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Birth order and pediatric traumatic brain injury
Mazin Omer1,2, Jussi P Posti3, Mika Gissler4,5,6
1Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130/3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany. mazin1255@gmail.com.
Scientific Reports
|August 24, 2022
Summary
Later born children face a higher risk of pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) compared to firstborns. This birth order effect highlights potential factors influencing TBI risk in siblings.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major global public health concern.
- Limited research exists on the influence of birth order on pediatric TBI risk.
- Understanding factors affecting TBI risk is crucial for prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between birth order and the risk of pediatric TBI.
- To analyze TBI incidence across different sibling positions in a large cohort.
- To identify if birth order modifies TBI risk among children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study utilizing the 1987 Finnish Birth Cohort (FBC).
- Followed 59,469 newborns until age 18 years for first TBI diagnosis.
- Statistical analysis using hazard ratios (HR) and confidence intervals (CI), adjusted for sex and maternal age.
Main Results:
- Later born siblings demonstrated an increased risk of TBI compared to firstborns.
- Adjusted HRs for TBI risk increased with birth order: second born (1.12), third born (1.31), and fourth or higher (1.61).
- Birth order was found to significantly modify the risk for pediatric TBI within sibling groups.
Conclusions:
- Birth order is a significant factor influencing pediatric TBI risk.
- Findings suggest further research into genetic, psychological, or psychosocial factors.
- Results emphasize the need to consider sibling dynamics in TBI prevention and research.
