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Published on: December 14, 2014
Prenatal phthalate exposure was associated with croup in Swedish infants
Huan Shu1, Sverre Wikstrom2, Bo A G Jönsson3
1Department of Health Sciences, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden.
Insights
Prenatal exposure to butyl-benzyl phthalate (BBzP) and di-ethyl-hexyl phthalate (DEHP) is linked to infant croup. This association was dose-dependent and more pronounced in infant boys.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatrics
- Toxicology
Background:
- Prenatal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals is a growing concern.
- Phthalates are commonly used plasticizers with potential health implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between prenatal phthalate exposure and infant respiratory conditions.
- Specifically examining links to croup, wheezing, and otitis media.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 14 phthalate metabolites and one replacement in maternal urine (n=1062) during pregnancy.
- Logistic regression used to assess associations with infant outcomes until 12 months of age.
- Measurements adjusted for creatinine and potential confounders.
Main Results:
- Significant associations found between butyl-benzyl phthalate (BBzP) and di-ethyl-hexyl phthalate (DEHP) metabolites and infant croup.
- A dose-response relationship was observed for prenatal phthalate exposure and reported croup.
- Associations were more significant in infant boys.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal exposure to BBzP and DEHP phthalates is associated with an increased risk of croup in infants.
- No clear associations were found with wheezing or otitis media.
- Findings highlight the potential impact of phthalates on infant respiratory health.
Aim:
This study examined whether prenatal phthalate exposure was associated with lower or upper airway inflammation in infants.
Methods:
From 2007 to 2010, we used liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, adjusted for creatinine, to analyse 14 phthalate metabolites and one phthalate replacement in the urine of 1062 Swedish mothers at a median of 10 weeks of pregnancy. This was used to determine any associations between prenatal phthalate exposure and croup, wheezing or otitis in their offspring until 12 months of age, using logistic regression, adjusted for potential confounders.
Results:
There were significant associations between phthalate metabolites of butyl-benzyl phthalate (BBzP) and di-ethyl-hexyl phthalate (DEHP) concentrations in maternal prenatal urine and croup in 1062 infants during the first year of life, when adjusted for potential confounders. A dose-response relationship was found between prenatal phthalates exposure and maternal reported croup in the children, with a significant association in boys. There was no clear indication with regard to associations between prenatal phthalate exposure and wheezing or otitis media in the children during the first year of life.
Conclusion:
Our analysis suggests that exposure to BBzP and DEHP phthalates was associated with maternal reports of croup in infants up to 12 months of age.
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