[Relationship between congenital heart disease and various factors affecting pregnancy]

Abstract

In a prospective epidemiological study data of 24,732 pregnancies were analysed by computer programmes for the incidence of congenital heart disease (CHD) and its relationship to various factors affecting pregnancy (age and weight of mother, smoking, alcohol-, and coffee-consumption, usage of oral contraception). Frequency of CHD was 0.9%. Data showed that CHD could be associated with alcohol consumption, smoking, maternal age. Other factors like coffee consumption or taking oral contraceptive tablets did not influence the frequency of CHD. Authors conclude that in the prevention of CHD, reduction or even omission of both alcohol consumption and smoking are highly justified.

PIP: The frequency of congenital heart disease in a neonatal population and the possible correlation between congenital heart disease and factors exerting an influence during pregnancy such as smoking, alcohol consumption, coffee drinking, maternal age and contraceptive use before and during pregnancy were studied. The data of 24,732 children born in the country of Baranya, Hungary between January 1, 1985 and June 30, 1990 were analyzed utilizing the computer-assisted System of Pregnancy Control and Registration. The frequency of congenital anomalies was .9% in this population, higher than the rate found in the research literature. The odds ratio was twice as high as the average value for pregnant women under 16 and 3 times as high for those over 41. There was not eve a weak stochastical connection between the weight of the mother and congenital defects. On the other hand, the number of cigarettes smokes had a significant effect on risk: the odds were almost 3 times higher among those smoking 11-20 cigarettes. This fact necessitates increased efforts at education. The chi-square test (p=0) indicated a close correlation between alcohol consumption and congenital heart disease. The Yule measurement number (.54) indicated a medium stochastical link. A total of 938 women (3.4%) were regular alcohol users, and the odds ratio in their children was 3.5 indicating a 3 1/2 times higher risk of giving birth to children with congenital heart disease. The confidence interval ranged between 2.3 and 5.3. The weak stochastical connection regarding the effect of oral contraceptives suggests that children of women taking oral contraceptives before pregnancy face a lower risk of congenital heart disease. There was no significant connection between coffee drinkers (119/13,739 = .87%) and nondrinkers (104/10.995 = .94). The moderation or complete cessation of smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy could reduce the risk of congenital anomalies.