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Maternal fever and birth outcome: a prospective study
C D Chambers1, K A Johnson, L M Dick
1Department of Pediatrics, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla 92103, USA.
Teratology
|January 23, 1999
Summary
High maternal fever in early pregnancy increases risks for birth defects like anencephaly and stillbirth. Pregnant women with fevers of 38.9°C or higher need counseling on potential teratogenic effects.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Teratology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Maternal fever is a suspected human teratogen, but prospective data on diverse birth outcomes are limited.
- Understanding the impact of maternal fever on pregnancy is crucial for accurate risk assessment and counseling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate the association between maternal fever and risks of structural malformations, prematurity, growth retardation, and pregnancy loss.
- To determine if high maternal fever (≥38.9°C for ≥24h) poses a greater risk than lower fever or no fever.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study involving pregnant women reporting fever (high or low) and a control group with no fever.
- Data collection on fever characteristics (temperature, duration) and pregnancy outcomes.
- Comparison of birth outcomes across high fever, low fever, and control groups.
Main Results:
- High maternal fever in early pregnancy was associated with an increased prevalence of anencephaly (5.9% vs. 0%) and stillbirth (2.6% vs. 0%).
- While not statistically significant, major structural malformations showed a trend towards increase in the high fever group.
- Specific minor defects and stillbirths were more frequent in the high fever group compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- High maternal fever (≥38.9°C for ≥24h) early in pregnancy acts as a human teratogen.
- Women experiencing high fever in the first month of pregnancy face increased risks for neural tube defects and should receive counseling.