Paediatric and perinatal epidemiology
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Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol · Nov 2013
Analysis of self-selection bias in a population-based cohort study of autism spectrum disorders.
This study examined potential self-selection bias in a large pregnancy cohort by comparing exposure-outcome associations from the cohort to similar associations obtained from nationwide registry data. The outcome under study was specialist-confirmed diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). ⋯ Associations estimated between ASDs and perinatal and prenatal exposures in the cohort are close to those estimated in the nationwide population. Self-selection does not appear to compromise validity of exposure-outcome associations in the ABC study.
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Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol · Nov 2013
Maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index and risk of selected birth defects: evidence of a dose-response relationship.
This study investigates the relationship between maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and 26 birth defects identified through the Florida Birth Defects Registry. ⋯ This study provides evidence of the increasing risk of birth defect-affected pregnancy with increasing pre-pregnancy obesity. Reducing pre-pregnancy obesity, even among obese women, may reduce the occurrence of birth defects.
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Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol · Sep 2013
Review Meta AnalysisWhat do we know about the natural outcomes of preterm labour? A systematic review and meta-analysis of women without tocolysis in preterm labour.
Current knowledge of the natural outcomes of untreated women in preterm labour is both incomplete and outcomes vary significantly between the available studies. The aim of this study was to systematically review outcomes of preterm labour without tocolysis and determine if outcome variation could be accounted for by differences in study populations. Such data could potentially assist in the interpretation of intervention trials that do not include a no-treatment arm. ⋯ Most women without tocolysis do not deliver within 7 days, although the range is very wide. The majority of this variation is unrelated to reported differences in study design or reported population characteristics.
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Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol · Sep 2013
Maternal birthweight is associated with subsequent risk of vitamin D deficiency in early pregnancy.
Maternal low birthweight and vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy are associated with a similar spectrum of adverse pregnancy outcomes including pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. However, the relationship between maternal birthweight and subsequent vitamin D concentrations in early pregnancy is largely unknown. ⋯ Further research on shared developmental mechanisms that determine birthweight and vitamin D homeostasis may help identify targets and related preventative measures for adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes.
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Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol · Sep 2013
Incidence, risk factors, and consequences of amniotic fluid embolism.
Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare but serious cause of maternal mortality whose aetiology remains obscure. Previous population-based studies have reported associations with labour induction and caesarean delivery. ⋯ AFE remains an extremely serious obstetric complication with high risks of maternal and fetal mortality. The increased risks of AFE associated with labour induction and caesarean delivery have implications for elective use of these interventions.