Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 2, 2026

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

9.6K

Birth weight and subsequent risk of asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Min Mu1, Song Ye1, Ming-Jie Bai1

  • 1Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, People's Republic of China.

Heart, Lung & Circulation
|March 4, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Low birth weight is linked to a higher risk of asthma in both children and adults. High birth weight, however, showed no association with increased asthma risk in this meta-analysis.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Perinatal Health

Background:

  • Previous research indicates a connection between birth weight and subsequent asthma development.
  • Meta-analyses on this topic are limited, necessitating further investigation.
  • This study aims to clarify the birth weight-asthma relationship through a comprehensive meta-analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the association between various birth weight classifications and the risk of asthma.
  • To provide robust evidence on the impact of low and high birth weight on asthma prevalence.
  • To explore birth weight as a potential mediator of prenatal influences on adult and childhood asthma.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic meta-analysis was conducted using data from major scientific databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, EMBASE, EBSCO, Springer) from 1990 to 2013.
  • Relevant articles were identified using MeSH terms including "birth weight", "fetal growth retardation", "intrauterine growth restriction", "asthma", and "wheezing".
  • Included studies comprised data from over 90,000 children and adults.

Main Results:

  • Low birth weight (less than 2,500g) was significantly associated with an increased risk of asthma in both children (OR, 1.28-1.34) and adults (OR, 1.25).
  • Comparisons were made against reference groups with birth weights greater than 2,500g and between 2,500-4,000g.
  • High birth weight (greater than 4,000g) did not demonstrate a significant association with an increased risk of asthma.

Conclusions:

  • Low birth weight (<2,500g) is a significant risk factor for developing asthma in both pediatric and adult populations.
  • Birth weight may act as a crucial mediator linking prenatal factors to the later development of respiratory diseases like asthma.
  • High birth weight (>4,000g) was not found to be associated with an elevated risk of asthma.
Abstract

Keywords:
AsthmaBirth weightFoetal growthMeta-analysisRespiratory symptoms

More Related Videos

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study09:36

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study

Published on: February 2, 2017

26.7K
Author Spotlight: Collecting the Brain and Serum from the Same Mice Fetus to Study Brain Tumor Development05:44

Author Spotlight: Collecting the Brain and Serum from the Same Mice Fetus to Study Brain Tumor Development

Published on: May 17, 2024

1.2K

Related Concept Videos

Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
3.6K
Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
112
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification01:26

Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
4.7K
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications01:24

Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications

Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
3.5K
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
1.5K
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
49