Testing an infection model to explain excess risk of preterm birth with long-term iron supplementation in a malaria endemic area.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In view of recent evidence from a randomized trial in Burkina Faso that periconceptional iron supplementation substantially increases risk of spontaneous preterm birth (< 37 weeks) in first pregnancies (adjusted relative risk = 2.22; 95% CI 1.39-3.61), explanation is required to understand potential mechanisms, including progesterone mediated responses, linking long-term iron supplementation, malaria and gestational age.

Methods

The analysis developed a model based on a dual hit inflammatory mechanism arising from simultaneous malaria and gut infections, supported in part by published trial results. This model is developed to understand mechanisms linking iron supplementation, malaria and gestational age. Background literature substantiates synergistic inflammator

SUBMITTER: Brabin B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6880560 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature