Work

Cannabinoid impacts on ethnic modulation of atrial septal defect prevalence USA

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objective To conduct a detailed epidemiological exploration of the relative contributions of cannabis and ethnicity to US atrial septal defect (ASD) rates (ASDR). Study design State-based ASDR data from the US National Births Defects Prevention Network, substance use, income and ethnicity data analyzed in RStudio. Results Ethnic effects were significant with relative risks amongst African Americans and American Indians and Alaskan Natives of 2·40 (95%C.I. 2·27, 2·54) and 2·31 (2·19, 21·43), Cohen’s D of 1·44 and 1·46 and P values of 2·94 × 10 −168 and 3·01 × 10 −172 compared to others, respectively. In general, additive models inclusion of ethnicity:cannabinoid and ethnicity:tobacco interactions were significant down to P=zero for cannabis, Δ9THC and cannabidiol. Sequentially doubly robust targeted multiple likelihood estimations confirmed epidemiologically causal relationships under standard assumptions. ASDR amongst Asians and Pacific Islanders in Nevada showed an exponential doubling time of 2.83 years. Conclusions Cannabinoid and cannabinoid:ethnicity interactions drive ASDR and meet epidemiological causal criteria.

Source: Journal of Perinatology

DOI: 10.1038/s41372-026-02717-7

Authors: Albert Stuart Reece, Gary Kenneth Hulse

Institutions: Edith Cowan University, The University of Western Australia

Language: English

Topic: Prenatal Substance Exposure Effects

Subfield: Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,790