Abstract
BackgroundPrevious epidemiological findings on extreme temperature and preterm birth (PTB) were heterogeneous, especially for extreme cold exposure. Measured and unmeasured individual-level factors such as genetic factors or lifecourse exposures may constitute important contributors but have not been addressed. ObjectivesWe aimed to examine the association of gestational heat and cold exposure with PTB using a novel sibling-matched study. MethodsBased on a multi-center population-based birth cohort across 16 counties in China, we included 10,826 sibling pairs born from March 2013 to December 2018. Conditional logistic and Cox Proportional Hazard regression models were used to estimate the effects of heat and cold exposure on PTB in each trimester, one and four weeks before delivery and the entire pregnancy. We also tested the heterogeneity in the association of temperature with PTB between siblings. FindingsExposure to heat during the third trimester and the entire pregnancy increased the risk of PTB. For heat (> 90th) defined with mean temperature, the odds ratios were 2.32 (1.63, 3.30) and 3.19 (2.22, 4.58), respectively. Cold exposure (< 10th) during the first, the third, and the entire pregnancy was associated with a higher PTB risk, with ORs (95%CIs) of 2.04 (1.43, 2.90), 3.13 (2.14, 4.58), and 4.26 (2.94, 6.19), respectively. We found slightly stronger associations of heat exposure during the entire pregnancy with the firstborn PTB, and stronger associations of cold exposure during one week and four weeks before delivery with secondborn PTB. ConclusionsUsing a sibling-matched study, we took into account some mother-level unobserved confounding. Our research strengthens the evidence that gestational exposure to heat and cold increases the risk of PTB. Our findings may have important implications for improving the health of newborns in the context of climate change.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
