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The association of indicators of fetal growth with visual acuity and hearing among conscripts
J Olsen1, H T Sørensen, F H Steffensen
1Danish Epidemiology Science Centre at the Institute of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Aarhus.
Insights
Low birth weight and body mass index at birth are linked to poorer vision and hearing. These findings suggest potential fetal programming or other early life factors impacting long-term sensory health.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Ophthalmology
- Audiology
Background:
- Impaired fetal growth is a known risk factor for adult chronic diseases.
- Early life factors can influence long-term health outcomes, including sensory function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between birth weight, fetal growth proportionality, and visual and hearing acuity in young adults.
- To identify potential early indicators of impaired sensory function.
Main Methods:
- Study included 4,300 Danish conscripts examined between 1993-1994.
- Data on visual acuity (Snellen's chart) and hearing acuity (audiometry) were collected during health examinations.
- Birth data, including birth weight, gestational age, and birth length, were obtained from the Medical Birth Registry via record linkage.
Main Results:
- A birth weight below 3,000 gm was associated with reduced visual acuity.
- A birth body mass index (BMI) at birth below 3.4 was linked to impaired hearing.
- Both low birth weight and low birth BMI were independently associated with poorer sensory outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Low birth weight and low birth BMI may serve as early markers for impaired visual and hearing acuity.
- Potential mechanisms include fetal brain programming or confounding factors like birth trauma.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the causal pathways and inform early interventions.
Abstract:
Impaired fetal growth is associated with increased susceptibility to several chronic diseases. We studied the association between birth weight, indicators of disproportional fetal growth, and impaired visual acuity and hearing in 4,300 conscripts from a well-defined region in Denmark from August 1, 1993, to July 31, 1994. From the standard health examination for conscripts, we obtained data on sight based on the Snellen's chart and data on hearing acuity based on audiometry. By means of record linkage, we obtained data on outcomes for the conscripts at birth from the Medical Birth Registry. From this registry, we have data on birth weight, gestational age, and birth length that were recorded from existing computerized registers based on the records of midwives. A birth weight of less than 3,000 gm and a body mass index at birth of less than 3.4 were associated with reduced visual acuity and impaired hearing. The results could be due to fetal brain programming or due to confounding, by early birth trauma or other factors.