Relationship Between Environmental Air Quality and Congenital Heart Defects

Background Congenital heart defects (CHDs) affect 40,000 U.S. infants annually. One fourth of these infants have a critical CHD, requiring intervention within the first year of life for survival. Over 80% of CHDs have an unknown etiology. Fine particulate matter <= 2.5 (PM2.5) and ozone (O-3) may be air pollutants associated with CHD. Objectives The purpose of this study was to explore relationships between first-trimester maternal exposure to air pollutants PM2.5 and O-3 and a critical CHD diagnosis. Methods A retrospective cohort study with nested case controls was conducted using data from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2016, and consisted of 199 infants with a diagnosed critical CHD and 550 controls. Air pollution data were obtained from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency air monitors. Geographic information system software was used to geocode monitoring stations and infant residential locations. Data analysis included frequencies, chi-square, independent t-test analysis, and binary logistic regression for two time periods: the entire first trimester (Weeks 1-12) and the critical exposure window (Weeks 3-8 gestation). Results Critical CHD odds were not significantly increased by exposure during the first trimester. However, weekly analyses revealed CHD odds were higher in Weeks 5 and 8 as PM2.5 increased and decreased in Week 11 with increased O-3 exposure. Discussion Our study shows no evidence to support the overall association between air pollutants PM2.5 and O-3 and a critical CHD diagnosis. However, analyses by week suggested vulnerability in certain weeks of gestation and warrant additional surveillance and study.

Automated summary

This study examined the relationship between maternal exposure to PM2.5 and O-3 air pollutants during the first trimester and a critical CHD diagnosis. While no overall association was found, vulnerability during certain weeks of gestation was suggested, calling for further surveillance and study.