Prenatal, Perinatal, and Early Postnatal Risk Factors of Childhood Asthma

Abstract

PP-31-094 Background/Aims: The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of prenatal, perinatal, and early postnatal risk factors on asthma and their links to early or late-onset asthma in children. Methods: We conducted a 1:2 matched case-control study from previous Taiwan Children Health Study population, which was a nationwide study recruiting 12 to 14 year-old school children in 14 Taiwanese communities. A total of 579 mothers of participants within 5 years of age and the in-utero period were telephone interviewed for environmental exposures,. We used conditional logistic regression for statistical analysis. Results: Childhood asthma was associated with maternal medication tablet use during pregnancy (OR = 3.73; 95% CI: 2.2–6.33), forceps and vacuum use during delivery (OR = 4.10; 95% CI: 1.39–12,1) (OR = 4.08; 95% CI: 1.84–9.03), recurrent respiratory tract infections within first year of age (OR = 2.67; 95% CI: 1.78–4.02), hospitalization within first year of age (OR = 2.99; 95% CI: 1.58–5.67), daycare attendance before 3 years of age (OR = 2.47; 95% CI: 1.33–4.57), and main caregiver care other children in first year of age (OR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.02–2.23). Exposures of the above factors showed dose-responsiveness on the risk of asthma (P for trend < 0.05). Exclusive breastfeeding was a protective factor for asthma (OR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.31–0.79). Most of the effects of the above factors revealed greater impact on early-onset asthma, except for forceps and vacuum use, and daycare attendance. Conclusion: Exposures to maternal gestational medication use, forceps and vacuum use during delivery, recurrent respiratory infections, daycare attendance were associated with higher risks of childhood asthma. Exclusive breastfeeding was a protective factor for asthma. Policies should be made to prevent risks and promote exclusive breastfeeding for children.