Parental age as a risk factor for isolated congenital malformations in a Polish population

Abstract

Currently available data on the relationship between the prevalence of isolated congenital malformations and parental age are inconsistent and frequently divergent. We utilised the data from the Polish Registry of Congenital Malformations (PRCM) to accurately assess the interplay between maternal and paternal age in the risk of isolated non-syndromic congenital malformations. Out of 902 452 livebirths we studied 8683 children aged 0-2 years registered in the PRCM. Logistic regression was used to simultaneously adjust the risk estimates for maternal and paternal age. Our data indicated that paternal and maternal age were independently associated with several congenital malformations. Based on our data, young maternal and paternal ages were independently associated with gastroschisis. In addition, young maternal age, but not young paternal age, carried a higher risk of neural tube defects. Advanced maternal and paternal ages were both independently associated with congenital heart defects. Moreover, there was a positive association between advanced paternal age and hypospadias, cleft palate, and cleft lip (with or without cleft palate). No significant relationships between parental age and the following congenital malformations were detected: microcephaly, hydrocephaly, oesophageal atresia, atresia or stenosis of small and/or large intestine, ano-rectal atresia or stenosis, renal agenesis or hypoplasia, cystic kidney disease, congenital hydronephrosis, diaphragmatic hernia and omphalocele.