Prenatal and perinatal risk factors for solid childhood malignancies: A questionnaire-based study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Cancer Epidemiology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Childhood solid tumors represent a significant portion of pediatric cancers and are a leading cause of mortality.
• The precise origins and contributing factors to the development of these tumors remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate potential prenatal and perinatal risk factors associated with the development of solid malignancies in children.
• To identify specific maternal and familial factors that may influence the risk of childhood solid tumors.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 71 pediatric patients with solid tumors and 211 matched healthy controls.
• Data collection through parental questionnaires covering prenatal and perinatal history.
• Statistical analysis using univariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression.

Main Results:

• Multivariate analysis identified higher parity (OR 2.482), family history of malignancy (OR 3.667), and prenatal use of hematinics/iron supplements (OR 2.882) as significant risk factors.
• Prenatal folic acid supplementation demonstrated a protective effect (OR 0.334).
• Common solid tumors included neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and retinoblastoma.

Conclusions:

• Family history of cancer, increased parity, and maternal intake of iron supplements during pregnancy are associated with an elevated risk of childhood solid tumors.
• Prenatal folic acid intake appears to be a protective factor, potentially reducing the risk of these pediatric malignancies.