample size and inadequate statistical power, failure to adjust for or include plurality, differences in definitions and/or methods of ascertainment, lack of information on ART treatment parameters or study periods spanning decades resulting in a substantial historical bias as ART techniques have improved. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a population-based cohort study linking ART cycles reported to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System (SART CORS) from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2017 that resulted in live births in 2004-2018 in Massachusetts and North Carolina and live births in 2004-2017 in Texas and New York. A 10:1 sample of non-ART births were chosen within the same time period as the ART birth. Non-ART siblings were identified through the ART mother's information. Children from non-ART births were classified as being born to women who conceived with ovulation induction or IUI (OI/IUI) when there was an indication of infertility treatment on the birth certificate, and the woman did not link to the SART CORS; all others were classified as being naturally conceived. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The study population included 165 125 ART children, 31 524 non-ART siblings, 12 451 children born to OI/IUI-treated women and 1 353 440 naturally conceived children. All study children were linked to their respective State birth defect registries to identify major defects diagnosed within the first year of life. We classified children with major defects as either chromosomal (i.e. presence of a chromosomal defect with or without any other major defect) or nonchromosomal (i.e. presence of a major defect but having no chromosomal defect), or all major defects (chromosomal and nonchromosomal), and calculated rates per 1000 children. Logistic regression models were used to generate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% CIs of the risk of birth defects by conception group (OI/IUI, non-ART sibling and ART by oocyte source and embryo state) with naturally conceived children as the reference, adjusted for paternal and maternal ages; maternal race and ethnicity, education, BMI, parity, diabetes, hypertension; and for plurality, infant sex and State and year of birth. All study children were also linked to their respective State cancer registries. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs of cancer by birth defect status (including presence of a defect, type and number of defects), and conception group. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A total of 29 571 singleton children (2.0%) and 3753 twin children (3.5%) had a major birth defect (chromosomal or nonchromosomal). Children conceived with ART from autologous oocytes had increased risks for nonchromosomal defects, including blastogenesis, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and, for males only, genitourinary defects, with AORs ranging from 1.22 to 1.85; children in the autologous-fresh group also had increased risks for musculoskeletal (AOR 1.28, 95% CI 1.13, 1.45) and orofacial defects (AOR 1.40, 95% CI 1.17, 1.68). Within the donor oocyte group, the children conceived from fresh embryos did not have increased risks in any birth defect category, whereas children conceived from thawed embryos had increased risks for nonchromosomal defects (AOR 1.20, 95% CI 1.03, 1.40) and blastogenesis defects (AOR 1.74, 95% CI 1.14, 2.65). The risk of cancer was increased among ART children in the autologous-fresh group (HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.08, 1.59) and non-ART siblings (1.34, 95% CI 1.02, 1.76). The risk of leukemia was increased among children in the OI/IUI group (HR 2.15, 95% CI 1.04, 4.47) and non-ART siblings (HR 1.63, 95% CI 1.02, 2.61). The risk of central nervous system tumors was increased among ART children in the autologous-fresh group (HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.14, 2.48), donor-fresh group (HR 2.57, 95% CI 1.04, 6.32) and non-ART siblings (HR 1.84, 95% CI 1.12, 3.03). ART children in the autologous-fresh group were also at increased risk for solid tumors (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.09, 1.77). A total of 127 children had both major birth defects and cancer, of which 53 children (42%) had leukemia. The risk of cancer had two independent components: (i) method of conception (described above) and (ii) presence, type and number of birth defects. The presence of nonchromosomal defects increased the cancer risk, greater for two or more defects versus one defect, for all cancers and each type evaluated. The presence of chromosomal defects was strongly associated with cancer risk (HR 8.70 for all cancers and HR 21.90 for leukemia), further elevated in the presence of both chromosomal and nonchromosomal defects (HR 21.29 for all cancers, HR 64.83 for leukemia and HR 4.71 for embryonal tumors). Among the 83 946 children born from ART in the USA in 2019 compared to their naturally conceived counterparts, these risks translate into an estimated excess of 761 children with major birth defects, 31 children with cancer and 11 children with both major birth defects and cancer. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION In the SART CORS database, it was not possible to differentiate method of embryo freezing (slow freezing versus vitrification), and data on ICSI were only available in the fresh embryo ART group. In the OI/IUI group, it was not possible to differentiate type of non-ART treatment utilized, and in both the ART and OI/IUI groups, data were unavailable on duration of infertility. Since OI/IUI is underreported on the birth certificate, some OI/IUI children were likely included among the naturally conceived children, which will decrease the difference between all the groups and the naturally conceived children. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The use of ART is associated with increased risks of major nonchromosomal birth defects. The presence of birth defects is associated with greater risks for cancer, which adds to the baseline risk in the ART group. Although this study does not show causality, these findings indicate that children conceived with ART, non-ART siblings, and all children with birth defects should be monitored more closely for the subsequent development of cancer. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This project was supported by grant R01 HD084377 from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, or the National Institutes of Health, nor any of the State Departments of Health which contributed data. M.L.E. reports consultancy for Ro, Hannah, Dadi, Sandstone and Underdog; presidency of SSMR; and SMRU board member. The remaining authors report no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Luke
- Correspondence address. Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, 965 Wilson Road, East Fee Hall, Room 628, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. Tel: +1-517-353-1678; Fax: +1-517-353-1663; E-mail:
| | - Morton B Brown
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Maria J Schymura
- New York State Department of Health, New York State Cancer Registry, Albany, NY, USA,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Albany, Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | - Marilyn L Browne
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Albany, Rensselaer, NY, USA,New York State Department of Health, Birth Defects Registry, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Sarah C Fisher
- New York State Department of Health, Birth Defects Registry, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Nina E Forestieri
- North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Birth Defects Monitoring Program, State Center for Health Statistics, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Chandrika Rao
- North Carolina Central Cancer Registry, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Hazel B Nichols
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mahsa M Yazdy
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Massachusetts Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Susan T Gershman
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Massachusetts Cancer Registry, Office of Data Management and Outcomes Assessment, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Caitlin R Sacha
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Melanie Williams
- Texas Department of State Health Services, Cancer Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Health and Human Services, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Mary K Ethen
- Texas Department of State Health Services, Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Mark A Canfield
- Texas Department of State Health Services, Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | - Michael L Eisenberg
- Division of Male Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Valerie L Baker
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carrie Williams
- Policy, Practice, and Population Unit, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alastair G Sutcliffe
- Policy, Practice, and Population Unit, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Melissa A Richard
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Philip J Lupo
