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Research paper
Risk factors for congenital hydrocephalus: a nationwide, register-based, cohort study
  1. Tina Noergaard Munch1,2,
  2. Marie-Louise Hee Rasmussen1,
  3. Jan Wohlfahrt1,
  4. Marianne Juhler2,
  5. Mads Melbye1
  1. 1Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
  2. 2Department of Neurosurgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
  1. Correspondence to Dr Tina Noergaard Munch, Department of Epidemiology Research, Division of Health Surveillance and Research, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, Copenhagen S 2300, Denmark; tnm{at}ssi.dk

Abstract

Objectives To investigate the associations between isolated congenital hydrocephalus (CHC) and maternal characteristics, maternal medical diseases, and medicine intake during pregnancy as well as birth characteristics of the child in a retrospective, register-based, nationwide cohort study. Furthermore, to identify the risk factors unique for isolated CHC as compared to syndromic CHC.

Methods We established a cohort of all children born in Denmark between 1978 and 2008. Information on CHC and maternal medical diseases were obtained from the National Patient Discharge Register, maternal intake of medicine during pregnancy from the National Prescription Drug Register, and birth characteristics of the child from the Danish National Birth Register. Rate ratios (RR) of isolated and syndromic CHC with 95% CI were estimated using log-linear Poisson regression.

Results In a cohort of 1 928 666 live-born children, we observed 1193 cases of isolated CHC (0.062/1000) born children. First-borns had an increased risk of isolated CHC compared to later-borns (1.32 95% CI 1.17 to 1.49) (0.72/1000 born children). First trimester exposure to maternal use of antidepressants was associated with a significantly increased risk of isolated CHC compared to unexposed children (RR 2.52, 95% CI 1.47 to 4.29) (1.5/1000 born children). Risk factors also found for syndromic CHC were: Male gender, multiples and maternal diabetes.

Conclusions The higher risk for isolated CHC in first-born children as well as behavioural aspects and comorbidities associated with maternal use of antidepressants, should be the targets for future research. Potential biological pathways by which antidepressants may cause hydrocephalus remain to be elucidated.

  • NEUROEPIDEMIOLOGY
  • NEUROSURGERY
  • CSF
  • PAEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY

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