RISK-FACTORS FOR HYPOPLASTIC LEFT-HEART SYNDROME

A case-control study was performed in Finland to investigate the etiol ogy of the lethal heart malformation, hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). The cases represented all verified HLHS (n = 34) in Finland du ring 1982-1983, and controls (n = 756) were randomly selected from all babies born during the same period. Both case and control mothers wer e interviewed by midwives approximately 3 mo after delivery. Maternal upper respiratory infection during the first trimester of pregnancy wa s a significant risk factor for HLHS (OR = 2.5, Cl-95 = 1.2-5.4). Mate rnal exposures at work to factors such as disinfectants, pesticides, d yes, lacquers or paints, and anesthetic gases were rare and failed to indicate any risk for HLHS. Maternal use of deodorants or hairsprays d uring the first trimester of pregnancy was not a significant risk fact or for HLHS (OR = 1.8, Cl-95 = 0.9-3.6). The risk of HLHS was not asso ciated with seasonal variation, maternal smoking, alcohol or coffee co nsumption, or use of acetosalicylic acid. Because the study material i s limited in size, the power of this investigation is weak for testing the teratogenicity of specific chemicals on the risk of HLHS. Thus, c onclusions from the negative findings of this study should be drawn ve ry carefully. (C) 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.