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Maternal asthma and idiopathic preterm labor
M S Kramer1, A L Coates, M C Michoud
1Department of Pediatrics, McGill University Faculty of Medicine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
American Journal of Epidemiology
|November 15, 1995
Summary
Women with asthma face a higher risk of preterm birth. This study found a link between asthma and idiopathic preterm labor, suggesting non-allergic mechanisms may be involved.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pulmonology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Asthma is prevalent in pregnant women.
- Asthma medications, like beta-agonists, are also used to manage preterm labor.
- Previous studies indicate a potential increased risk of preterm birth in women with asthma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between asthma and idiopathic preterm labor.
- To explore potential mechanisms linking asthma and preterm labor, including airway hyperresponsiveness.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 555 women with idiopathic preterm labor and matched controls.
- Subsamples included early (<34 weeks) and recurrent preterm labor cases.
- Spirometry with methacholine challenge was performed post-delivery on subsamples.
Main Results:
- Women with preterm labor, especially recurrent cases, were more likely to report asthma symptoms and physician-diagnosed asthma (OR 2-3).
- No significant association was found between asthma and methacholine responsiveness.
- Results were not explained by confounding factors like smoking or recall bias.
Conclusions:
- Asthma is a risk factor for idiopathic preterm labor.
- The lack of association with methacholine responsiveness suggests non-atopic, non-cholinergic pathways may link bronchial and uterine smooth muscle activity.