Children born to mothers in their 20s and fathers in their 40s: Evidence for an increased low birth weight and Cesarean Section deliveries in Lebanon.

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.