Title Air pollution, Kaunas, COVID-19, birth weight, delivery way
Authors Liepinaitienė, Alina ; Sarantaki, Antigoni ; Kuznecova, Agnė ; Berulė, Danielė ; Jazdauskaitė, Simona ; Mizgaitienė, Marija ; Šiaučiūnė, Andželika ; Dimitra, Metallinou ; Karampas, Grigorios ; Miškinytė, Auksė ; Dėdelė, Audrius
DOI 10.33545/26648733.2025.v7.i2d.155
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Is Part of International Journal of Research in Medical Science.. Sparkling Press. 2025, vol. 7, iss 2, p. 225-230.. ISSN 2664-8733. eISSN 2664-8741
Keywords [eng] air pollution ; cOVID-19 ; birth weight ; delivery way
Abstract [eng] Air pollution, particularly nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes,including low birth weight and complicated deliveries. COVID-19 pandemic has further highlightedenvironmental and health disparities, especially among pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2.Aim: to explore the impact of air pollution on birth weight and delivery way among women infectedwith SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,559women, utilizing questionnaires, air quality data from Lithuanian Environmental Protection Agency,and statistical analyses including logistic regression. Participants’ residential NO₂ levels were classifiedinto tertiles, and associations with birth weight and delivery outcomes were assessed, adjusting forconfounders. Results: Higher NO₂ exposure was associated with a significant decrease in mean birthweight (from 3300 g to 3100 g) and increased odds of low birth weight (<2500 g) (adjusted OR=2.30,95% CI: 1.35-3.92). Elevated NO₂ levels correlated with a spontaneous vaginal birth and a higherlikelihood of emergency S/C during labour. Conclusions. Elevated NO₂ exposure during pregnancy islinked to adverse obstetric outcomes, including lower birth weight and increased intervention rates,particularly among women infected with SARS-CoV-2. These findings advocate for stringent airquality policies to enhance maternal, neonatal health, during public health emergencies.
Published Sparkling Press
Type Journal article
Language Lithuanian
Publication date 2025