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liberman RF, Heinke D, Petersen JM, Parker SE, Nestoridi E, Van Zutphen AR, Nembhard WN, Ramirez GM, Ethen MK, Tran T, Kirby RS, Getz KD, Nance AE, Yazdy MM. Interpregnancy interval and prevalence of selected birth defects: A multistate study. Birth Defects Res 2021; 114:69-79. [PMID: 34676681 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both short and long interpregnancy intervals (IPIs) have been associated with adverse birth outcomes. We undertook a multistate study to describe the prevalence of selected birth defects by IPI. METHODS We obtained data from nine population-based state birth defects registries for singleton live births in 2000-2009 among mothers with a previous live birth identified through birth certificates. IPI was calculated as the difference between prior birthdate and start of the current pregnancy (conception date). We estimated prevalence of selected defects per 10,000 live births and prevalence ratios (PRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) overall and stratified by maternal age at previous birth and race/ethnicity. Primary analyses focused on short IPI < 6 months and long IPI ≥ 60 months compared to 18-23 months (referent). Sensitivity analyses limited to active-surveillance states and those with<10% missing IPI. RESULTS Among 5,147,962 eligible births, 6.3% had short IPI while 19.8% had long IPI. Compared to referent, prevalence with short IPI was elevated for gastroschisis (3.7, CI: 3.0-4.5 vs. 2.0, CI: 1.6-2.4) and with both short and long IPI for tetralogy of Fallot (short: 3.4, 2.8-4.2 long: 3.8, 3.4-4.3 vs. 2.7, 2.3-3.2) and cleft lip ± palate (short: 9.9, 8.8-11.2 long: 9.2, 8.5-9.8 vs. 8.4, 7.6-9.2). Stratified analyses identified additional associations, including elevated prevalence of anencephaly with short IPI in younger mothers and limb defects with long IPI in those ages 25-34 at prior birth. Sensitivity analyses showed similar results. CONCLUSION In this population-based study, we observed increased prevalence of several birth defects with short and long IPI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca F Liberman
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dominique Heinke
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julie M Petersen
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Samantha E Parker
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eirini Nestoridi
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alissa R Van Zutphen
- New York State Department of Health, Birth Defects Registry, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Wendy N Nembhard
- Arkansas Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Glenda M Ramirez
- Arizona Department of Health Services, Arizona Birth Defects Monitoring Program, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Mary K Ethen
- Texas Department of State Health Services, Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Tri Tran
- Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Russell S Kirby
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Kelly D Getz
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amy E Nance
- Utah Department of Health, Bureau of Children with Special Health Care Needs, Utah Birth Defect Network, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Mahsa M Yazdy
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Luke B, Brown MB, Ethen MK, Canfield MA, Watkins S, Wantman E, Doody KJ. Sixth grade academic achievement among children conceived with IVF: a population-based study in Texas, USA. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:1481-1492. [PMID: 33797677 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02170-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare academic achievement in reading and mathematics at the end of sixth grade and progress from third to sixth grade by children conceived with in vitro fertilization (IVF) to those conceived naturally. METHODS This was a retrospective population-based cohort study of IVF-conceived singleton and twin children who took the 3rd grade and 6th grade public school standardized reading and mathematics testing in Texas. RESULTS There were 6623 children with reading scores in both the third and sixth grades and 6374 children with mathematics scores in both the third and sixth grades. Mean (± SE) scaled test scores for IVF and control singleton children for reading were 1544.6 ± 3.4 and 1527.7 ± 1.9, respectively, in third grade and 1701.2 ± 3.6 and 1681.0 ± 2.0, respectively, in sixth grade; for mathematics, the scores were 1564.4 ± 3.7 and 1548.9 ± 2.1, respectively, in third grade and 1774.0 ± 4.2 and 1752.0 ± 2.3, respectively, in sixth grade. In multivariate models, singleton IVF children scored significantly higher than control children in reading and mathematics, averaging 17.7 ± 4.0 points and 20.1 ± 4.1 points higher, respectively, in reading in third and sixth grades and 17.8 ± 4.4 points and 25.0 ± 4.8 points higher, respectively, in mathematics in third and sixth grades. CONCLUSIONS Children conceived with IVF and aged 8-9 years and aged 10-12 years performed as well on third and sixth grade reading and mathematics assessments as their counterparts conceived naturally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Luke
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Fee Hall, Room 628, 965 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI, USA.
| | - Morton B Brown
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mary K Ethen
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Mark A Canfield
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Luke B, Brown MB, Wantman E, Forestieri NE, Browne ML, Fisher SC, Yazdy MM, Ethen MK, Canfield MA, Nichols HB, Oehninger S, Doody KJ, Sutcliffe AG, Williams C, Eisenberg ML, Baker VL, Sacha CR, Lupo PJ. Risks of nonchromosomal birth defects, small-for-gestational age birthweight, and prematurity with in vitro fertilization: effect of number of embryos transferred and plurality at conception versus at birth. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:835-846. [PMID: 33547526 PMCID: PMC8079460 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02095-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Excess embryos transferred (ET) (> plurality at birth) and fetal heartbeats (FHB) at 6 weeks' gestation are associated with reductions in birthweight and gestation, but prior studies have been limited by small sample sizes and limited IVF data. This analysis evaluated associations between excess ET, excess FHB, and adverse perinatal outcomes, including the risk of nonchromosomal birth defects. METHODS Live births conceived via IVF from Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, and Texas included 138,435 children born 2004-2013 (Texas), 2004-2016 (Massachusetts and North Carolina), and 2004-2017 (New York) were classified by ET and FHB. Major birth defects were reported by statewide registries within the first year of life. Logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% CIs of the risks of a major nonchromosomal birth defect, small-for-gestational age birthweight (SGA), low birthweight (LBW), and preterm birth (≤36 weeks), by excess ET, and excess ET + excess FHB, by plurality at birth (singletons and twins). RESULTS In singletons with [2 ET, FHB =1] and [≥3 ET, FHB=1], risks [AOR (95% CI)] were increased, respectively, for major nonchromosomal birth defects [1.13 (1.00-1.27) and 1.18 (1.00-1.38)], SGA [1.10 (1.03-1.17) and 1.15 (1.05-1.26)], LBW [1.09 (1.02-1.13) and 1.17 (1.07-1.27)], and preterm birth [1.06 (1.00-1.12) and 1.14 (1.06-1.23)]. With excess ET + excess FHB, risks of all adverse outcomes except major nonchromosomal birth defects increased further for both singletons and twins. CONCLUSION Excess embryos transferred are associated with increased risks for nonchromosomal birth defects, reduced birthweight, and prematurity in IVF-conceived births.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Luke
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, 965 Wilson Road, East Fee Hall, Room 628, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
| | - Morton B Brown
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Nina E Forestieri
- Birth Defects Monitoring Program, State Center for Health Statistics, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Marilyn L Browne
- Birth Defects Research Section, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | - Sarah C Fisher
- Birth Defects Research Section, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Mahsa M Yazdy
- Massachusetts Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mary K Ethen
- Massachusetts Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark A Canfield
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Hazel B Nichols
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Alastair G Sutcliffe
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Carrie Williams
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Michael L Eisenberg
- Division of Male Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Valerie L Baker
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Caitlin R Sacha
- Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Philip J Lupo
