Risk of oesophageal adenocarcinoma among individuals born preterm or small for gestational age.

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux is a main risk factor for oesophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Infants born preterm or small for gestational age (SGA) regurgitate more than infants born at term, and some data support the hypothesis of an association with oesophagitis, Barrett's oesophagus and EAC. This study aimed to assess the association between risk of EAC and preterm or SGA birth.

METHODS

In this population-based case-control study, all incident cases of EAC in Sweden between 1st January 1998 and 31st December 2004 with retrievable birth records were eligible as cases. We sampled three matched controls per case from the birth ledger at the same delivery ward as the respective case. Data on gestational age, birth weight and other perinatal exposures were extracted from the original birth records. For comparison, we collected perinatal data for cases of cardia adenocarcinoma and oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma and controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

RESULTS

The risk of EAC increased by 13% per week of shorter duration of gestation (OR 1.1, 95%CI 1.0-1.3), while SGA did not influence the risk. No effect of preterm birth or SGA was found on the risk of cardia adenocarcinoma or oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

Preterm birth, but not SGA, might lead to an increased risk of EAC as an adult.