Environmental risk factors associated with low birth weight: The case study of the Haifa Bay Area in Israel

Abstract While neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are highly heritable, several environmental risk factors have also been suggested. However, the role of familial confounding is unclear. To shed more light on this, we reviewed the evidence from twin and sibling studies. A systematic review was performed on case control and cohort studies including a twin or sibling within-pair comparison of neurodevelopmental outcomes, with environmental exposures until the sixth birthday. From 7,315 screened abstracts, 140 eligible articles were identified. After adjustment for familial confounding advanced paternal age, low birth weight, birth defects, and perinatal hypoxia and respiratory stress were associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and low birth weight, gestational age and family income were associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), categorically and dimensionally. Several previously suspected factors, including pregnancy-related factors, were deemed due to familial confounding. Most studies were conducted in North America and Scandinavia, pointing to a global research bias. Moreover, most studies focused on ASD and ADHD. This genetically informed review showed evidence for a range of environmental factors of potential casual significance in NDDs, but also points to a critical need of more genetically informed studies of good quality in the quest of the environmental causes of NDDs.

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ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL RISK FACTORS IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE: BUCOVINA REGION CASE STUDY

Environmental Engineering and Management Journal ◽

10.30638/eemj.2015.260 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 14 (10) ◽

pp. 2435-2444

Author(s):

Oana Geman ◽

Hariton Costin

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Environmental Risk ◽

Environmental Risk Factors

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P2-445 Maternal risk factors associated with low birth weight in Wardha, India

Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health ◽

10.1136/jech.2011.142976l.75 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 65 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. A344-A344

Author(s):

C. Maliye ◽

M. Taywade ◽

S. Gupta ◽

P. Deshmukh ◽

B. Garg

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Birth Weight ◽

Low Birth Weight ◽

Maternal Risk Factors ◽

Maternal Risk ◽

Factors Associated

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Environmental risk factors associated with Helicobacter pylori seroprevalence in the United States: a cross-sectional analysis of NHANES data

Epidemiology and Infection ◽

10.1017/s0950268814003938 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 143 (12) ◽

pp. 2520-2531 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

W. S. KRUEGER ◽

E. D. HILBORN ◽

R. R. CONVERSE ◽

T. J. WADE

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Helicobacter Pylori ◽

Environmental Risk ◽

The United States ◽

Environmental Risk Factors ◽

Living Conditions ◽

Well Water ◽

Factors Associated ◽

H Pylori

SUMMARYHelicobacter pylori imparts a considerable burden to public health. Infections are mainly acquired in childhood and can lead to chronic diseases, including gastric ulcers and cancer. The bacterium subsists in water, but the environment's role in transmission remains poorly understood. The nationally representative National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was examined for environmental risk factors associated with H. pylori seroprevalence. Data from 1999–2000 were examined and weighted to represent the US population. Multivariable logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations with seropositivity. Self-reported general health condition was inversely associated with seropositivity. Of participants aged <20 years, seropositivity was significantly associated with having a well as the source of home tap water (aOR 1·7, 95% CI 1·1–2·6) and living in a more crowded home (aOR 2·3, 95% CI 1·5–3·7). Of adults aged ⩾20 years, seropositivity was not associated with well water or crowded living conditions, but adults in soil-related occupations had significantly higher odds of seropositivity compared to those in non-soil-related occupations (aOR 1·9, 95% CI 1·2–2·9). Exposures to both well water and occupationally related soil increased the effect size of adults' odds of seropositivity compared to non-exposed adults (aOR 2·7, 95% CI 1·3-5·6). Environmental exposures (well-water usage and occupational contact with soil) play a role in H. pylori transmission. A disproportionate burden of infection is associated with poor health and crowded living conditions, but risks vary by age and race/ethnicity. These findings could help inform interventions to reduce the burden of infections in the United States.

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