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Maternal risk associated with the VACTERL association: A case–control study
Author(s) -
Putte Romy,
Walle Hermien E. K.,
Hooijdonk Kirsten J. M.,
Blaauw Ivo,
Marcelis Carlo L. M.,
Heijst Arno,
Giltay Jacques C.,
Renkema Kirsten Y.,
Broens Paul M. A.,
Brosens Erwin,
Sloots Cornelius E. J.,
Bergman Jorieke E. H.,
Roeleveld Nel,
Rooij Iris A. L. M.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
birth defects research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.845
H-Index - 17
ISSN - 2472-1727
DOI - 10.1002/bdr2.1773
Subject(s) - medicine , odds ratio , overweight , case control study , confidence interval , obstetrics , population , confounding , pregnancy , obesity , diabetes mellitus , endocrinology , environmental health , biology , genetics
Abstract Background The VACTERL association (VACTERL) includes at least three of these congenital anomalies: vertebral, anal, cardiac, trachea‐esophageal, renal, and limb anomalies. Assisted reproductive techniques (ART), pregestational diabetes mellitus, and chronic lower obstructive pulmonary disorders (CLOPD) have been associated with VACTERL. We aimed to replicate these findings and were interested in additional maternal risk factors. Methods A case–control study using self‐administered questionnaires was performed including 142 VACTERL cases and 2,135 population‐based healthy controls. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate confounder adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results Parents who used invasive ART had an increased risk of VACTERL in offspring (aOR 4.4 [95%CI 2.1–8.8]), whereas the increased risk for mothers with CLOPD could not be replicated. None of the case mothers had pregestational diabetes mellitus. Primiparity (1.5 [1.1–2.1]) and maternal pregestational overweight and obesity (1.8 [1.2–2.8] and 1.8 [1.0–3.4]) were associated with VACTERL. Consistent folic acid supplement use during the advised periconceptional period may reduce the risk of VACTERL (0.5 [0.3–1.0]). Maternal smoking resulted in an almost twofold increased risk of VACTERL. Conclusion We identified invasive ART, primiparity, pregestational overweight and obesity, lack of folic acid supplement use, and smoking as risk factors for VACTERL.