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Gulf War veterans and hemifacial microsomia
Martha M Werler1, Jane E Sheehan, Allen A Mitchell
1Slone Epidemiology Center, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA. mwerler@slone.bu.edu
Birth Defects Research. Part A, Clinical and Molecular Teratology
|December 17, 2004
Summary
Parental Gulf War service did not increase the risk of Goldenhar syndrome (hemifacial microsomia). However, Army service was linked to a modest increase in risk, potentially due to lifestyle factors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Birth Defects Epidemiology
- Military Health
Background:
- Goldenhar syndrome, a HFM variant, has raised concerns among U.S. Gulf War veterans' infants.
- Investigating potential links between parental military service and HFM is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the risk of HFM in relation to parental military service, specifically Gulf War deployment.
- To determine if Gulf War service is associated with an increased incidence of HFM in offspring.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study identified HFM cases (≤3 years old) and matched controls.
- Interviews with mothers of 232 cases and 832 controls collected data on parental military service and pregnancy exposures.
- Odds ratios were adjusted for income, race, and BMI.
Main Results:
- Parental Gulf War service showed no increased risk of HFM (MVOR 0.8; 95% CI 0.3-2.3).
- Parental Army service, independent of Gulf War deployment, was associated with a modest HFM risk increase (MVOR 2.4; 95% CI 1.4-4.2).
Conclusions:
- Parental Gulf War service is not linked to an increased risk of HFM.
- Army service may be associated with a modest increase in HFM risk, possibly confounded by lifestyle factors.