Birth weight and premature ovarian insufficiency: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Abstract Objective In clinical work, it has been found that low birth weight will affect the ovarian function of women in adulthood, and may cause premature ovarian insufficiency, but there is no clear conclusion on this issue. We designed this meta-analysis to summarize the current evidence on the relationship between birth weight and premature ovarian insufficiency. Methods We performed a systematic review of the literature by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, Wanfang and CNKI up to August 2023. Data were combined using inverse-variance weighted meta-analysis with fixed and random effects models and between-study heterogeneity evaluated. We evaluated risk of bias using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale and using Egger’s method to test publication bias. Results Five articles were included in the review. Most of the studies were from North America and European countries, and most of the articles had a low risk of bias. A total of 2248594 women were included, including 21,813 (1%) cases of premature ovarian insufficiency, 150743 cases of low birth weight, and 220703 cases of macrosomia. We found strong evidence that low birth weight is associated with an increased risk of premature ovarian insufficiency (OR = 1.15, 95%CI 1.09–1.22) in adulthood compared with normal birth weight, and no evidence of heterogeneity was found. No effect of macrosomia on premature ovarian insufficiency was found. Conclusions Our meta-analysis showed strong evidence of an association between low birth weight and premature ovarian insufficiency. We should strengthen nutrition during pregnancy to avoid premature ovarian insufficiency caused by low birth weight.