Maternal exposure to housing renovation during the periconceptional period and the risk of offspring with isolated congenital heart disease: a case-control study

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a term used to describe the structural anomalies that occur during fetal cardiovascular development. It is the most common type of birth defect, and it can result in fetal loss, stillbirth, and infant mortality. CHD affects between 4 and 10 out of every 1,000 live births globally and is on the rise. According to China's surveillance of birth defects, 8-10% of live births are affected by CHD, resulting in approximately 150,000 newborns with the condition each year.

A case-control study was conducted in Xi'an, China, to examine the potential correlation between maternal exposure to housing remodeling during the periconceptional period and the likelihood of isolated CHD in their offspring. The study was based in a hospital setting.

The correlation between CHD and exposure to housing renovation could be due to the release of organic pollutants and other volatile contaminants from decoration materials.

The study's findings indicate that maternal exposure to housing renovation during the periconceptional period is linked to a heightened risk of isolated CHD in offspring. Furthermore, residing in a newly refurbished home may elevate the likelihood of VSD and PDA in fetuses. As a preventive measure against isolated CHD in infants, it may be advantageous to refrain from living in a remodeled house from one year before pregnancy until the first trimester of pregnancy.