Early Life Factors and Childhood Leukaemia
Author Information
Author(s): Murray L, McCarron P, Bailie K, Middleton R, Davey Smith G, Dempsey S, McCarthy A, Gavin A
Primary Institution: Northern Ireland Cancer Registry, The Queens University, Belfast
Hypothesis
What early life factors are associated with the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in childhood?
Conclusion
Several early life factors, including living conditions and maternal miscarriage history, influence the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in childhood.
Supporting Evidence
- High paternal age (≥35 years) is associated with a 50% increase in the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
- High birth weight (≥3500 g) is positively associated with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
- Children of mothers with a previous miscarriage have reduced risks of developing acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
- Longer gestation (≥40 weeks) appears to be protective against acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
- Children born into more crowded households have a lower risk of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Takeaway
This study found that where you live and your parents' age when you were born can affect your chances of getting a type of blood cancer called leukaemia when you're a child.
Methodology
A historical cohort study analyzing data from all singleton live births in Northern Ireland from 1971 to 1986.
Potential Biases
Potential misclassification bias due to variation in data recording and failure to identify all cases.
Limitations
The relatively small number of cases limits subgroup analyses, and data on living conditions were not collected for the entire study period.
Participant Demographics
Singleton live births in Northern Ireland from 1971 to 1986.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.02
Confidence Interval
95% CI=0.96–2.31
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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