Hepatoblastoma and low birth weight: a trend or chance observation?

BACKGROUND

Several reports have suggested an association between prematurity and hepatoblastoma (HB).

PROCEDURE: Data were collected by questionnaires from 105 children with HB enrolled in a Children's Cancer Group (CCG) study.

RESULTS

Observed over expected rates were increased about 2- and 15+-fold for prematurity (<37 weeks at birth) and low birth weight (<1,000 g) respectively. Similar data were derived from a later CCG study of 36 HB children.

CONCLUSIONS

Early reports of a possible association between prematurity and HB have been confirmed.