Association of age at menarche with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia: A large prospective cohort in China

Abstract

This study explored the potential association between age at menarche and the risks of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia in Chinese women. Data were sourced from the China‐US Collaborative Project for Neural Tube Defects Prevention, a large population‐based cohort study. Our study consisted of 209 411 women pre‐registered for pregnancy in two provinces in South China. Trained healthcare workers measured blood pressure at registration and recorded other pertinent health information. Using logistic regression, we assessed the correlations between age at menarche and the likelihood of developing gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, considering confounders such as maternal age, body mass index, ethnicity, parity, folic acid supplementation, education level, and occupation. The observed incidences for gestational hypertension and preeclampsia were 9.65% and 2.54%, respectively. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for gestational hypertension, based on age at menarche, were as follows: ≤13 years, 1.18 (95% confidence interval: 1.11–1.26); 14 years, 1.09 (1.04–1.15); 15 years, 1.11 (1.06–1.16); 16 years, 1.06 (1.01–1.12); and ≥17 years, 1.00 (reference; P for trend < .001). The correlation between age at menarche and preeclampsia varied across age groups, with the following respective ORs: 1.35 (1.20–1.52), 1.21 (1.09–1.34), 1.27 (1.15–1.39), 1.14 (1.03–1.26), and 1.00 (reference; P for trend < .001). This association appeared to be more pronounced in women with no folic acid supplementation and those with a lower education level. In conclusion, an earlier age at menarche seems to be linked to increased risks of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.

The Association of Infant Birth Sizes and Anemia under Five Years Old: A Population-Based Prospective Cohort Study in China

“…We also elucidated the modified effects of folic acid use and maternal occupation on childhood anemia due to their interaction relationship with infant birth sizes. Together with the previous research [ 27 ], our findings provide referable value in terms of improving perinatal monitoring to identify mothers and offspring who have a high risk and for better prediction and prevention of childhood anemia.…”