- Epidemiology Program, Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Luke B, Brown MB, Wantman E, Forestieri NE, Browne ML, Fisher SC, Yazdy MM, Ethen MK, Canfield MA, Watkins S, Nichols HB, Farland LV, Oehninger S, Doody KJ, Eisenberg ML, Baker VL. The risk of birth defects with conception by ART. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:116-129. [PMID: 33251542 PMCID: PMC8679367 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the association between ART conception and treatment parameters and the risk of birth defects? SUMMARY ANSWER Compared to naturally conceived singleton infants, the risk of a major nonchromosomal defect among ART singletons conceived with autologous oocytes and fresh embryos without use of ICSI was increased by 18%, with increases of 42% and 30% for use of ICSI with and without male factor diagnosis, respectively. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Prior studies have indicated that infertility and ART are associated with an increased risk of birth defects but have been limited by small sample size and inadequate statistical power, failure to differentiate results by plurality, differences in birth defect definitions and methods of ascertainment, lack of information on ART treatment parameters or study periods spanning decades resulting in a substantial historical bias as ART techniques have improved. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a population-based cohort study linking ART cycles reported to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System (SART CORS) from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2015 that resulted in live births from 1 September 2004 to 31 December 2016 in Massachusetts and North Carolina and from 1 September 2004 to 31 December 2015 for Texas and New York: these were large and ethnically diverse States, with birth defect registries utilizing the same case definitions and data collected, and with high numbers of ART births annually. A 10:1 sample of non-ART births were chosen within the same time period as the ART birth. Naturally conceived ART siblings were identified through the mother's information. Non-ART children were classified as being born to women who conceived with ovulation induction (OI)/IUI when there was an indication of infertility treatment on the birth certificate, but the woman did not link to the SART CORS; all others were classified as being naturally conceived. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The study population included 135 051 ART children (78 362 singletons and 56 689 twins), 23 647 naturally conceived ART siblings (22 301 singletons and 1346 twins) and 9396 children born to women treated with OI/IUI (6597 singletons and 2799 twins) and 1 067 922 naturally conceived children (1 037 757 singletons and 30 165 twins). All study children were linked to their respective State birth defect registries to identify major defects diagnosed within the first year of life. We classified children with major defects as either chromosomal (i.e. presence of a chromosomal defect with or without any other major defect) or nonchromosomal (i.e. presence of a major defect but having no chromosomal defect), or all major defects (chromosomal and nonchromosomal). Logistic regression models were used to generate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% CI to evaluate the risk of birth defects due to conception with ART (using autologous oocytes and fresh embryos), and with and without the use of ICSI in the absence or presence of male factor infertility, with naturally conceived children as the reference. Analyses within the ART group were stratified by combinations of oocyte source (autologous, donor) and embryo state (fresh, thawed), with births from autologous oocytes and fresh embryos as the reference. Analyses limited to fresh embryos were stratified by oocyte source (autologous, donor) and the use of ICSI. Triplets and higher-order multiples were excluded. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A total of 21 998 singleton children (1.9%) and 3037 twin children (3.3%) had a major birth defect. Compared to naturally conceived children, ART singletons (conceived from autologous oocytes, fresh embryos without the use of ICSI) had increased risks of a major nonchromosomal birth defect (AOR 1.18, 95% 1.05, 1.32), cardiovascular defects (AOR 1.20, 95% CI 1.03, 1.40), and any birth defect (AOR 1.18, 95% CI 1.09, 1.27). Compared to naturally conceived children, ART singletons conceived (from autologous oocytes, fresh embryos) with the use of ICSI, the risks were increased for a major nonchromosomal birth defect (AOR 1.30, 95% CI 1.16, 1.45 without male factor diagnosis; AOR 1.42, 95% CI 1.28, 1.57 with male factor diagnosis); blastogenesis defects (AOR 1.49, 95% CI 1.08, 2.05 without male factor; AOR 1.56, 95% CI 1.17, 2.08 with male factor); cardiovascular defects (AOR 1.28, 95% CI 1.10,1.48 without male factor; AOR 1.45, 95% CI 1.27, 1.66 with male factor); in addition, the risk for musculoskeletal defects was increased (AOR 1.34, 95% CI 1.01, 1.78 without male factor) and the risk for genitourinary defects in male infants was increased (AOR 1.33, 95% CI 1.08, 1.65 with male factor). Comparisons within ART singleton births conceived from autologous oocytes and fresh embryos indicated that the use of ICSI was associated with increased risks of a major nonchromosomal birth defect (AOR 1.18, 95% CI 1.03, 1.35), blastogenesis defects (AOR 1.65, 95% CI 1.08, 2.51), gastrointestinal defects (AOR 2.21, 95% CI 1.28, 3.82) and any defect (AOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01, 1.22). Compared to naturally conceived children, ART singleton siblings had increased risks of musculoskeletal defects (AOR 1.32, 95% CI 1.04, 1.67) and any defect (AOR 1.15, 95% CI 1.08, 1.23). ART twins (conceived with autologous oocytes, fresh embryos, without ICSI) were at increased risk of chromosomal defects (AOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.10, 3.24) and ART twin siblings were at increased risk of any defect (AOR 1.26, 95% CI 1.01, 1.57). The 18% increased risk of a major nonchromosomal birth defect in singleton infants conceived with ART without ICSI (∼36% of ART births), the 30% increased risk with ICSI without male factor (∼33% of ART births), and the 42% increased risk with ICSI and male factor (∼31% of ART births) translates into an estimated excess of 386 major birth defects among the 68 908 singleton children born by ART in 2017. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION In the SART CORS database, it was not possible to differentiate method of embryo freezing (slow freezing vs vitrification), and data on ICSI was only available in the fresh embryo ART group. In the OI/IUI group, it was not possible to differentiate type of non-ART treatment utilized, and in both the ART and OI/IUI groups, data were unavailable on duration of infertility. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The use of ART is associated with increased risks of a major nonchromosomal birth defect, cardiovascular defect and any defect in singleton children, and chromosomal defects in twins; the use of ICSI further increases this risk, the most with male factor infertility. These findings support the judicious use of ICSI only when medically indicated. The relative contribution of ART treatment parameters versus the biology of the subfertile couple to this increased risk remains unclear and warrants further study. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This project was supported by grant R01 HD084377 from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, or the National Institutes of Health, nor any of the State Departments of Health which contributed data. E.W. is a contract vendor for SART; all other authors report no conflicts. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Luke
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and
Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State
University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Morton B Brown
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public
Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Nina E Forestieri
- North Carolina Department of Health and Human
Services, Birth Defects Monitoring Program, State Center for
Health Statistics, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Marilyn L Browne
- New York State Department of Health, Birth Defects
Research Section, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Sarah C Fisher
- New York State Department of Health, Birth Defects
Research Section, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Mahsa M Yazdy
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health,
Massachusetts Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention,
Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mary K Ethen
- Texas Department of State Health Services, Birth
Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Mark A Canfield
- Texas Department of State Health Services, Birth
Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | - Hazel B Nichols
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of
Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill,
NC, USA
| | - Leslie V Farland
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Mel
and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of
Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | | | - Michael L Eisenberg
- Division of Male Reproductive Medicine and Surgery,
Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine,
Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Valerie L Baker
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and
Infertility, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University
School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Luke B, Brown MB, Nichols HB, Schymura MJ, Browne ML, Fisher SC, Forestieri NE, Rao C, Yazdy MM, Gershman ST, Ethen MK, Canfield MA, Williams M, Wantman E, Oehninger S, Doody KJ, Eisenberg ML, Baker VL, Lupo PJ. Assessment of Birth Defects and Cancer Risk in Children Conceived via In Vitro Fertilization in the US. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e2022927. [PMID: 33119107 PMCID: PMC7596575 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.22927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Children with birth defects have a greater risk of developing cancer, but this association has not yet been evaluated in children conceived with in vitro fertilization (IVF). OBJECTIVE To assess whether the association between birth defects and cancer is greater in children conceived via IVF compared with children conceived naturally. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cohort study of live births, birth defects, and cancer from Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, and Texas included 1 000 639 children born to fertile women and 52 776 children conceived via IVF (using autologous oocytes and fresh embryos) during 2004-2016 in Massachusetts and North Carolina, 2004-2015 in New York, and 2004-2013 in Texas. Children were followed up for an average of 5.7 years (6 008 985 total person-years of exposure). Data analysis was conducted from April 1 to August 31, 2020. EXPOSURES Conception by IVF for state residents who gave birth to liveborn singletons during the study period. Birth defect diagnoses recorded by statewide registries. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Cancer diagnosis as recorded by state cancer registries. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for birth defect-cancer associations separately in fertile and IVF groups. RESULTS A total of 1 000 639 children (51.3% boys; 69.7% White; and 38.3% born between 2009-2012) were in the fertile group and 52 776 were in the IVF group (51.3% boys; 81.3% White; and 39.6% born between 2009-2012). Compared with children without birth defects, cancer risks were higher among children with a major birth defect in the fertile group (hazard ratio [HR], 3.15; 95% CI, 2.40-4.14) and IVF group (HR, 6.90; 95% CI, 3.73-12.74). The HR of cancer among children with a major nonchromosomal defect was 2.07 (95% CI, 1.47-2.91) among children in the fertile group and 4.04 (95% CI, 1.86-8.77) among children in the IVF group. The HR of cancer among children with a chromosomal defect was 15.45 (95% CI, 10.00-23.86) in the fertile group and 38.91 (95% CI, 15.56-97.33) in the IVF group. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study found that among children with birth defects, those conceived via IVF were at greater risk of developing cancer compared with children conceived naturally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Luke
