Risk factors for Hirschsprung's disease in infancy: A study from the NHANES database

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Infant Health
• Congenital Disorders

Background:

• Hirschsprung's disease is a common infant intestinal disorder.
• It involves congenital abnormalities and intestinal dysfunction.
• Infancy is crucial for intestinal development and stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify risk factors for Hirschsprung's disease in infants aged 1-2 years.
• To provide data for early diagnosis and intervention strategies.
• To analyze associations between various factors and disease risk.

Main Methods:

• Utilized National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data.
• Employed logistic regression models to assess risk factors.
• Considered variables: race, birth weight, diet, immune function, cholesterol, and sodium intake.

Main Results:

• Non-Hispanic Black infants showed a higher risk (P=.042).
• Lower cholesterol levels correlated with increased disease risk (P=.028).
• Increased sodium intake demonstrated a protective effect (P=.003).

Conclusions:

• Race, cholesterol, and sodium intake are significant factors in infant Hirschsprung's disease.
• Non-Hispanic Black infants face elevated risk.
• Higher sodium intake may be protective against Hirschsprung's disease.