142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition

Annual Meeting Recordings are now available for purchase

308618
Associations between maternal characteristics and the prevalence of gastroschisis in Southern California

142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition (November 15 - November 19, 2014): http://www.apha.org/events-and-meetings/annual
Sunday, November 16, 2014

Arti Desai, MPH , Department of Global Health School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
Tara Billings, D.O. , The Perinatal Institute, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA
Bryan Oshiro, M.D. , Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA
Background: Gastroschisis, a birth defect of the abdominal wall, has increased in incidence worldwide over the past several decades. While its pathogenesis remains unknown, studies implicate young maternal age, low maternal BMI, and nulliparity as risk factors. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on cases of gastroschisis in order to determine rates during a ­14 year time period in the Inland Empire Region of Southern California. Maternal factors of age, parity, and BMI were assessed to determine if longitudinal trends exist. The mean for each year was plotted, correlation models were generated to determine longitudinal changes in these risk factors, and scatter plot analysis was performed. GIS was used to determine if geographic clustering was present utilizing zip codes. Results: A line of best fit for maternal age shows R2 =0.215 and a Pearson Coefficient =0.464 with a significance =0.082; a line of best fit for maternal parity shows R2 =0.251 and a Pearson Coefficient =0.501 with a significance =0.057; and a line of best fit for maternal BMI over time shows R2 =0.003 and a Pearson Coefficient =0.056 with a significance =0.843. Spatial analysis shows possible geographic clustering surrounding major transportation routes. Conclusion: An increase in maternal age and parity was seen over time, while BMI remained fairly constant. The results of this study allow us to recognize the changing risk factors for gastroschisis, leading to earlier prenatal diagnosis, improved clinical care, decreased morbidity associated with this disease, and offer the potential to reduce the health disparity.

Learning Areas:

Advocacy for health and health education
Basic medical science applied in public health
Clinical medicine applied in public health
Environmental health sciences
Epidemiology
Public health biology

Learning Objectives:
Demonstrate the role and relationship of biological, social, and obstetric factors in the development of gastroschisis in the Inland Empire. Discuss the importance of identifying high risk factors that can be targeted during future pregnancies to prevent gastroschisis. Explain the significance of educating and increasing awareness and knowledge in the population locally and globally about gastroschisis and its increasing prevalence throughout the world.

Keyword(s): Birth Defects, Birth Outcomes

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a PhD student in Biology focusing on Perinatal Biology and investing the temporal, spatial, environmental, biological, social, epidemiological, and obstetric factors contributing to gastroschisis and negative pregnancy outcomes. I have MPH with a concentration in Global Health with work related to community and minority health, cultural sensitivity and cross- cultural interactions.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.