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Comparative Study
. 2003 Mar-Apr;94(2):88-92.
doi: 10.1007/BF03404578.

Is paternal age associated with an increased risk of low birthweight, preterm delivery, and multiple birth?

Suzanne C Tough  1 , Alexandra J Faber, Lawrence W Svenson, David W Johnston
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Is paternal age associated with an increased risk of low birthweight, preterm delivery, and multiple birth?

Suzanne C Tough et al. Can J Public Health. 2003 Mar-Apr.

Abstract
in English, French

Objective: To determine if paternal age elevates the risk of low birthweight (< 2500g, LBW), preterm birth (< 37 weeks gestation), and multiple gestation among mothers whose age does not predict an elevated risk.

Design/methods: Population data on birth outcome, maternal age and paternal age was obtained from Alberta Health and Wellness for all births 1990-1996.

Results: Among women aged 25 to 29, regardless of parity, there was no linear relationship between paternal age and preterm birth or LBW. However, multiple birth rates increased with increased paternal age (p < 0.01). Among singleton births, advanced paternal age (>50 years) increased the risk of LBW and preterm birth (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Paternal age is not a risk factor for LBW or preterm delivery among low risk women. The increased risk of multiple birth with increased paternal age, regardless of parity, requires confirmation among other populations.

Objectif: Déterminer si l’âge paternel accroît le risque d’insuffisance de poids à la naissance (<2500 g, IPN), de naissance avant terme (<37 semaines de gestation) et d’accouchement multiple chez les mères dont l’âge n’est pas une variable prédictive de risque élevé.

Conception/méthode: Les données démographiques sur l’issue de la grossesse, l’âge maternel et l’âge paternel provenaient du ministère albertain de la Santé et du Bien-être pour toutes les naissances de 1990 à 1996.

Résultats: Pour les femmes de 25 à 29 ans, primipares ou non, il n’existait aucune relation linéaire entre l’âge paternel et la naissance avant terme ou l’IPN. Toutefois, les taux d’accouchement multiple augmentaient avec l’âge paternel (p<0,01). Pour les accouchements simples, un âge paternel avancé (>50 ans) augmentait le risque d’IPN et de naissance avant terme (p≤0,05).

Conclusion: L’âge paternel n’est pas un facteur de risque d’IPN ou d’accouchement prématuré chez les femmes à risque modéré. Le risque accru d’accouchement multiple avec la hausse de l’âge paternel, que la mère soit primipare ou non, doit être confirmé par des recherches dans d’autres populations. canadian

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References

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    1. Center for Health Economic Research. Access to Health Care: Key Indicators for Policy. Princeton, NJ: The Robert Wood Foundation; 1993.
    1. Papiernik E, Bouyer J, Dreyfus J, Collin D, Winisdorffer G, Guegen S e al. Prevention of preterm births: A perinatal study in Haguenau, France. Pediatrics. 1985;76:154–58. - PubMed
    1. United Nations. Demographic Year Books. 1985–1989. New York, NY: Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Statistical Office, United Nations; 1989.
    1. Tough S, Svenson L, Schopflocher D. Maternal Risk Factors in Relationship to Birth Outcome. Health Surveillance, Alberta Health and Wellness. 1999. pp. 16–21.

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