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Risk factors for atrial septal defect.
1National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland.
European Journal of Epidemiology
|July 1, 1992
Summary
Maternal alcohol consumption during early pregnancy significantly increases the risk of atrial septal defect (ASD) in offspring. Other common environmental exposures were not found to be associated with ASD risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Environmental Health
- Teratology
Background:
- Atrial septal defect (ASD-secundum) is a common congenital heart defect.
- Understanding the influence of environmental factors during pregnancy is crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between maternal environmental exposures during pregnancy and the risk of atrial septal defect (ASD-secundum) in offspring.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted with 50 ASD cases and 756 controls in Finland (1982-1983).
- Mothers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire about exposures during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Main Results:
- Maternal alcohol consumption in the first trimester was associated with a doubled risk of ASD (OR = 1.9).
- Increased prevalence of maternal exposure to workplace chemicals was observed in the ASD group (40.0% vs. 26.2%).
- Maternal smoking, caffeine, tea, and common medications like acetosalicylic acid were not linked to increased ASD risk.
Conclusions:
- Maternal alcohol consumption and certain workplace chemical exposures may be risk factors for ASD.
- Common physical and chemical exposures during early pregnancy are not necessarily risk factors for atrial septal defect.