Maternal obstructive sleep apnea and neonatal birth outcomes in a population based sample

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Neonatology
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition that can affect pregnant women.
• The impact of OSA on birth outcomes, including congenital anomalies and neonatal care, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the association between maternal obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and adverse birth outcomes.
• To assess the risk of congenital anomalies and the need for advanced clinical care in neonates born to mothers with OSA.

Main Methods:

• A population-based study linked 1,423,099 maternal and newborn records from 95 US perinatal centers (2010-2014).
• Maternal OSA was identified using ICD-9 codes.
• Logistic regression analyses adjusted for substance use, obesity, diabetes, comorbidities, and pregnancy complications.

Main Results:

• Maternal OSA was associated with a significantly higher risk of congenital anomalies in offspring (aOR 1.26), particularly musculoskeletal anomalies (aOR 1.89).
• Neonates of mothers with OSA had increased odds of intensive care unit admission (25.3% vs. 8.1%), resuscitation (aOR 2.76), and longer hospital stays (aOR 2.25).

Conclusions:

• This study is the first to demonstrate a higher risk of congenital anomalies and resuscitation at birth in neonates of mothers with OSA.
• Identifying OSA in pregnant women and women of reproductive age is critical for improving perinatal and neonatal care.