High fever-related maternal diseases as possible causes of multiple congenital abnormalities: a population-based case-control study

Birth Defects Res A Clin Mol Teratol. 2007 Jul;79(7):544-51. doi: 10.1002/bdra.20369.

Abstract

Background: Multiple congenital abnormalities (MCAs) represent the most severe category of structural birth defects; therefore, we decided to evaluate the possible etiological factors for MCAs.

Methods: The population-based large data set of the Hungarian Case-Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities (1980-1996) was evaluated.

Results: We compared the data of 1,349 cases with MCAs, 2,405 matched population controls without any defect, and 21,494 malformed controls with isolated congenital abnormalities. An association was found between a higher risk for MCAs and high fever-related influenza, common cold with secondary complications, tonsillitis, and recurrent orofacial herpes (adjusted ORs with 95% CIs: 2.3, 1.8-2.9). However, the risk for MCAs was reduced by antifever drug therapy (adjusted OR with 95% CI: 1.6, 0.9-2.9).

Conclusions: An association was found between high fever-related maternal diseases and a higher risk for MCAs; however, a certain portion of these MCAs is preventable by antifever therapy.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Abnormalities, Multiple / etiology*
  • Adult
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Congenital Abnormalities / epidemiology
  • Congenital Abnormalities / etiology*
  • Female
  • Fever / complications*
  • Fever / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious*
  • Prospective Studies