Abstract
In this study, our objective was to assess the association of body mass in preschool children with the use of antibiotics within 6 months after birth. National administrative databases were used to examine all children born between 2008 and 2009 in Korea. Exposure was defined as the use of systemic antibiotics during the first 6 months of age. The observed outcomes were stunting (height for age [HFA] z score < −2.0), short stature (HFA z score < −1.64), overweight (body mass index [BMI] for age z score ≥ 1.04), and obesity (BMI for age z score ≥ 1.64), and the children’s height and body weight were measured from three to six years of age. To balance characteristics between the antibiotic user and non-user groups, propensity score matching was performed. The outcomes were evaluated using a generalized estimation equation with the logit link function. Analysis of antibiotic use by children during the first 6 months of life indicated there were 203,073 users (54.9%) and 166,505 non-users (45.1%). After PS matching, there were 72,983 antibiotic users and 72,983 non-users. Antibiotic use was significantly associated with stunting (aOR = 1.198, 95% CI = 1.056 to 1.360) and short stature (aOR = 1.043, 95% CI = 1.004 to 1.083), and had significant negative association with HFA z score (weighted β = −0.023). The use of an antibiotic for 14 days or more had a marked association with stunting. Antibiotic use was also associated with overweight, obesity, and increased BMI for age z score. Antibiotic use during the first 6 months of life increased the risk of stunting, short stature, overweight, and obesity in preschool children.