Recent research from Örebro University indicates that changes in the placenta may elevate the likelihood of children developing asthma and allergies.
Dr. Maria Lodefalk, a senior physician in pediatrics at Örebro University Hospital and a docent in Medical Science, underscores the need for pediatricians to consider the placenta’s potential long-term impact on children’s health after birth.
Lodefalk and her colleague, Dr. Zaki Bakoyan, who is a physician in Falun and a former medical student at Örebro University, conducted a comprehensive review of 19 previous studies involving approximately 13,000 children. Their findings reveal that children born prematurely face a threefold increase in the risk of asthma-related issues if inflammation is present in the fetal membranes and placenta. This heightened risk compounds the already established connection between premature birth and lung disease.
Additionally, the researchers identified a correlation between unusually heavy placentas and an increased prescription rate for asthma medications among full-term children during their first year.
While the statistical significance of these associations is notable, Lodefalk cautions that further investigation is required to determine whether changes in the placenta directly or indirectly contribute to the onset of asthma or allergies in children. “It’s nearly impossible to conduct the type of studies necessary to establish a causal relationship in pregnant women. However, these findings suggest that pediatricians should pay closer attention to the potential implications of placental health for infants post-birth,” Lodefalk explained.
The notion that atopic diseases such as asthma and allergies can develop in utero is gaining traction. Lodefalk proposes that inflammation in the placenta and fetal membranes may trigger a persistent inflammatory response in the fetus, potentially harming the child’s lungs or disrupting immune system development post-birth.
This emerging knowledge could lead to modifications in newborn care practices. “If we recognize that placental changes may signify an elevated risk for asthma, we can closely monitor children born prematurely or those showing signs of inflammation in the fetal membranes and placenta. An effective and straightforward measure could involve weighing and analyzing all placentas in uncertain cases,” she added.
Lodefalk also emphasized the necessity for further research to unravel how placental changes could influence a child’s health. “It would be valuable to explore whether specific treatments administered after birth could mitigate the risk of asthma in children born with placental inflammation,” she concluded.
The placenta, a temporary organ formed in the uterus during pregnancy, plays a crucial role by providing the fetus with oxygen and nutrients, removing waste products, and acting as a barrier against certain infections. It also produces essential hormones that support the health of both the mother and the fetus.
Asthma and allergies are prevalent conditions in Sweden, affecting nearly 40 percent of the population. The development of these conditions is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Strategies such as avoiding smoking and minimizing exposure to air pollution can help reduce the risk of developing asthma and allergies.
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