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Prenatal bisphenol A exposure may lead to early transient wheeze in children

DENVER — Prenatal exposure to bisphenol A, especially during the first trimester, increased the risk for transient wheeze in children, according to research presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies’ Annual Meeting 2011, held here.

Bisphenol A is a chemical used to produce plastic and epoxy resins for many products. According to Adam J. Spanier, MD, PhD, MPH, assistant professor of pediatrics and public health sciences at Penn State College of Medicine, bisphenol A is detectable in more than 90% of the US population. Although there are no human data, studies in mice have shown that exposure to the chemical promotes experimental asthma.

“Consumers need more information about the chemicals in the products they purchase so they can make informed decisions,” Spanier said in a press release. “Additional research is needed in this area to determine if changes should be made in public policy to reduce exposure to this chemical.”

Spanier and colleagues examined a birth cohort study of mother-infant dyads that were enrolled early during pregnancy. They collected urine from the mothers at 16 weeks and 26 weeks gestation and at birth to measure to bisphenol A levels. Data about the children’s wheezing were collected by parental report every six months for three years.

Among 367 children with data available for the analysis, 99% were born to mothers with detectable levels of the chemical during pregnancy. At age 6 months, the odds of wheeze for the high bisphenol A exposure group compared to the low exposure group was 2.2 (95% CI, 1.24-3.97). By age 3 years, there was no association between the exposure level and wheeze. The maternal exposure level at 16 weeks gestation was associated with wheeze, but the levels at 26 weeks gestation and at birth were not associated with wheeze.

Disclosures: Dr. Spanier reported no disclosures.

For more information:

• Spanier AJ. #2805.2. Prenatal bisphenol A is a risk factor for early transient wheeze. Presented at: Pediatric Academic Societies' Annual Meeting 2011; April 30-May 3, 2011; Denver.

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