Case-control study on the association of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in Japan.

Objective: Studies in Western populations have shown the association of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). The role of Helicobacter pylori infection in NSAIDs-related UGIB remains to be studied. We conducted a case-control study in Japan to investigate these related topics.

Gulf War veterans and hemifacial microsomia.

Background: Concerns have been raised that more infants with Goldenhar syndrome were born to U.S. Gulf War veterans than expected.

Demographic and reproductive factors associated with hemifacial microsomia.

Objective: To identify demographic and reproductive risk factors for hemifacial microsomia in offspring.

Design: In a case-control study, maternal interviews were conducted within 3 years after delivery. Cases with hemifacial microsomia were ascertained from craniofacial centers in 26 cities in the United States and Canada.

Vasoactive exposures, vascular events, and hemifacial microsomia.

Background: Based on experimental evidence and clinical observations, hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is one of several structural anomalies that are postulated to result from vascular disruption. We collected data in a case-control study to identify whether vasoactive exposures or vascular events during early pregnancy affect the risk of HFM.

Methods: Cases with a diagnosis of HFM were identified at craniofacial centers in 26 cities across the United States and Canada, from 1996 to 2002.

Association of vasoconstrictive exposures with risks of gastroschisis and small intestinal atresia.

Background: Gastroschisis and small intestinal atresia are congenital anomalies that may arise from vascular disruption. It is hypothesized that maternal exposure to cocaine, amphetamines, decongestants and nicotine, all of which have vasoconstrictive actions, can contribute to these defects. The present study examined risks of gastroschisis and small intestinal atresia associated with combined exposure to vasoconstrictive drugs and cigarette smoking.

Maternal medication use and risks of gastroschisis and small intestinal atresia.

Gastroschisis and small intestinal atresia (SIA) are birth defects that are thought to arise from vascular disruption of fetal mesenteric vessels. Previous studies of gastroschisis have suggested that risk is increased for maternal use of vasoactive over-the-counter medications, including specific analgesics and decongestants. This retrospective study evaluated the relation between maternal use of cough/cold/analgesic medications and risks of gastroschisis and SIA.