Associations between prenatal bisphenol S with gestational age and preterm birth: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Jillian Paul, Faye V Andrews, Francisco Moran et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined whether prenatal bisphenol S (BPS) exposure is associated with gestational age or preterm birth. It included nine human studies with cohort, case-control, or cross-sectional designs and pooled trimester-specific estimates. BPS measured from preconception through the second trimester was associated with a statistically significant reduction in gestational age of -0.04 weeks (95% CI: -0.05, -0.02), while the pooled association with preterm birth was not statistically significant. Third-trimester estimates were also not statistically significant and changed direction.
Key findings
- BPS measured from preconception through the second trimester was associated with -0.04 weeks (95% CI: -0.05, -0.02) in gestational age.
- The pooled association between BPS exposure from preconception through the second trimester and preterm birth was not statistically significant.
- No pooled third-trimester estimates were statistically significant, and associations changed direction.
- Variation in median BPS concentrations and detection rates contributed to heterogeneity across studies.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that associations between BPS exposure and pregnancy outcomes may vary by exposure timing. This is relevant to understanding potential environmental influences on gestational duration, but the evidence does not establish that BPS causes shorter gestation or preterm birth. Better exposure measurement may help clarify whether particular periods of pregnancy are more sensitive.
What to keep in mind
The evidence came from nine observational studies, with potential BPS exposure misclassification identified as a main source of bias. Variation in exposure concentrations and detection rates contributed to heterogeneity.