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Published on: February 5, 2019
Effects of pregnancy and lactation-associated osteoporosis on children: analysis using linked mother and child data
Kyoko Kasahara1, Shunichiro Tsuji2, Taku Kawasaki3
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-Cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan.
Insights
Maternal pregnancy and lactation-associated osteoporosis (PLO) showed minimal adverse effects on child health. Key risk factors for PLO include multiple births, advanced maternal age, and certain medical conditions.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Pediatric Health
- Bone Metabolism
Background:
- The health outcomes for children born to mothers experiencing pregnancy and lactation-associated osteoporosis (PLO) were previously unknown.
- Maternal impaired bone homeostasis during pregnancy and lactation presents a unique clinical challenge.
- Understanding the impact of maternal PLO on offspring is crucial for comprehensive maternal-child health assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of maternal PLO on the health status of their children.
- To identify predisposing factors associated with maternal PLO that may influence child health.
- To determine the incidence rate of PLO in the studied population.
Main Methods:
- A large claims dataset of mothers and their children was utilized, linking 172,730 mothers with 210,124 children.
- Mothers diagnosed with fragility fractures from 5 months before to 12 months after delivery were classified as the PLO group.
- Case-control matching based on maternal age and child sex was performed, comparing BMI, drug use, and maternal/pediatric diseases.
Main Results:
- The PLO group comprised 59 mothers and 65 children, compared to 11,556 mothers and 11,664 children in the control group.
- Maternal PLO demonstrated few adverse effects on child health, with non-significant trends for birth asphyxia and low birth weight.
- Identified PLO predisposing factors include multiple delivery, maternal age ≥40 years, low BMI, heparin use, and ovulation disorders; PLO incidence was 374 per million deliveries.
Conclusions:
- Evidence suggests minimal adverse impact of maternal PLO on child health outcomes.
- Predisposing factors for PLO highlight the need for caution with current reproductive technologies.
- Further research into the long-term effects and management of PLO is warranted.
Introduction:
The health status of children born to mothers with pregnancy and lactation-associated osteoporosis (PLO) and impaired bone homeostasis remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of maternal PLO on child health, the PLO-predisposing factors related to such effects, and the incidence of the condition.
Materials And Methods:
From a claims dataset comprising 172,730 mothers linked with their 210,124 children, mothers who developed fragility fractures between 5 months before and 12 months after delivery, along with their children, were defined as the PLO group. Healthy controls were randomly selected by matching maternal age and child sex. Body mass index (BMI), drug use, and maternal and pediatric diseases were compared between the two groups.
Results:
Fifty-nine mothers and 65 children were included in the PLO group, and 11,556 mothers and 11,664 children served as the control group. The most common PLO fracture was a vertebral fracture, and delayed diagnosis was common. Maternal PLO had few adverse effects on child health. There were trends toward a higher frequency of birth asphyxia in singletons (P = 0.072) and low birth weight in twins (P = 0.070) in the case children, but with no significant differences. The incidence of PLO was estimated at 374 per million deliveries. Multiple delivery, maternal age ≥ 40 years, low BMI, heparin use, and ovulation disorder were identified as predisposing factors for PLO.
Conclusion:
There is little evidence that maternal PLO adversely affects child health. The predisposing factors for PLO suggest that caution is warranted regarding current advancements in reproductive technology.
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