Experts React to Study Linking Maternal Endometriosis to Congenital Abnormalities
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal examines the association between maternal endometriosis and congenital abnormalities in children. Professor Asma Khalil from St George’s, University of London, provided expert commentary on the findings. The research, involving over 1.4 million births, identified a modest increase in the relative risk of congenital anomalies among babies born to women with endometriosis. However, experts emphasize that the absolute risk increase remains small, and the majority of these pregnancies result in healthy babies. The study highlights an association rather than causation, noting that factors such as subfertility, delayed childbearing, inflammation, and assisted reproductive technologies may contribute to the outcomes. While residual confounding is possible, the biological plausibility of inflammatory pathways supports the findings. Professor Khalil advises that while pregnancies in women with endometriosis may benefit from closer antenatal monitoring, the results should not cause undue alarm. This analysis adds to growing evidence regarding pregnancy management for patients with this condition, stressing the importance of contextualizing statistical risks for clinical practice and patient reassurance.
Wire timeline
Experts React to Study Linking Maternal Endometriosis to Congenital Abnormalities
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal examines the association between maternal endometriosis and congenital abnormalities in children. Professor Asma Khalil from St George’s, University of London, provided expert commentary on the findings. The research, involving over 1.4 million births, identified a modest increase in the relative risk of congenital anomalies among babies born to women with endometriosis. However, experts emphasize that the absolute risk increase remains small, and the majority of these pregnancies result in healthy babies. The study highlights an association rather than causation, noting that factors such as subfertility, delayed childbearing, inflammation, and assisted reproductive technologies may contribute to the outcomes. While residual confounding is possible, the biological plausibility of inflammatory pathways supports the findings. Professor Khalil advises that while pregnancies in women with endometriosis may benefit from closer antenatal monitoring, the results should not cause undue alarm. This analysis adds to growing evidence regarding pregnancy management for patients with this condition, stressing the importance of contextualizing statistical risks for clinical practice and patient reassurance.
Science Media Centre