The causal effect of exposure to air pollution on risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes: A two-sample Mendelian randomisation study

Summary

This 2024 two-sample Mendelian randomisation study by Li and Zhou examines whether air pollution exposure has a causal effect on adverse pregnancy outcomes using genetic variants as instrumental variables. The approach leverages genome-wide association study data to reduce confounding bias inherent in observational studies of environmental exposures and pregnancy health. As suggested by the methodological approach, the findings contribute evidence on the causal pathway between atmospheric pollution and maternal–fetal health outcomes, with potential implications for environmental health policy and pregnancy protection strategies.

UK applicability

The findings are applicable to UK maternal health policy and environmental regulation, particularly given ongoing air quality concerns in urban and industrial regions. UK pregnancy services and public health bodies may consider these causal inferences when evaluating the health benefits of air quality improvement initiatives under Clean Air Act provisions and Net Zero commitments.

Key measures

Genetic instrumental variables for air pollution exposure; odds ratios or hazard ratios for adverse pregnancy outcomes (preterm birth, low birth weight, and related maternal/fetal complications); 95% confidence intervals

Outcomes reported

The study investigated the causal relationship between air pollution exposure (as suggested by genetic proxies) and the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes including preterm birth, low birth weight, and gestational complications. The analysis employed two-sample Mendelian randomisation to estimate causal effects whilst accounting for potential confounding.

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