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing
| | - Morton B. Brown
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Hazel B. Nichols
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Maria J. Schymura
- Bureau of Cancer Epidemiology, New York State Department of Health, Albany
| | - Marilyn L. Browne
- Birth Defects Research Section, New York State Department of Health, Albany
| | - Sarah C. Fisher
- Birth Defects Research Section, New York State Department of Health, Albany
| | - Nina E. Forestieri
- Birth Defects Monitoring Program, State Center for Health Statistics, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh
| | - Chandrika Rao
- North Carolina Central Cancer Registry, State Center for Health Statistics, Division of Public Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh
| | - Mahsa M. Yazdy
- Massachusetts Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston
| | - Susan T. Gershman
- Massachusetts Cancer Registry, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston
| | - Mary K. Ethen
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin
| | - Mark A. Canfield
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin
| | - Melanie Williams
- Cancer Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin
| | | | | | | | - Michael L. Eisenberg
- Division of Male Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - Valerie L. Baker
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Philip J. Lupo
- Epidemiology Program, Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Luke B, Brown MB, Ethen MK, Canfield MA, Watkins S, Wantman E, Doody KJ. Third grade academic achievement among children conceived with the use of in vitro fertilization: a population-based study in Texas. Fertil Steril 2020; 113:1242-1250.e4. [PMID: 32409098 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate if there are differences in standardized testing results at the end of third grade between children conceived with the use of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and those conceived spontaneously. DESIGN Retrospective population-based cohort. SETTING Texas public school system. PATIENT(S) Singleton and twin children 8-9 years of age who took the third-grade public school standardized testing in Texas from 2012 to 2018. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Standardized testing in reading and mathematics. RESULT(S) After exclusions, there were 6,970 IVF and 12,690 non-IVF children with reading scores and 6,973 IVF and 12,729 non-IVF children with mathematics scores. IVF children scored significantly higher in reading (singletons: 1,543 ± 2 vs. 1,525 ± 1; twins: 1,534 ± 2 vs. 1,504 ± 5 [mean ± SE]), and mathematics (singletons: 1,566 ± 2 vs. 1,550 ± 1; twins: 1,557 ± 2 vs. 1,529 ± 5). Children of mothers ≥30 years of age scored consistently higher than children of mothers 18-29 years of age. The differences were of similar magnitude between IVF and control children for older ages, but not significant for IVF. Within the IVF group, there were no significant differences between children born from fresh versus froze-thawed embryos. CONCLUSION(S) Children of ages 8-9 years who were conceived with the use of IVF performed as well on third-grade reading and math assessments as their counterparts who were conceived spontaneously. We also found consistent racial and ethnic differences, gender differences, and beneficial effects of older maternal age. Because we were not able to adjust adequately for socioeconomic status and other confounding factors, which may explain some of the observed differences, we conclude that there is no negative effect of IVF conception on academic achievement in third grade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Luke
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.
| | - Morton B Brown
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Mary K Ethen
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas
| | - Mark A Canfield
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Benjamin RH, Ethen MK, Canfield MA, Mitchell LE. Change in prepregnancy body mass index and gastroschisis. Ann Epidemiol 2019; 41:21-27. [PMID: 31928895 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2019.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Maternal body mass index (BMI) is inversely associated with gastroschisis, but a causal relationship has not been established. As data demonstrating that a change in exposure status is related to a change in the frequency of the outcome can add to the evidence for causality, we conducted a case-control study of change in maternal BMI, assessed using interpregnancy change in BMI (IPC-BMI), and gastroschisis. METHODS Data for 258 gastroschisis cases and 2561 controls were obtained from the Texas Birth Defects Registry and vital records (2006-2012). Logistic regression was used to estimate the adjusted association between IPC-BMI and gastroschisis. RESULTS The continuous IPC-BMI variable was inversely associated with gastroschisis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.86, 0.95). When assessed as a six-level categorical variable, with weight stable women as the referent, the odds of gastroschisis were higher following a BMI decrease of greater than 1 unit (aOR = 1.37, 95% CI: 0.91, 2.06) and lower after a BMI increase of ≥3 units (aOR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.42, 0.94). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that maternal change in BMI is associated with gastroschisis and, thus, add to the epidemiological evidence that can be used to inform our understanding of the relationship between BMI and gastroschisis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renata H Benjamin
- UTHealth School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, Houston, TX
| | - Mary K Ethen
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, TX
| | - Mark A Canfield
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, TX
| | - Laura E Mitchell
- UTHealth School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, Houston, TX.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Watkins S, Brown MB, Luke B, Ethen MK, Canfield MA, Wantman E, Forestieri NE, Yazdy MM, Fisher SC, Browne ML, Nichols HB, Baker VL, Eisenberg ML, Oehninger SC, Doody KJ. Third grade academic achievement among children conceived with IVF: a population-based study in texas. Fertil Steril 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.07.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
11
|
Benjamin RH, Ethen MK, Canfield MA, Hua F, Mitchell LE. Association of interpregnancy change in body mass index and spina bifida. Birth Defects Res 2019; 111:1389-1398. [DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Renata H. Benjamin
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental SciencesUTHealth School of Public Health Houston Texas
| | - Mary K. Ethen
- Texas Department of State Health ServicesBirth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch Austin Texas
| | - Mark A. Canfield
- Texas Department of State Health ServicesBirth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch Austin Texas
| | - Fei Hua
- Texas Department of State Health ServicesCenter for Health Statistics Austin Texas
| | - Laura E. Mitchell
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental SciencesUTHealth School of Public Health Houston Texas
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Benjamin RH, Littlejohn S, Canfield MA, Ethen MK, Hua F, Mitchell LE. Interpregnancy change in body mass index and infant outcomes in Texas: a population-based study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2019; 19:119. [PMID: 30953457 PMCID: PMC6451298 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-019-2265-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) is associated with several infant outcomes, but it is unclear whether these associations reflect causal relationships. We conducted a study of interpregnancy change in BMI (IPC-BMI) to improve understanding of the associations between BMI and large for gestational age (LGA), small for gestational age (SGA), and preterm birth (PTB). Methods Birth certificate data from 2481 linked sibling pairs (Texas, 2005–2012) were used to estimate IPC-BMI and evaluate its association with LGA, SGA, and PTB in the younger sibling of the pair. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using data from the full sample and within strata defined by prepregnancy BMI for the older sibling. Results On average, women gained 1.1 BMI units between pregnancies. In the full sample, interpregnancy BMI decreases were associated with reduced odds of LGA and increased odds of SGA and PTB (IPC-BMI < -1 versus 0 to < 1: LGA aOR 0.7, 95% CI 0.4, 1.1; SGA aOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.0, 2.7; PTB aOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.3, 2.8). In stratified analyses, similar associations were observed in some, but not all, strata. Findings for interpregnancy BMI increases were less consistent, with little evidence for associations between these outcomes and the most extreme IPC-BMI increases. Conclusions There is growing evidence that interpregnancy BMI decreases are associated with LGA, SGA, and PTB. However, taken as a whole, the literature provides insufficient evidence to establish causal links between maternal BMI and these outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renata H Benjamin
