Maternal Age and Childhood Leukemia Risk in Sweden
Author Information
Author(s): Maule Milena Maria, Vizzini Loredana, Czene Kamila, Akre Olof, Richiardi Lorenzo
Primary Institution: Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Center for Experimental Research and Medical Studies and Center for Oncologic Prevention in Piedmont, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
Hypothesis
Is there an association between maternal age and the risk of childhood leukemia, and is this association modified by maternal year of birth?
Conclusion
Childhood leukemia risk increased with maternal age for mothers born in the past, whereas maternal age had no effect on this risk for mothers born more recently.
Supporting Evidence
- 1,562 leukemia cases were observed in the study.
- The overall annual percent change in leukemia incidence was 1.00.
- The increasing incidence trend was limited to children born to mothers under 30 years of age.
Takeaway
This study found that older mothers had a higher risk of having children with leukemia in the past, but this is not the case for more recent mothers.
Methodology
Analyzed leukemia incidence among children aged 1-5 born between 1960 and 1999 using nationwide Swedish registers.
Potential Biases
The study is not affected by selection or ascertainment biases due to the use of comprehensive national registries.
Limitations
Separate analyses of leukemia subtypes were not possible, and potential confounders like birth order and paternal age were not included.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 1-5 years born in Sweden between 1960 and 1999.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.021
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 0.51 to 1.49
Statistical Significance
p=0.021
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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