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BMC Pediatrics May 2018A quarter of all global neonatal deaths occur in India. Congenital anomalies constitute the fifth largest cause of neonatal mortality in the country, but national... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
A quarter of all global neonatal deaths occur in India. Congenital anomalies constitute the fifth largest cause of neonatal mortality in the country, but national estimates of the prevalence of these conditions are lacking. The objective of the study was to derive an estimate of the birth prevalence of congenital anomalies in India.
METHODS
The search was carried out in PubMed and pooled prevalence was estimated using the inverse variance method. A random effects model was used due to high heterogeneity between the studies. Forest plots were generated using the Review Manager software.
RESULTS
The PubMed search identified 878 articles from which 52 hospital based and three community based studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of congenital anomaly affected births was 184.48 per 10,000 births (95% CI 164.74-204.21) among 802,658 births. Anomalies of the musculoskeletal system were highest among live births while the prevalence of central nervous system defects was highest when stillbirths were included in the analysis. Anencephaly and talipes were the most commonly reported anomalies.
CONCLUSIONS
Data from this meta-analysis suggests that there may be as many as 472,177 (421,652 to 522,676) congenital anomaly affected births in India each year. Population based studies using standard definitions are needed to validate these estimates. The two most frequently reported anomalies were anencephaly that is potentially preventable through preconception folate supplementation, and talipes which can be corrected using relatively low cost interventions. Studies are needed to determine the impact of congenital anomalies on neonatal mortality in India.
Topics: Anencephaly; Central Nervous System; Congenital Abnormalities; Humans; India; Infant, Newborn; Musculoskeletal Abnormalities; Prevalence; Stillbirth; Talipes
PubMed: 29801440
DOI: 10.1186/s12887-018-1149-0 -
Environmental Health Perspectives Feb 2017Numerous studies have identified detectable levels of neonicotinoids (neonics) in the environment, adverse effects of neonics in many species, including mammals, and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Numerous studies have identified detectable levels of neonicotinoids (neonics) in the environment, adverse effects of neonics in many species, including mammals, and pathways through which human exposure to neonics could occur, yet little is known about the human health effects of neonic exposure.
OBJECTIVE
In this systematic review, we sought to identify human population studies on the health effects of neonics.
METHODS
Studies published in English between 2005 and 2015 were searched using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. No restrictions were placed on the type of health outcome assessed. Risk of bias was assessed using guidance developed by the National Toxicology Program's Office of Health Assessment and Translation.
RESULTS
Eight studies investigating the human health effects of exposure to neonics were identified. Four examined acute exposure: Three neonic poisoning studies reported two fatalities (n = 1,280 cases) and an occupational exposure study of 19 forestry workers reported no adverse effects. Four general population studies reported associations between chronic neonic exposure and adverse developmental or neurological outcomes, including tetralogy of Fallot (AOR 2.4, 95% CI: 1.1, 5.4), anencephaly (AOR 2.9, 95% CI: 1.0, 8.2), autism spectrum disorder [AOR 1.3, 95% credible interval (CrI): 0.78, 2.2], and a symptom cluster including memory loss and finger tremor (OR 14, 95% CI: 3.5, 57). Reported odds ratios were based on exposed compared to unexposed groups.
CONCLUSIONS
The studies conducted to date were limited in number with suggestive but methodologically weak findings related to chronic exposure. Given the wide-scale use of neonics, more studies are needed to fully understand their effects on human health. Citation: Cimino AM, Boyles AL, Thayer KA, Perry MJ. 2017. Effects of neonicotinoid pesticide exposure on human health: a systematic review. Environ Health Perspect 125:155-162; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/EHP515.
Topics: Environmental Exposure; Environmental Pollutants; Environmental Pollution; Female; Humans; Pesticides; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
PubMed: 27385285
DOI: 10.1289/EHP515