Purpose: Much less is known about the effect of advanced paternal age (APA) (≥40 years) than advanced maternal age on neonatal morbidity. More specifically, the correlation with low birth weight remains inconsistent. This study aims to determine whether APA among mothers aged 20-29 years is associated with a higher risk of low birth weight and other neonatal outcomes.
Methods: Data from 2004 to 2008 database of the National Collaborative Perinatal Neonatal Network were used. Fifteen thousand two hundred eighteen live birth singleton pregnancies by primigravida mothers aged 20-29 years were analyzed. Study variables include paternal age (years), C-section delivery (yes/no), low birth weight (<2500 g), and preterm births (<37 weeks of gestation). Regressions were generated controlling for birth defects, consanguinity, maternal education, prenatal care, gender, and maternal smoking.
Results: Adjusted odds of Low Birth Weight (LBW) and Cesarean Section Deliveries (CSD) were significantly higher in infants of APA fathers compared to those of fathers aged 30-35 years [adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 1.5 (1.1, 2.3) and 1.4 (1.1, 1.7), respectively]. Paternal ages of 35-39 years compared to less than 30 years were associated with higher odds of CSD [adjusted odds ratio = 1.4 (1.2, 1.5)]. APA was not associated with preterm birth after adjustment.
Conclusions: This study supports the association between APA and increased risk for LBW and CSD.
Keywords: Advanced paternal age; Cesarean deliveries; Low birth weight; Preterm births.
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