Epidemiologic tools to study the influence of environmental factors on fecundity and pregnancy-related outcomes
Journal article
Slama, Rémy, Ballester, Ferran, Casas, Maribel, Cordier, Sylvaine, Eggesbø, Merete, Iñiguez, Carmen, Nieuwenhuijsen, Mark J., Philippat, Claire, Rey, Sylvie, Vandentorren, Stéphanie and Vrijheid, Martine. (2014). Epidemiologic tools to study the influence of environmental factors on fecundity and pregnancy-related outcomes. Epidemiologic Reviews. 36(1), pp. 148 - 164. https://doi.org/10.1093/epirev/mxt011
Authors | Slama, Rémy, Ballester, Ferran, Casas, Maribel, Cordier, Sylvaine, Eggesbø, Merete, Iñiguez, Carmen, Nieuwenhuijsen, Mark J., Philippat, Claire, Rey, Sylvie, Vandentorren, Stéphanie and Vrijheid, Martine |
---|---|
Abstract | Adverse pregnancy outcomes entail a large health burden for the mother and offspring; a part of it might be avoided by better understanding the role of environmental factors in their etiology. Our aims were to review the assessment tools to characterize fecundity troubles and pregnancy-related outcomes in human populations and their sensitivity to environmental factors. For each outcome, we reviewed the possible study designs, main sources of bias, and their suggested cures. In terms of study design, for most pregnancy outcomes, cohorts with recruitment early during or even before pregnancy allow efficient characterization of pregnancy-related events, time-varying confounders, and in utero exposures that may impact birth outcomes and child health. Studies on congenital anomalies require specific designs, assessment of anomalies in medical pregnancy terminations, and, for congenital anomalies diagnosed postnatally, follow-up during several months after birth. Statistical analyses should take into account environmental exposures during the relevant time windows; survival models are an appropriate approach for fecundity, fetal loss, and gestational duration/preterm delivery. Analysis of gestational duration could distinguish pregnancies according to delivery induction (and possibly pregnancy-related conditions). In conclusion, careful design and analysis are required to better characterize environmental effects on human reproduction. |
Keywords | birth weight; cohort studies; congenital abnormalities; environment; fecundity; fetal membranes; premature rupture; pregnancy; preterm birth |
Year | 2014 |
Journal | Epidemiologic Reviews |
Journal citation | 36 (1), pp. 148 - 164 |
Publisher | Oxford University Press |
ISSN | 0193-936X |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1093/epirev/mxt011 |
Scopus EID | 2-s2.0-84891531565 |
Page range | 148 - 164 |
Research Group | Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research |
Publisher's version | File Access Level Controlled |
Place of publication | United Kingdom |
https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/88844/epidemiologic-tools-to-study-the-influence-of-environmental-factors-on-fecundity-and-pregnancy-related-outcomes
Restricted files
Publisher's version
68
total views0
total downloads4
views this month0
downloads this month