Paternal Organic Solvent Exposure and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: Organic solvents are widely used, but conflicting reports exist concerning paternal exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the risks of spontaneous abortions (SAs) and major malformations (MMs) after paternal exposure to organic solvents. Methods: Medline, Toxline, Reprotox, and Embase from 1966 to 2003 were searched. Two independent reviewers searched for cohort and case-control studies in any language on adult human males exposed chronically to any organic solvent. Two non-blinded independent extractors used a standardized form for data extraction; disagreements were resolved through consensus discussion. Results: Forty-seven studies were identified; 32 exclusions left 14 useable studies. Overall random effects odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI95%) were 1.30 (CI95%: 0.81– 2.11, N=1,248) for SA, 1.47 (CI95%: 1.18–1.83, N=384,762) for MMs, 1.86 (CI95%: 1.40–2.46,N=180,242) for any neural tube defect, 2.18 (CI95%: 1.52–3.11,N=107,761) for anencephaly, and 1.59 (CI95%: 0.99–2.56, N=96,517; power=56.3%) for spina bifida. Conclusions: Paternal exposure to organic solvents is associated with an increased risk for neural tube defects but not SAs.