- UTHealth School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, 1200 Pressler Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sarah Littlejohn
- UTHealth School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, 1200 Pressler Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Mark A Canfield
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Mary K Ethen
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Fei Hua
- Center for Health Statistics, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Laura E Mitchell
- UTHealth School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, 1200 Pressler Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Marengo LK, Flood TJ, Ethen MK, Kirby RS, Fisher S, Copeland G, Meyer RE, Dunn J, Canfield MA, Anderson T, Yazzie D, Mai CT. Study of selected birth defects among American Indian/Alaska Native population: A multi-state population-based retrospective study, 1999-2007. Birth Defects Res 2018; 110:1412-1418. [PMID: 30403007 PMCID: PMC6425493 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Higher prevalence of selected birth defects has been reported among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) newborns. We examine whether known risk factors for birth defects explain the higher prevalence observed for selected birth defects among this population. METHODS Data from 12 population-based birth defects surveillance systems, covering a birth population of 11 million from 1999 to 2007, were used to examine prevalence of birth defects that have previously been reported to have elevated prevalence among AI/ANs. Prevalence ratios (PRs) were calculated for non-Hispanic AI/ANs and any AI/ANs (regardless of Hispanic ethnicity), adjusting for maternal age, education, diabetes, and smoking, as well as type of case-finding ascertainment surveillance system. RESULTS After adjustment, the birth prevalence of two of seven birth defects remained significantly elevated among AI/ANs compared to non-Hispanic whites (NHWs): anotia/microtia was almost threefold higher, and cleft lip +/- cleft palate was almost 70% higher compared to NHWs. Excluding AI/AN subjects who were also Hispanic had only a negligible impact on adjusted PRs. CONCLUSIONS Additional covariates accounted for some of the elevated birth defect prevalences among AI/ANs compared to NHWs. Exclusion of Hispanic ethnicity from the AI/AN category had little impact on birth defects prevalences in AI/ANs. NHWs serve as a viable comparison group for analysis. Birth defects among AI/ANs require additional scrutiny to identify modifiable risk and protective factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mary K. Ethen
- Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas
| | - Russell S. Kirby
- Department of Community and Family Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Sarah Fisher
- New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York
| | - Glenn Copeland
- Michigan Birth Defects Registry, Michigan Department of Community Health, Lansing, Michigan
| | - Robert E. Meyer
- North Carolina Birth Defects Monitoring Program, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Julie Dunn
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Tom Anderson
- Association of American Indian Physicians, Formerly Oklahoma Area Tribal Epidemiology Center and Southern Plains Tribal Health Board, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Del Yazzie
- Navajo Epidemiology Center, Navajo Nation Department of Health, Window Rock, Arizona
| | - Cara T. Mai
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hoyt AT, Canfield MA, Langlois PH, Waller DK, Agopian AJ, Shumate CJ, Hall NB, Marengo LK, Ethen MK, Scheuerle AE. Pre-Zika descriptive epidemiology of microcephaly in Texas, 2008-2012. Birth Defects Res 2017; 110:395-405. [PMID: 29171191 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [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: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are limited population-based studies on microcephaly. We characterized the epidemiology of microcephaly in Texas during a 5-year period (2008-2012), prior to the Zika epidemic in the Western hemisphere (2015). The associations of suspected risk factors were compared across four clearly defined case groups. METHODS Data from the Texas Birth Defects Registry were used to calculate the prevalence of congenital microcephaly and crude and adjusted prevalence ratios using Poisson regression. Twelve maternal and infant factors were assessed across case groups, which included total (explained + unexplained), explained (e.g., syndromic), unexplained, and severe unexplained microcephaly (head circumference <3rd percentile). RESULTS The birth prevalence for total and total severe microcephaly were 14.7 and 4.8 per 10,000 livebirths, respectively. For explained and unexplained cases, significantly elevated risks were noted for mothers who were older (35+), less educated (≤12 years), diabetic (pre-pregnancy or gestational), or had a preterm delivery. Unlike explained cases, however, mothers who were non-White or smoked had an increased risk for unexplained microcephaly. Furthermore, young maternal age (<20), multiparity, and higher BMI reduced the risk for unexplained microcephaly. For severe unexplained cases, the risk profile was similar to that for all unexplained cases-with the exception of null associations noted for diabetes and birth year. CONCLUSIONS We found that risk patterns for microcephaly varied across case groupings. Risk factors included maternal race/ethnicity, age, and smoking during pregnancy. Among severe unexplained cases, notable positive associations were seen among mothers who were non-Hispanic Black or less educated, while inverse associations were noted for obesity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne T Hoyt
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas
| | - Mark A Canfield
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas
| | - Peter H Langlois
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas
| | | | - A J Agopian
- UT Health School of Public Health, Houston, Texas
| | - Charles J Shumate
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas
| | - Noemi B Hall
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas
| | - Lisa K Marengo
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas
| | - Mary K Ethen
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas
| | - Angela E Scheuerle
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas.,University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cragan JD, Isenburg JL, Parker SE, Alverson CJ, Meyer RE, Stallings EB, Kirby RS, Lupo PJ, Liu JS, Seagroves A, Ethen MK, Cho SJ, Evans M, Liberman RF, Fornoff J, Browne ML, Rutkowski RE, Nance AE, Anderka M, Fox DJ, Steele A, Copeland G, Romitti PA, Mai CT. Population-based microcephaly surveillance in the United States, 2009 to 2013: An analysis of potential sources of variation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 106:972-982. [PMID: 27891783 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [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: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital microcephaly has been linked to maternal Zika virus infection. However, ascertaining infants diagnosed with microcephaly can be challenging. METHODS Thirty birth defects surveillance programs provided data on infants diagnosed with microcephaly born 2009 to 2013. The pooled prevalence of microcephaly per 10,000 live births was estimated overall and by maternal/infant characteristics. Variation in prevalence was examined across case finding methods. Nine programs provided data on head circumference and conditions potentially contributing to microcephaly. RESULTS The pooled prevalence of microcephaly was 8.7 per 10,000 live births. Median prevalence (per 10,000 live births) was similar among programs using active (6.7) and passive (6.6) methods; the interdecile range of prevalence estimates was wider among programs using passive methods for all race/ethnicity categories except Hispanic. Prevalence (per 10,000 live births) was lowest among non-Hispanic Whites (6.5) and highest among non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics (11.2 and 11.9, respectively); estimates followed a U-shaped distribution by maternal age with the highest prevalence among mothers <20 years (11.5) and ≥40 years (13.2). For gestational age and birth weight, the highest prevalence was among infants <32 weeks gestation and infants <1500 gm. Case definitions varied; 41.8% of cases had an HC ≥ the 10th percentile for sex and gestational age. CONCLUSION Differences in methods, population distribution of maternal/infant characteristics, and case definitions for microcephaly can contribute to the wide range of observed prevalence estimates across individual birth defects surveillance programs. Addressing these factors in the setting of Zika virus infection can improve the quality of prevalence estimates. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:972-982, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janet D Cragan
- Division of Congenital and Developmental Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jennifer L Isenburg
