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Published on: August 7, 2017
Maternal constipation is associated with allergic rhinitis in the offspring: A nationwide retrospective cohort study
Ming-Hung Lee1, Meng-Che Wu2,3,4,5, Yu-Hsun Wang6
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
Insights
Maternal constipation during pregnancy is linked to a higher risk of allergic rhinitis (AR) in babies. This study highlights the importance of monitoring pregnant mothers with constipation for potential infant health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
Background:
- Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent atopic condition globally.
- Infant constipation has been associated with an increased risk of atopic diseases.
- Maternal gut microbiota may play a role in infant development and immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between maternal constipation during pregnancy and the risk of developing AR in offspring.
- To extend the concept of early life exposure to include the in utero period.
- To evaluate the impact of maternal constipation on childhood AR risk.
Main Methods:
- A population-based cohort study using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database (2005-2015).
- Identified 102,820 mothers with constipation and matched them with 102,820 controls.
- Utilized propensity score matching and Cox regression analysis to adjust for confounding factors.
Main Results:
- The incidence of childhood AR was 83.47 per 1,000 person-years among children of mothers with constipation.
- Children born to mothers with constipation had a 1.20-fold increased risk of AR after adjusting for covariates.
- Maternal constipation demonstrated a significant association with an elevated risk of childhood AR.
Conclusions:
- Maternal constipation during pregnancy is a significant risk factor for the development of allergic rhinitis in children.
- This finding underscores the importance of addressing constipation in pregnant women.
- Further research into the mechanisms linking maternal gut health and infant atopy is warranted.
Abstract:
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common atopic disease worldwide, and it was found that babies with constipation in their early life might have an increased risk of atopic diseases, including AR. Furthermore, recent studies also indicate that the maternal gut microbiota may influence babies. Thus, we extended the definition of early life in utero and evaluated the association between maternal constipation and the risk of AR in their babies. Using the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database, a subset of Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified 102,820 constipated mothers and 102,820 matched controls between 2005 and 2015. Propensity score analysis was used to match birth year, child sex, birth weight, gestational age, mode of delivery, maternal comorbidities, and children antibiotics taken. Multiple Cox regression and subgroup analyzes were conducted to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio of childhood AR. The incidence of childhood AR was 83.47 per 1,000 person-years in constipated mothers. Adjusting children's sex, birth weight, gestational age, mode of delivery, maternal comorbidities, and children antibiotic use, the results showed that the children whose mothers had constipation had a 1.20-fold risk of AR compared to children of mothers without constipation. Maternal constipation was associated with an increased risk of AR. Therefore, it is important to pay close attention to pregnant mothers with constipation.
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