Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and pregnancy complications and birth outcomes: A population-based cohort study in Denmark

Abstract

Background Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is related to developing lung and liver disease, but no large-scale studies examine its association with birth outcomes. Objective We investigated the risk of pregnancy complications and adverse birth outcomes in mothers and children with AATD. Methods Using a large cohort data of Danish mothers and children with AATD from 1973 to 2013 (n = 2,027,229), with 559 cases (305 mothers and 254 children). We conducted Poisson regression to examine associations between alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, adverse birth outcomes, and pregnancy complications in mothers and children. Results AATD was related to term low birth weight [<2500g; Risk Ratio(RR) = 2.04, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.50–2.79], lowest quartile of abdominal circumference at birth in children of non-smoking mothers (RR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.14–2.11), delivery via Cesarean-section (RR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.05–2.40), preterm birth (RR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.19–2.00) and preeclampsia (RR = 2.64, 95% CI: 1.76–3.94). Conclusions This emphasizes the need for mothers with AATD to be monitored closely during pregnancy to reduce the risk of adverse birth outcomes. Routine screening for alpha-1 antitrypsin in pregnancy may be considered among mothers with a pulmonary and liver disease history.