Risk Factors for Hypospadias in Children
Author Information
Author(s): Ormond Gillian, Nieuwenhuijsen Mark J., Nelson Paul, Toledano Mireille B., Iszatt Nina, Geneletti Sara, Elliott Paul
Primary Institution: Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Imperial College London
Hypothesis
Is there an association between maternal occupational exposure to endocrine disruptors, folate supplementation during pregnancy, and the risk of hypospadias?
Conclusion
The study found increased risks of hypospadias associated with maternal exposure to hair spray and phthalates, while folate supplementation during early pregnancy may be protective.
Supporting Evidence
- Occupational exposure to hair spray was associated with a 2.39 times increased risk of hypospadias.
- Phthalate exposure was linked to a 3.12 times increased risk of hypospadias.
- Folate supplementation during the first 3 months of pregnancy was associated with a 36% reduction in risk of hypospadias.
- Vegetarianism was not found to be associated with hypospadias risk.
Takeaway
Moms who worked with certain hair products or chemicals might have a higher chance of having baby boys with a condition called hypospadias, but taking folic acid during pregnancy could help protect against it.
Methodology
A case-control study involving 471 hypospadias cases and 490 controls, with data collected through telephone interviews and a job exposure matrix.
Potential Biases
Possible selection bias due to the convoluted process of contacting control participants.
Limitations
Low response rate from control participants and potential recall bias.
Participant Demographics
Mothers of children born in southeast England between January 1997 and September 1998.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 1.40–4.17 for hair spray exposure; 95% CI, 0.44–0.93 for folate supplementation.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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