Birth Cohort Studies Conducted by Peking University, China

Abstract

S-31C2-3 Background/Aims: Large birth cohort study with long-term follow-up is a powerful and feasible way to assess the impact of environment, genetics, and environment-genetics interaction on different health outcomes of both pregnant women and their offspring, by prospectively collecting extensive data and specimen during various periods from preconception to childhood or even later life. Methods: Peking University Institute of Reproductive and Child Health have conducted 3 large birth cohort studies. Results: First cohort study includes about 230,000 children, whose mother had participated in a previous folic acid intervention study to prevent the occurrence of neural tube defects in China. Women entered the program either at premarital health assessment or at any stage of pregnancy. Second cohort includes 17,000 children, whose mother had participated in a 3-armed randomized controlled trial to assess the impact of iron-folic acid and multi-micronutrient supplementations on mortality, morbidity, and complications during pregnancy, labor, and delivery in China. Women were enrolled before 20 weeks of gestational age, women's venous blood and baby's cord blood were collected, and children born to the enrolled women are being followed up. Third cohort study is now enrolling women, and is planned to enroll 10,000 women before or during early pregnancy, to collect women's venous blood, and follow these enrolled women up to 42 days postpartum. For all 3 cohort studies, maternal and children's data about demographic, relevant obstetric and pregnancy outcomes, folic acid supplements taking, and body growth were collected at the time of entry, subsequent prenatal visits, delivery, or at the follow-up. Conclusion: These cohort studies provide exciting opportunities to explore the cause and prevention measures for various interested health outcomes including the adverse health effects of environmental contaminants.