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Perinatal and Neonatal Factors Associated With Developmental Defects of Enamel in Primary Dentition of Children Born

Kanhai Amin1, Sanjiv B Amin2

  • 1Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry
|August 4, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Developmental defects of enamel (DDE) are common in premature infants, with incidence linked to gestational age. Maternal diabetes and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) are risk factors, while preeclampsia may be protective.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal health
  • Pediatric dentistry
  • Developmental biology

Background:

  • Developmental defects of enamel (DDE) in premature infants are understudied.
  • Understanding perinatal and neonatal risk factors for DDE is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate perinatal and neonatal factors associated with DDE in the primary dentition of premature infants.
  • To identify potential risk and protective factors for DDE in this vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective observational study of infants born at or before 32 weeks gestational age (GA).
  • Exclusion of infants with specific congenital anomalies or infections.
  • DDE assessment at 3 years corrected age using the modified DDE index.

Main Results:

  • A significant inverse association was found between GA and DDE (OR 0.86, p=0.04).
  • Maternal diabetes (OR 3.4, p=0.04), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS, OR 2.44, p=0.03), and days on furosemide (OR 1.02, p=0.04) were associated with increased DDE risk.
  • Preeclampsia showed a protective association with DDE (OR 0.32, p=0.006).

Conclusions:

  • DDE is prevalent in premature infants, with higher incidence correlating with lower GA.
  • Maternal diabetes, RDS, and furosemide exposure are potential risk factors for DDE.
  • Preeclampsia may offer a protective effect against DDE in premature infants.
Abstract

Keywords:
furosemidegestational agematernal diabetesrespiratory distress syndrome

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