- Division of Congenital and Developmental Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.,Carter Consulting Inc., Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Samantha E Parker
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - C J Alverson
- Division of Congenital and Developmental Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Robert E Meyer
- State Center for Health Statistics, N.C. Division of Public Health, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Erin B Stallings
- Division of Congenital and Developmental Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.,Carter Consulting Inc., Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Russell S Kirby
- Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Philip J Lupo
- Section of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Jennifer S Liu
- Division of Congenital and Developmental Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.,Leidos Holdings, Inc., Reston, Virginia
| | - Amanda Seagroves
- Division of Congenital and Developmental Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.,Carter Consulting Inc., Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Mary K Ethen
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas
| | - Sook Ja Cho
- Division of Community and Family Health, Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, Minnesota
| | - MaryAnn Evans
- Oregon Birth Anomalies Surveillance System, Oregon Public Health Division, Portland, Oregon
| | - Rebecca F Liberman
- Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jane Fornoff
- Division of Epidemiologic Studies, Illinois Department of Public Health, Springfield, Illinois
| | | | - Rachel E Rutkowski
- Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Amy E Nance
- Utah Birth Defect Network, Division of Family Health and Preparedness, Utah Department of Health, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | | | - Deborah J Fox
- New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York
| | - Amy Steele
- Utah Birth Defect Network, Division of Family Health and Preparedness, Utah Department of Health, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Glenn Copeland
- Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Lansing, Michigan
| | - Paul A Romitti
- College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Cara T Mai
- Division of Congenital and Developmental Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Lara DA, Ethen MK, Canfield MA, Nembhard WN, Morris SA. A population-based analysis of mortality in patients with Turner syndrome and hypoplastic left heart syndrome using the Texas Birth Defects Registry. CONGENIT HEART DIS 2016; 12:105-112. [PMID: 27685952 DOI: 10.1111/chd.12413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is strongly associated with Turner syndrome (TS); outcome data when these conditions coexist is sparse. We aimed to investigate long-term survival and causes of death in this population. METHODS The Texas Birth Defects Registry was queried for all live born infants with HLHS during 1999-2007. We used Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses to compare survival among patients with HLHS with TS (HLHS/TS+) to patients who had HLHS without genetic disorders or extracardiac birth defects (HLHS/TS-). RESULTS Of the 542 patients with HLHS, 11 had TS (2.0%), 71 had other extracardiac birth defects or genetic disorders, and 463 had neither. The median follow-up time was 4.2 y (interquartile range [IQR] 2.1-6.5). Comparing those with HLHS/TS+ to HLHS/TS-, 100% versus 35% were female (P < .001), and median birth weight was 2140 g (IQR 1809-2650) versus 3196 g (IQR 2807-3540, P < .001). Neonatal mortality was 36% in HLHS/TS+ versus 27% in HLHS/TS- (log rank = 0.431). Ten of the 11 TS+ patients died during the study period for cumulative mortality of 91% versus 50% (hazard ratio (HR) for TS+: 2.90, 95% CI 1.53-5.48). Six patients died prior to surgery, 5 underwent Stage 1 palliation (S1P), 3 died after S1P, 2 survived past S2P, and one of these died at age 19 mo. The underlying cause of death was listed as congenital heart disease on all the death certificates of HLHS/TS+ patients. In multivariable analysis controlling for low birth weight (<2500 g), TS remained associated with significantly increased cumulative mortality, although females without TS had higher mortality than males (HR for TS+ versus males: 2.42, 95% CI 1.24-4.73; HR for TS- females versus males: 1.41, 95% CI 1.08-1.83). CONCLUSION TS with HLHS is associated with significant mortality. The increased mortality in females without documented TS calls to question if TS is undetected in a portion of females with HLHS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego A Lara
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mary K Ethen
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Mark A Canfield
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Wendy N Nembhard
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Shaine A Morris
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lara DA, Fixler DE, Ethen MK, Canfield MA, Nembhard WN, Morris SA. Prenatal diagnosis, hospital characteristics, and mortality in transposition of the great arteries. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 106:739-48. [PMID: 27296724 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of prenatal diagnosis in reducing neonatal mortality from transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is controversial. Factors affected by prenatal diagnosis such as proximity at birth to a cardiac surgical center (CSC) and CSC volume are associated with mortality in congenital heart disease. The purpose of the study was to determine the associations between prenatal diagnosis, distance from birthplace to a CSC, CSC TGA volume, and neonatal mortality in patients with TGA. METHODS The Texas Birth Defects Registry was queried for all live born infants with TGA from 1999 to 2007. Four hundred sixty-eight cases of TGA were included. RESULTS Forty-eight patients (10.3%) were prenatally diagnosed, and 20 patients died before age 28 days (4.3%). Neither prenatal diagnosis nor close proximity to a CSC at birth (p > 0.05) were associated with decreased mortality. Low CSC TGA volume was associated with increased mortality (p < 0.0002). Mortality at the CSCs with <5 patients per year was 9.6%; CSCs with 5 to 10 patients per year had 0% mortality, and those with >10 patients per year had 2.3% mortality. In multivariable logistic regression, only preterm birth (odds ratio, 7.05; 95% confidence interval, 4.13-12.05) and lower CSC volume (p < 0.001) were associated with neonatal mortality, although prenatal diagnosis attenuated the detrimental association of lower volume CSCs with higher mortality (p for interaction = 0.047). CONCLUSION Lower CSC TGA patient volume was associated with higher neonatal mortality. Prenatal diagnosis may improve survival in lower volume CSCs. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:739-748, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego A Lara
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
| | - David E Fixler
- Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas
| | - Mary K Ethen
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas
| | - Mark A Canfield
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas
| | - Wendy N Nembhard
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Shaine A Morris
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Meyer RE, Liu G, Gilboa SM, Ethen MK, Aylsworth AS, Powell CM, Flood TJ, Mai CT, Wang Y, Canfield MA. Survival of children with trisomy 13 and trisomy 18: A multi-state population-based study. Am J Med Genet A 2015; 170A:825-37. [PMID: 26663415 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.37495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [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: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Trisomy 13 (T13) and trisomy 18 (T18) are among the most prevalent autosomal trisomies. Both are associated with a very high risk of mortality. Numerous instances, however, of long-term survival of children with T13 or T18 have prompted some clinicians to pursue aggressive treatment instead of the traditional approach of palliative care. The purpose of this study is to assess current mortality data for these conditions. This multi-state, population-based study examined data obtained from birth defect surveillance programs in nine states on live-born infants delivered during 1999-2007 with T13 or T18. Information on children's vital status and selected maternal and infant risk factors were obtained using matched birth and death certificates and other data sources. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate age-specific survival probabilities and predictors of survival up to age five. There were 693 children with T13 and 1,113 children with T18 identified from the participating states. Among children with T13, 5-year survival was 9.7%; among children with T18, it was 12.3%. For both trisomies, gestational age was the strongest predictor of mortality. Females and children of non-Hispanic black mothers had the lowest mortality. Omphalocele and congenital heart defects were associated with an increased risk of death for children with T18 but not T13. This study found survival among children with T13 and T18 to be somewhat higher than those previously reported in the literature, consistent with recent studies reporting improved survival following more aggressive medical intervention for these children. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert E Meyer
- N.C. Division of Public Health, Birth Defects Monitoring Program, State Center for Health Statistics, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York
| | - Suzanne M Gilboa
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Mary K Ethen
- Texas Department of State Health Services, Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Austin, Texas
| | - Arthur S Aylsworth
