The association between prenatal bisphenol A exposure and birth weight: a meta-analysis

Abstract

The association between prenatal BPA exposure and birth weight is controversial. Here, a meta-analysis was performed to estimate the association between prenatal BPA exposure and birth weight. We searched literature addressing the association of interest in relevant databases. Data were independently extracted and analyzed using partial regression coefficient (β) and/or odds ratio (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We identified 140 references and included 8 studies. Based on the results of meta-analysis, the association between prenatal BPA exposure and continuous birth weight was estimated to be 4.42 g (95% CI: -8.83 to 17.67 g) when comparing the highest vs. the lowest BPA concentration. Findings from this study indicated that prenatal BPA exposure was not statistically associated with continuous birth weight. However, more evidence, based on large prospective cohort studies, is required to provide conclusive evidence on whether or not prenatal BPA exposure is associated with birth weight.

Keywords: Birth weight; Bisphenol A; Heterogeneity; Low birth weight; Meta-analysis.