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Maternal exposure to radiographic exams and major structural birth defects

Hyeyeun Lim1, Charles W Beasley2, Lawrence W Whitehead1

  • 1University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, Texas.

Birth Defects Research. Part A, Clinical and Molecular Teratology
|March 23, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Maternal exposure to radiologic exams in early pregnancy may be linked to certain birth defects, including Dandy-Walker malformation and d-transposition of the great arteries. Further research is needed due to study limitations.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive health
  • Medical imaging
  • Teratology

Background:

  • Radiologic exam utilization is increasing.
  • Limited research exists on periconceptional maternal exposure to radiologic exams and birth defect risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between maternal exposure to radiologic exams during the periconceptional period and 19 categories of birth defects.
  • Utilizing a large population-based study for robust analysis.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 27,809 case mothers and 10,200 control mothers from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (1997-2009).
  • Exposure identified via maternal self-report of exam type, scanned area (urinary tract, spine, abdomen, pelvis), and timing.

Main Results:

  • 0.9% of mothers reported periconceptional radiographic exam exposure.
  • Significant associations found between first-trimester exposure and isolated Dandy-Walker malformation (OR=7.7) and isolated d-transposition of the great arteries (OR=3.8).
  • Dandy-Walker malformation finding based on limited cases (n=2).

Conclusions:

  • Study findings suggest potential links but require cautious interpretation due to multiple testing and reliance on maternal recall.
  • Results may inform hypothesis generation for future research on radiologic exam safety in pregnancy.
Abstract

Keywords:
birth defectsisolated d-transposition of the great arteriesradiography

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