What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: Addiction.

Where was this research published?

Published in Journal of pediatric surgery on February 4, 2026.

Cannabis Use Linked to Rare but Serious Birth Defect Risk

Q: What did this research study find?

**2.64 times higher risk** of complex gastroschisis with *cannabis exposure*

Maternal Risk Factors Associated with Complex Gastroschisis: Cannabis Exposure and Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections May Be Modifiable Targets.

Journal of pediatric surgery • February 4, 2026 • Moderately Relevant

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AI Summary

A recent medical study has uncovered potentially important connections between cannabis exposure during pregnancy and a serious birth defect called complex gastroschisis. The research examined 194 cases of gastroschisis, a condition where a baby's intestines develop outside the body, and found some alarming associations with maternal cannabis use.

The study revealed that mothers who used cannabis were 2.64 times more likely to have a child with a complex form of gastroschisis, which involves more severe complications like bowel necrosis or perforation. Additionally, the research highlighted another significant risk factor: mothers with recurrent urinary tract infections were 3.78 times more likely to have a child with this complex birth defect. These findings suggest that certain maternal health behaviors and conditions may significantly impact fetal development.

Importantly, the researchers view these findings as potentially modifiable risk factors, meaning they could potentially be addressed to reduce the likelihood of serious birth complications. While the study does not definitively prove causation, it provides critical insights into potential pregnancy risks associated with cannabis exposure and suggests the need for further investigation into how maternal health and substance use might influence fetal development.

💡 Key Findings

2.64 times higher risk of complex gastroschisis with cannabis exposure

Good

75%

Recurrent urinary tract infections increase complex gastroschisis risk by 3.78 times

Good

70%

Potential modifiable maternal risk factors identified for serious birth defect

Good

65%

📄 Original Abstract

Maternal risk factors associated with gastroschisis occurrence have been identified, but predisposing factors to the complex variant are unknown. This study aimed to identify factors associated with complex gastroschisis by comparing the maternal risk factor profiles of simple and complex gastroschisis pregnancies. All cases of gastroschisis managed in one tertiary care hospital between 1991-2022 were identified from a retrospective clinical database. Cases were classified as 'complex' if severe matting, necrosis, atresia or perforation were present; 'simple' gastroschisis was defined as absence of these features. Data on maternal peri-conception and gestational health and lifestyle habits were extracted from the clinical database and a population-based administrative data repository. Logistic regression odds ratios (OR) and Poisson regression rate ratios (RaR) for each variable, or combination of variables, were calculated for 'complex' versus 'simple' mothers. A total of 194 cases of gastroschisis were included, 155(80%) simple and 39(20%) complex. Univariable analysis showed no effect of smoking, narcotics, cannabis, alcohol, rural residency and low-income. When adjusted for exposure to smoking, narcotics and alcohol use, cannabis use was more likely to have occurred in mothers of children with complex gastroschisis (adjusted OR=2.64). While single urinary tract infection was not associated with complex gastroschisis (OR=2.20), mothers of children with complex gastroschisis had more recurrent urinary tract infections (RaR=3.78). Pelvic inflammatory disease was not associated with complex gastroschisis. Our results suggest that peri-conceptional and gestational cannabis exposure and recurrent urinary tract infections are associated with complex gastroschisis. These exposures may be modifiable targets to reduce the risk of gastroschisis-related bowel complications and warrant further investigation in larger populations.

Paper Type

📄 Research

Publication

Journal: Journal of pediatric surgery
Published: February 4, 2026
PMID: 41651108
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2026.163000

Authors (4)

Olugbenga Awolaran Division of Pediatric Surgery, Departments of Surgery and Pediatrics & Child Health, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, and Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Kaitlyn MacGregor Division of Pediatric Surgery, Departments of Surgery and Pediatrics & Child Health, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, and Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Suyin A Lum Division of Pediatric Surgery, Departments of Surgery and Pediatrics & Child Health, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, and Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Richard Keijzer Division of Pediatric Surgery, Departments of Surgery and Pediatrics & Child Health, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, and Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Electronic address: richard.keijzer@umanitoba.ca.