Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol

Background Complete atrioventricular canal defects (CAVC) are a common heart defect, but few epidemiologic studies have evaluated nonsyndromic CAVC. Risk factors for nonsyndromic CAVC have not been well established. Methods To assess the relationship between risk for nonsyndromic CAVC in offspring and several sociodemographic and reproductive parental factors, including maternal diabetes and obesity, we conducted Poisson regression analyses, using data ascertained through the Texas Birth Defects Registry, a large, population-based birth defects registry. Data were evaluated for 563 nonsyndromic cases with CAVC. Results Significant associations were observed between nonsyndromic CAVC in offspring and maternal pregestational diabetes (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR): 6.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.67–12.37), gestational diabetes [aPR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.03, 2.79], and obesity [aPR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.24, 2.30]. Comments Our findings add nonsyndromic CAVC to the growing list of birth defects that appear to be associated with maternal diabetes and obesity.

23061687

PMC3482101

CDC Public Access