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Maternal gestational hypertension, smoking and pre-eclampsia are associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated

Hanna de Ruyter1, Linnea Aitokari1,2, Siiri Lahti1

  • 1Tampere Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital, Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa, Tampere, Finland.

Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica
|March 4, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Maternal factors like smoking during pregnancy, gestational hypertension, and pre-eclampsia are linked to metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in obese children. These findings highlight the importance of maternal health in pediatric MAFLD development.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Hepatology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is increasingly prevalent in children and adolescents due to rising obesity rates.
  • Maternal and pregnancy-related factors are suspected contributors to pediatric MAFLD, but human data are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between maternal and pregnancy-related factors and the development of MAFLD in overweight or obese children.
  • To identify specific maternal risk factors contributing to MAFLD in pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 460 overweight or obese children aged 2-16 years.
  • MAFLD was defined by elevated alanine aminotransferase levels (>2× ULN).
  • Multivariable regression analysis was used to assess associations with maternal and pregnancy factors, controlling for child's BMI-SDS and sex.

Main Results:

  • Children with MAFLD were significantly older than those without (12.7 vs. 11.6 years).
  • Maternal gestational smoking (OR 2.01), gestational hypertension (OR 3.44), and pre-eclampsia (OR 2.93) were significantly associated with MAFLD.
  • No significant association was found between MAFLD and maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, birth anthropometrics, or perinatal complications.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal smoking, gestational hypertension, and pre-eclampsia are identified as significant risk factors for MAFLD in overweight or obese children.
  • Further prospective research is recommended to establish causal relationships and inform preventive strategies.
Abstract

Keywords:
MAFLDchildrenfatty liverobesityoverweightpregnancyprenatal

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