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Maternal obesity and long-term neuropsychiatric morbidity of the offspring
Zipora Feiga Neuhaus1, Gil Gutvirtz2, Gali Pariente1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 151 Izak Rager Ave., 84101, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
Insights
Maternal obesity is linked to increased long-term neuropsychiatric conditions in children. This study found higher rates of autism and psychiatric disorders in offspring born to obese mothers, highlighting a significant risk factor.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pediatric Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Maternal obesity is a growing global health concern.
- The long-term impact of maternal obesity on offspring neurodevelopment requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term neuropsychiatric morbidity in children born to obese mothers.
- To identify maternal obesity as a potential risk factor for pediatric neuropsychiatric disorders.
Main Methods:
- Population-based cohort analysis of 242,342 deliveries (1991-2014).
- Comparison of neuropsychiatric hospitalizations up to age 18 in offspring of obese vs. non-obese mothers.
- Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox regression analysis to evaluate cumulative incidence and control for confounders.
Main Results:
- Offspring of obese mothers had a higher incidence of neuropsychiatric hospitalizations (3.95% vs. 3.10%, p < 0.01).
- Increased rates of autism spectrum disorders and psychiatric disorders were observed in children of obese mothers.
- Maternal obesity independently predicted long-term neuropsychiatric morbidity (adjusted HR 1.24, p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Maternal obesity is an independent risk factor for adverse long-term neuropsychiatric outcomes in offspring.
- Early identification and management of maternal obesity may mitigate risks for pediatric neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions.
Objective:
To evaluate the long-term pediatric neuropsychiatric morbidity of children born to obese patients.
Study Design:
A population-based cohort analysis was performed comparing all deliveries of obese (maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or more) and non-obese patients between 1991 and 2014 at a single tertiary medical center. Hospitalizations of the offspring up to the age of 18 years involving neuropsychiatric morbidities were evaluated according to a pre-defined set of ICD-9 codes, including autistic, eating, sleeping and movement disorders, cerebral palsy, developmental disorders, and more. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to compare cumulative hospitalization rate in exposed and unexposed offspring. A Cox regression model was used to control for confounders.
Results:
During the study period, 242,342 deliveries met the inclusion criteria. Of them, 3290 were children of obese mothers. Hospitalizations involving neuropsychiatric morbidities were higher in children born to obese mothers compared with those born to non-obese mothers (3.95% vs. 3.10%, p < 0.01). Specifically, offspring of obese mothers had higher rates of autism spectrum disorders and psychiatric disorders. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve demonstrated a significantly higher cumulative incidence of neuropsychiatric-related hospitalizations in the obese group (Fig. 1, log rank p < 0.05). Using a cox proportional hazard model, controlling for maternal age, preterm labor, maternal diabetes, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and birthweight, maternal obesity was found to be independently associated with long-term neuropsychiatric morbidity of the offspring (adjusted HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.04-1.47, p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Maternal obesity is an independent risk factor for long-term neuropsychiatric morbidity of the offspring.
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