Associations between exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances and birth outcomes: A meta-analysis. (March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, Ze; Liu, Huan-yu; Yang, Qiao-yun; Chen, Xi; Li, Weiqin; Leng, Junhong; Tang, Nai-jun
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 291:Part 2(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-03
• Subjects: Perfluoroalkyl substances -- Birth outcomes -- Meta-analysis; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132909
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: Although previous meta-analyses have shown that prenatal PFASs exposure is associated with reduction in birth weight, effects of prenatal PFASs exposure on birth outcomes have not been fully explored. We conducted a meta-analysis of 23 eligible studies searched from Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science before March 21, 2021 to analyze the association between prenatal PFASs exposure and birth outcomes, including premature birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA) and miscarriage. Odds ratio (OR) and corresponding confidence intervals were extracted for analysis. According to the heterogeneity of the included studies, fixed-effects ( I 2 ≤ 50%) and random-effects ( I 2 > 50%) models were applied respectively. The significant associations between PFOS and PTB (pooled OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.20–1.98), PFOA and miscarriage (pooled OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.15–1.70), and PFOS and LBW (pooled OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.19–1.94) were obtained. There were differences between included studies with different study regions, sampling time, and samples type used for PFASs assessment. These findings may provide insight in risk assessment and decision-making in producing products that contain PFASs. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Meta-analysis for the association between PFASs and major birth outcome. Significant evidence that PFOS related to premature birth and low birth weight. Exposure to PFOA associated with increased risk of miscarriage. No significant relationship between PFASs exposure and small for gestational age.