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Cynthia M Powell
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Timothy J Flood
- Arizona Department of Health Services, Birth Defects Monitoring Program, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Cara T Mai
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Ying Wang
- New York State Department of Health, Office of Primary Care and Health System Management, Albany, New York
| | - Mark A Canfield
- Texas Department of State Health Services, Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Austin, Texas
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Newborn pulse oximetry screening is recommended to promote early referral of neonates with critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) and reduce mortality; however, the impact of late referral on mortality is not well defined. The purpose of this population-based study was to describe the association between timing of referral to a cardiac center and mortality in 2360 liveborn neonates with CCHD. METHODS Neonates with CCHD born before pulse oximetry screening (1996-2007) were selected from the Texas Birth Defects Registry and linked to state birth and death records. Age at referral was ascertained from date of first cardiac procedure at a cardiac center. Logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate factors associated with late referral and mortality; the Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate 3-month survival. RESULTS Median age at referral was 1 day (25th-75th percentile: 0-6 days). Overall, 27.5% (649 of 2360) were referred after age 4 days and 7.5% (178 of 2360) had no record of referral. Neonatal mortality was 18.1% (277 of 1533) for those referred at 0 to 4 days of age, 9.0% (34 of 379) for those referred at 5 to 27 days of age, and 38.8% (69 of 178) for those with no referral. No improvement in age at referral was found across the 2 eras within 1996-2007. CONCLUSIONS A significant proportion of neonates with CCHD experienced late or no referral to cardiac specialty centers, accounting for a significant number of the deaths. Future population-based studies are needed to determine the benefit of pulse oximetry screening on mortality and morbidity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David E Fixler
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas;
| | - Ping Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida; and
| | - Wendy N Nembhard
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida; and
| | - Mary K Ethen
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas
| | - Mark A Canfield
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Nembhard WN, Xu P, Ethen MK, Fixler DE, Salemi JL, Canfield MA. Racial/ethnic disparities in timing of death during childhood among children with congenital heart defects. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 97:628-40. [DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Revised: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wendy N. Nembhard
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health; University of South Florida; Tampa; Florida
| | - Ping Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health; University of South Florida; Tampa; Florida
| | - Mary K. Ethen
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch; Texas Department of State Health Services; Austin; Texas
| | - David E. Fixler
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics; University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas; Texas
| | - Jason L. Salemi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health; University of South Florida; Tampa; Florida
| | - Mark A. Canfield
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch; Texas Department of State Health Services; Austin; Texas
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Morris SA, Ethen MK, Penny DJ, Canfield MA, Minard CG, Fixler DE, Nembhard WN. Prenatal diagnosis, birth location, surgical center, and neonatal mortality in infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Circulation 2013; 129:285-92. [PMID: 24135071 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.113.003711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most studies have not demonstrated improved survival after prenatal diagnosis of critical congenital heart disease, including hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). However, the effect of delivery near a cardiac surgical center (CSC), the recommended action after prenatal diagnosis, on HLHS mortality has been poorly investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS Using Texas Birth Defects Registry data, 1999 through 2007, which monitored >3.4 million births, we investigated the association between distance (calculated driving time) from birth center to CSC and neonatal mortality in 463 infants with HLHS. Infants with extracardiac birth defects or genetic disorders were excluded. The associations between prenatal diagnosis, CSC HLHS volume, and mortality were also examined. Neonatal mortality in infants born <10 minutes from a CSC was 21.0%, 10 to 90 minutes 25.2%, and >90 minutes 39.6% (P for trend <0.001). Prenatal diagnosis alone was not associated with improved survival (P=0.14). In multivariable analysis, birth >90 minutes from a CSC remained associated with increased mortality (odds ratio, 2.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.19-3.45), compared with <10 minutes. In subanalysis, birth >90 minutes from a CSC was associated with higher pretransport mortality (odds ratio, 6.69; 95% confidence interval, 2.52-17.74) and birth 10 to 90 minutes with higher presurgical mortality (odds ratio, 4.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-17.00). Higher surgical mortality was associated with lower CSC HLHS volume (odds ratio per 10 patients, 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.84-0.91). CONCLUSIONS Infants with HLHS born far from a CSC have increased neonatal mortality, and most of this mortality is presurgical. Efforts to improve prenatal diagnosis of HLHS and subsequent delivery near a large volume CSC may significantly improve neonatal HLHS survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaine A Morris
- Department of Pediatrics and Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX (S.A.M., D.J.P.); Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, TX (M.K.E., M.A.C.); Dan L. Duncan Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX (C.G.M.); Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX (D.E.F.); and the Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL (W.N.N.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Fixler DE, Nembhard WN, Xu P, Ethen MK, Canfield MA. Effect of acculturation and distance from cardiac center on congenital heart disease mortality. Pediatrics 2012; 129:1118-24. [PMID: 22566422 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2011-3114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Despite improvements in congenital heart disease (CHD) survival over the past 4 decades, ethnic disparities persist. Several studies have shown higher postoperative CHD adjusted mortality in black and Hispanic children. Others noted that non-English-speaking language at home was associated with appointment noncompliance, which the parents attributed to misunderstanding and living too far from a health center. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of home distance to a cardiac center, or having a Latin American-born parent, on first-year mortality in infants with severe CHD. METHODS Infants with severe CHD, having an estimated first-year mortality >25%, born 1996-2003, were identified from the Texas Birth Defects Registry and linked to state and national vital records. We examined the effects of defect type; birth weight; gestational age; extracardiac anomalies; infant gender; maternal race/ethnicity, marital status, and education; residence in a Texas county bordering Mexico; home distance to cardiac center; and parental birth country on first-year survival. RESULTS Overall first-year survival was 59.9%, and no race/ethnic differences were noted; however, survival was significantly (P < .05) lower for Hispanic infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Neither home distance to a cardiac center nor parental birth country was related to first-year survival; however, survival was noted to be lower in Texas counties bordering Mexico, counties that have high rates of poverty. CONCLUSIONS Further studies are needed to determine if these disparities in survival of infants with severe CHD are attributable to delays in referral to a cardiac center.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David E Fixler
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Nembhard WN, Salemi JL, Ethen MK, Fixler DE, Dimaggio A, Canfield MA. Racial/Ethnic disparities in risk of early childhood mortality among children with congenital heart defects. Pediatrics 2011; 127:e1128-38. [PMID: 21502234 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2010-2702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infants with congenital heart defects (CHDs) have increased risk of childhood morbidity and mortality. However, little is known about racial/ethnic differences in early childhood mortality. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study with data from the Texas Birth Defect Registry on 19 530 singleton, live-born infants with a CHD and born January 1, 1996, to December 31, 2003, to non-Hispanic (NH) white, NH black, and Hispanic women. Texas Birth Defect Registry data were linked to Texas death records and the National Death Index to ascertain deaths between January 1, 1996, and December 31, 2005. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were computed, and hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated from multivariable Cox-proportional hazard regression models to determine the effect of maternal race/ethnicity on mortality for selected CHD phenotypes. RESULTS After adjusting for covariates, compared with NH white children, NH black children had increased early childhood mortality risk for transposition of the great arteries (HR: 2.04 [95% CI: 1.40-2.97]), tetralogy of Fallot (HR: 1.85 [95% CI: 1.09-3.12]), pulmonary valve atresia without ventricular septal defect (VSD) (HR: 2.60 [95% CI: 1.32-5.12]), VSD (HR: 1.56 [95% CI: 1.19-2.03]), and atrial septal defect (HR: 1.34 [95% CI: 1.08-1.66]). Hispanic children had higher mortality risk for pulmonary valve atresia without VSD (HR: 1.76 [95% CI: 1.06-2.91]) and hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HR: 1.51 [95% CI: 1.13-2.02]). CONCLUSIONS We provide evidence that supports racial/ethnic disparities in early childhood mortality among infants with CHDs. Identifying infants with the greatest risk of early childhood mortality will facilitate development of interventions and policies to mitigate these risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wendy N Nembhard
