Immune Cell Counts and Respiratory Infection Risks in Infants Exposed to Organochlorine Compounds
Author Information
Author(s): Glynn Anders, Thuvander Ann, Aune Marie, Johannisson Anders, Darnerud Per Ola, Ronquist Gunnar, Cnattingius Sven
Primary Institution: National Food Administration, Research and Development Department, Uppsala, Sweden
Hypothesis
Does prenatal and postnatal exposure to organochlorine compounds affect immune system development and increase the risk of respiratory infections in infants?
Conclusion
The study suggests that early-life exposure to PCBs and p,p'-DDE may modulate immune system development and influence respiratory infection risks in infants.
Supporting Evidence
- Infants with the highest prenatal exposure to certain PCB congeners had an increased risk of respiratory infections.
- Negative associations were found between infections and total organochlorine compound exposure during the pre- and postnatal period.
- Prenatal exposure to specific PCBs was positively associated with lymphocyte and monocyte counts in infants.
Takeaway
This study found that babies exposed to certain chemicals before and after birth might get sick more often, especially with respiratory infections.
Methodology
The study analyzed maternal serum and breast milk for organochlorine concentrations and registered infections in infants, with blood samples taken for immune cell analysis.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in disease diagnosis as it was not confirmed from medical records.
Limitations
The study is small and relies on maternal reporting of infant health, which may introduce bias.
Participant Demographics
Primarily primiparous women from Uppsala County, Sweden, with a median maternal age of 28 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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