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CME Credit Offered
CME Credit Offered
Abstract Award
Abstract Award

Oral Concurrent Session 3 - Ultrasound and Genetics

Oral Concurrent Sessions

Oral Concurrent Session 3 - Ultrasound and Genetics

(35) Exploring Gastroschisis Patterns and Pesticide Use in California's Central Valley: A population-based cohort Study

Thursday, January 30, 2025
3:00 PM - 3:15 PM  
Location: Aurora Ballroom CD, Lobby Level
Abstract Award
Objective: The incidence of gastroschisis has been rising in regions with significant agricultural practices. Certain pesticides (e.g. atrazine, mineral oil) have been associated with gastroschisis in epidemiological studies.

Study Design: This is a retrospective cohort study of all California births from 2016-2020 utilizing linked birth certificate and hospital discharge records. We identified gastroschisis cases by ICD-10 code Q79.3 and geographically assessed maternal residence by zip code. Pesticide usage by county was obtained from publicly available databases from California Department of Pesticide Regulation for years 2016-2020. The usage of pesticides by county was calculated by pounds applied per total land area. We analyzed data from the following pesticides previously linked to gastroschisis: atrazine, mineral oil, oxyfluorfen, and glyphosate. We also investigated sulfur, which was the most widely applied pesticide in CA during this time period. Multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for maternal demographics, socioeconomic factors, and birth-related variables was used to identify associations between pesticide application and gastroschisis.

Results: During the study time, there were 2,218,394 births and 656 cases of gastroschisis (0.3 cases/1000 births). Pregnant individuals in the San Joaquin Valley had 1.4 times higher odds of gastroschisis (95% CI: 1.1-1.7) compared to other CA regions (0.5/1000 vs 0.3/1000, respectively). Analysis of the five pesticides of interest revealed higher gastroschisis rates in counties with greater usage of sulfur (aOR=1.22; 95% CI: 1.00-1.49; p=0.046) and mineral oil (aOR=1.24; 95% CI: 1.05-1.45, p=0.009).

Conclusion:

These findings suggest an association between pesticide exposure, particularly sulfur and mineral oil, and risk of gastroschisis. More studies are needed to further illuminate causal relationships and guide targeted preventive strategies and management approaches for reducing gastroschisis incidence in vulnerable populations.