Maternal factors in the origin of isolated anorectal malformations - a population-based case-control study

Objective: In most patients affected by isolated anorectal malformation (IARM), the etiology is unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the possible role of maternal risk factors in the origin of IARM. Methods: The study samples included 231 cases with IARM, 361 matched and 38 151 population controls without any defect in the population-based large dataset of the Hungarian Case-Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities, 1980-1996. Cases with IARM were evaluated in the function of maternal diseases and related drug use. Results: The findings of this case-control study suggested that cases with IARM have an obvious male excess. The mothers of cases with IARM had a lower incidence of severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and a higher incidence of acute infectious diseases in the urinary tract. Conclusions: Lack of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and the higher incidence of urinary tract infections may have a role in the development of IARM.