Study type: Epidemiological study

High prevalence of gastroschisis in Brazilian triple side border: A socioenvironmental spatial analysis epidem.

Published in: PLoS One 2021; 16 (2): e0247863

Aim of study (acc. to author)

An ecological study was conducted in Brazil to investigate the potential spatial association between maternal proximity to power lines and other socio-environmental factors (maternal age at birth, income, prenatal care) and gastroschisis in newborns.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

Type of risk estimation:

Exposure

Assessment

Exposure groups

Group Description
Reference group 1 distance between centroid of the census sector and power line: ≥ 850 m
Group 2 distance between centroid of the census sector and power line: < 850 m

Population

Study size

Type Value
Total 26,182
Statistical analysis method:

Results (acc. to author)

A total of 15 gastroschisis cases were recorded in 26,182 births from 2012 to 2017 in Foz do Iguassu.
No spatial correlation was observed in the distribution of gastroschisis. However, analysis showed census sectors with cases of gastroschisis had higher probability to powerline proximity (OR 3,47; CI 1,11–10,79).
The authors concluded that the study design does not allow to attest the causality between power transmission lines and gastroschisis but these findings support the potential risk of pregnant women exposed to electromagnetic fields.

Study funded by

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