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The Pittsburgh diabetes mellitus study. 3: An increased prevalence with older maternal age
Insights
Maternal age influences the risk of childhood Type I diabetes, with a higher prevalence observed in offspring of older mothers. However, birth order does not appear to be an independent risk factor when child
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Endocrinology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Type I diabetes mellitus (TDM1), or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a significant pediatric health concern.
- Understanding risk factors for TDM1 onset in children is crucial for early identification and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between birth order, maternal age, and the prevalence of childhood Type I diabetes.
- To determine if observed associations are independent of child's attained age.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of family history data from 1085 pediatric cases of TDM1.
- Statistical examination of prevalence rates by birth order and maternal age groups.
- Life table age corrections applied to assess independent effects.
Main Results:
- An increased prevalence of TDM1 was noted among first-born children and offspring of mothers older than 35.
- Offspring of very young mothers also showed a higher prevalence.
- The maternal age effect persisted after age correction, but birth order and very young maternal age effects were attributable to child's attained age.
Conclusions:
- Maternal age is a significant factor associated with childhood TDM1 risk.
- Birth order does not appear to be an independent risk factor for TDM1 in this cohort.
- Further research into the biological mechanisms linking maternal age and TDM1 is warranted.
Abstract:
A series of patients having onset of Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus before age 17 years was identified from consecutive admissions to the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Family history data were obtained yielding 1006 families (1085 cases) with complete information. The prevalence of diabetes among the children differed by birth order, with a greater number than expected among first born. There was also an increased prevalence among children born to mothers older than 35 years, as well as an increased prevalence among children of very young mothers. The increased prevalence of diabetes among offspring of older mothers was apparent even after life table age corrections were made. However, both the increased prevalence among first born children and the increased prevalence among children of very young mothers could be attributed to an older attained age of these children in this particular population. This indicated that the maternal age effect was present but a birth order effect was absent when age was taken into account.