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, MDC 56, Tampa, FL 33612-3805, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Nembhard WN, Salemi JL, Ethen MK, Fixler DE, Canfield MA. Mortality among infants with birth defects: Joint effects of size at birth, gestational age, and maternal race/ethnicity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 88:728-36. [DOI: 10.1002/bdra.20696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
25
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND The worldwide prevalence of gastroschisis is increasing. Maternal age, race/ethnicity, and place of residence have been associated with increased risk. METHODS We obtained descriptive characteristics of mothers of infants with gastroschisis and mothers of all live births from the Texas Birth Defects Registry and Texas vital records for 1999-2003. We calculated prevalence, crude prevalence ratios, and prevalence ratios adjusted for maternal age, parity, education, race/ethnicity, and geographic entity (Mexican border proximity, urban/rural residence, health service region, and county). RESULTS We observed 764 cases of gastroschisis among 1,827,317 live births, for a prevalence of 4.18 per 10,000 births (95% confidence interval 3.88-4.48). Prevalence increased during 1999-2003 (p for trend <0.02). Infants of young and nulliparous mothers were at greatest risk in crude analyses. Other characteristics associated with increased risk were 12 or fewer years of education, border residence, and Hispanic ethnicity. Black mothers were at lower risk. When adjusted for maternal age, race/ethnicity, education, parity, and residence, we found that border residence, educational level, and Hispanic race/ethnicity were no longer significant, but young mothers and nulliparous mothers remained at higher risk, and blacks at reduced risk. Differences in prevalence observed between regions and counties largely disappeared when adjusted for maternal factors. No significant difference between urban and rural residence was found. CONCLUSION The prevalence of gastroschisis increased in Texas during 1999-2003. Black mothers were at lower risk, and Hispanic mothers were at no greater risk than whites. No differences were found between urban/rural or border/nonborder residents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bonna G Benjamin
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas 79106, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infants with functional single ventricle have a high risk of death during the early years of life. Studies have reported improvement in postoperative survival, but they do not include preoperative deaths or those occurring before transfer. The purpose of this population-based study was to estimate 5-year survival in infants with functional single ventricle, to define factors associated with survival, and to estimate improvement in outcome. METHODS AND RESULTS Patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, pulmonary atresia intact ventricular septum, single ventricle, and tricuspid atresia born in 1996 to 2003 were identified from the Texas Birth Defects Registry and linked to state and national birth and death vital records. We examined the effects of defect type, birth era, birth weight, gestational age, maternal race/ethnicity, extracardiac anomalies, sex, and maternal age and education on survival. Five-year survival varied by defect type: hypoplastic left heart syndrome, 38.0% (95% confidence interval, 32.6 to 43.5); single ventricle, 56.1% (95% confidence interval, 49.9 to 61.7); pulmonary atresia intact ventricular septum, 55.7% (95% confidence interval, 45.8 to 64.4); and tricuspid atresia, 74.6% (95% confidence interval, 62.4 to 83.4). The presence of extracardiac defects increased the adjusted risk of death by 84%. Non-Hispanic blacks had an adjusted risk of death that was 41% higher than that for non-Hispanic whites, and Hispanics had a 26% higher risk. Patients born in 2001 to 2003 had a 47% lower risk than those born in 1996 to 2000. CONCLUSIONS This population-based study demonstrates significant improvement in overall 5-year survival, particularly in cases of hypoplastic left heart syndrome and single ventricle. Additional studies are needed to determine the factors causing racial/ethnic and regional differences in outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David E Fixler
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Center, Dallas, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Ethen MK, Ramadhani TA, Scheuerle AE, Canfield MA, Wyszynski DF, Druschel CM, Romitti PA. Alcohol consumption by women before and during pregnancy. Matern Child Health J 2009; 13:274-85. [PMID: 18317893 PMCID: PMC6090563 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-008-0328-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 241] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2007] [Accepted: 02/12/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence, patterns, and predictors of alcohol consumption prior to and during various intervals of pregnancy in the U.S. METHODS Alcohol-related, pregnancy-related, and demographic data were derived from computer-assisted telephone interviews with 4,088 randomly selected control mothers from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study who delivered live born infants without birth defects during 1997-2002. Alcohol consumption rates and crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) were calculated. RESULTS 30.3% of all women reported drinking alcohol at some time during pregnancy, of which 8.3% reported binge drinking (4+ drinks on one occasion). Drinking rates declined considerably after the first month of pregnancy, during which 22.5% of women reported drinking, although 2.7% of women reported drinking during all trimesters of pregnancy and 7.9% reported drinking during the 3rd trimester. Pre-pregnancy binge drinking was a strong predictor of both drinking during pregnancy (adjusted OR = 8.52, 95% CI = 6.67-10.88) and binge drinking during pregnancy (adjusted OR = 36.02, 95% CI = 24.63-52.69). Other characteristics associated with both any drinking and binge drinking during pregnancy were non-Hispanic white race/ethnicity, cigarette smoking during pregnancy, and having an unintended pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed that drinking during pregnancy is fairly common, three times the levels reported in surveys that ask only about drinking during the month before the survey. Women who binge drink before pregnancy are at particular risk for drinking after becoming pregnant. Sexually active women of childbearing ages who drink alcohol should be advised to use reliable methods to prevent pregnancy, plan their pregnancies, and stop drinking before becoming pregnant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary K Ethen
- Texas Department of State Health Services, Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Austin, TX 78756, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
|
29
|
Ethen MK, Canfield MA. Impact of including elective pregnancy terminations before 20 weeks gestation on birth defect rates. Teratology 2003; 66 Suppl 1:S32-5. [PMID: 12239742 DOI: 10.1002/tera.90008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The majority of U.S. birth defects surveillance programs do not include elective terminations before 20 weeks gestation among the pregnancy outcomes covered. To assess the impact of defects among elective terminations before 20 weeks gestation, data from a birth defects registry that does include terminations before 20 weeks gestation were analyzed. METHODS Using information from the Texas Birth Defects Registry, the number of cases and rate of 49 conditions were analyzed in two ways: excluding defects detected among elective pregnancy terminations before 20 weeks gestation, and including defects among terminations before 20 weeks. RESULTS By including defects detected among elective terminations before 20 weeks, the number of cases increased by five percent or greater for nine conditions: anencephaly (29%); spina bifida without anencephaly (13%); encephalocele (21%); Patau syndrome (19%); Edwards syndrome (11%); Down syndrome (6%); omphalocele (15%); gastroschisis (5%); and anophthalmia (7%). There was no impact for 27 conditions, for which there were no cases detected among elective terminations before 20 weeks. The greatest impact was observed for anencephaly; the rate of anencephaly increased from 2.76 to 3.56 per 10,000 live births when defects among elective terminations before 20 weeks were included. CONCLUSIONS Excluding defects among elective terminations before 20 weeks results in counts and rates that are somewhat incomplete, especially for conditions that are more commonly detected and electively terminated before 20 weeks. The impact varies by condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary K Ethen
- Texas Birth Defects Monitoring Division, Texas Department of Health, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|