Maternal obesity and infant mortality: a meta-analysis
Sean Meehan1, Charles R Beck1, John Mair-Jenkins2
1Division of Epidemiology & Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Clinical Sciences Building, City Hospital, Nottingham, England;
Pediatrics
|April 9, 2014
Summary
Maternal obesity significantly increases infant mortality risk. Even moderate obesity (BMI ≥30) raises the odds of infant death, with higher risks for severely obese mothers (BMI >35).
Area of Science:
- Perinatal epidemiology
- Public health research
- Maternal-fetal medicine
Background:
- Maternal obesity is a growing global health concern.
- Previous studies suggest a link between maternal overweight/obesity and infant mortality.
- The precise magnitude of this association requires further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze existing literature.
- To quantify the association between maternal overweight or obesity and infant mortality.
- To assess if the risk escalates with increasing maternal body mass index (BMI).
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive search of four healthcare databases and gray literature.
- Inclusion of observational studies examining maternal BMI and infant mortality.
- Rigorous data extraction and risk of bias assessment.
Main Results:
- Twenty-four studies were included from 783 screened records.
- Obese mothers (BMI ≥30) had 1.42 times higher odds of infant death (95% CI, 1.24-1.63).
- Severely obese mothers (BMI >35) faced even greater odds (OR 2.03, 95% CI, 1.61-2.56).
Conclusions:
- Maternal obesity is associated with increased odds of infant mortality.
- The risk appears to correlate with higher maternal BMI.
- Further high-quality research is needed to confirm causality and inform public health strategies.
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