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. 2016 Oct;106(10):1796-803.
doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2016.303303. Epub 2016 Aug 23.

Reproductive Outcomes Following Maternal Exposure to the Events of September 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center, in New York City

Carey B Maslow  1 , Kimberly Caramanica  1 , Jiehui Li  1 , Steven D Stellman  1 , Robert M Brackbill  1
Affiliations

Reproductive Outcomes Following Maternal Exposure to the Events of September 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center, in New York City

Carey B Maslow et al. Am J Public Health. 2016 Oct.

Abstract

Objectives: To estimate associations between exposure to the events of September 11, 2001, (9/11) and low birth weight (LBW), preterm delivery (PD), and small size for gestational age (SGA).

Methods: We matched birth certificates filed in New York City for singleton births between 9/11 and the end of 2010 to 9/11-related exposure data provided by mothers who were World Trade Center Health Registry enrollees. Generalized estimating equations estimated associations between exposures and LBW, PD, and SGA.

Results: Among 3360 births, 5.8% were LBW, 6.5% were PD, and 9% were SGA. Having incurred at least 2 of 4 exposures, having performed rescue or recovery work, and probable 9/11-related posttraumatic stress disorder 2 to 3 years after 9/11 were associated with PD and LBW during the early study period.

Conclusions: Disasters on the magnitude of 9/11 may exert effects on reproductive outcomes for several years. Women who are pregnant during and after a disaster should be closely monitored for physical and psychological sequelae.

Public health implications: In utero and maternal disaster exposure may affect birth outcomes. Researchers studying effects of individual disasters should identify commonalities that may inform postdisaster responses to minimize disaster-related adverse birth outcomes.

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Figures

FIGURE 1—
FIGURE 1—
Unadjusted Odds Ratios (ORs) by Year of Birth for World Trade Center Exposure and (a) Low Birth Weight and (b) Preterm Delivery: New York City, September 11, 2001, and the End of 2010 Note. CI = confidence interval. At least 2 of the following on 9/11: present in dust cloud, injured, witnessed ≥ 3 traumatic events, in building that collapsed.
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Comment in

  • Birth Outcomes Soon After 9/11.
    Wolff MS. Wolff MS. Am J Public Health. 2016 Oct;106(10):1724. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2016.303355. Am J Public Health. 2016. PMID: 27626331 Free PMC article. No abstract available.

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