Birth Weight and Childhood Leukaemia
Author Information
Author(s): McLaughlin C C, Baptiste M S, Schymura M J, Nasca P C, Zdeb M S
Primary Institution: New York State Cancer Registry
Hypothesis
High birth weight, first born status, older maternal age and history of prior fetal loss would be associated with the risk of both ALL and AML.
Conclusion
The study suggests that childhood leukaemia may be related to factors influencing abnormal fetal growth patterns.
Supporting Evidence
- High birth weight was associated with increased risk of ALL.
- Lower birth weights were associated with decreased risk.
- Maternal prepregnancy weight showed a dose response for ALL risk.
- Higher maternal weight gain during pregnancy was associated with ALL.
Takeaway
Babies who weigh a lot at birth might have a higher chance of getting leukaemia when they grow up, especially if their moms are not overweight.
Methodology
This case-cohort study included 916 ALL and 154 AML cases diagnosed before age 10, with controls selected from birth cohorts.
Potential Biases
Potential for selection bias as controls were ascertained from existing records without follow-up.
Limitations
The study design may introduce selection bias due to lack of follow-up of controls.
Participant Demographics
Children diagnosed with leukaemia in New York State excluding New York City between 1978 and 2001.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0015
Confidence Interval
1.01, 1.35
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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