De-Kun Li, MD, PhD

People

Kaiser Permanente Division of Research
2000 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94612

(510) 891-3755 (phone)
de-kun.li@kp.org
Kaiser Permanente Researcher Profiles

De-Kun Li, MD, PhD, MPH, is a Senior Research Scientist at the Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Dr. Li completed his medical training and master’s degree in Public Health at Shanghai Medical University, Shanghai, China. He then received his PhD in epidemiology from the University of Washington, Seattle.

Dr. Li is a reproductive and perinatal epidemiologist with extensive experience conducting epidemiologic studies examining in-utero exposures in relation to pregnancy outcomes and early childhood diseases, including childhood obesity and asthma, preterm delivery, low birthweight, birth defects, miscarriage and SIDS. He has more than 88 peer-reviewed publications, of which he first-authored 41 and was the senior author for another 18.

He has been invited to many NIH and CDC study sections to review grant applications. Recognized for his long-standing experience in international collaborative research, Dr. Li was invited by the US National Academy of Science to evaluate Sino-US collaboration in bio-medical research. He has been invited by academic institutions and governmental agencies to present his research findings, including those related to exposures to EDC pollutants, genetic contribution, and medication use during pregnancy in relation to pregnancy outcomes and childhood diseases. He is also a current member of an advisory committee for the Dartmouth Children’s Environmental Health and Disease Prevention Research Center.

He has received more than 10 research grants from federal agencies including NIH, CDC, FDA, and AHRQ. He is currently serving as the Associate Editor of the American Journal of Epidemiology.

Dr. Li’s current research focuses on developmental origins of pregnancy outcomes and childhood diseases which include examination of (1) in-utero environmental exposures including endocrine disruptors (e.g., BPA) and electromagnetic fields (EMF), (2) safety and effectiveness of medication use during pregnancy, and (3) gene-environment interactions. Throughout his professional life, he has made important contributions to the understanding of (a) factors associated with reduction in SIDS risk, (b) health effects due to exposure to EMF, (c) adverse effects of in-utero exposure to caffeine, (d) impact of exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors, (e) risk and benefit of treating maternal depression during pregnancy, (f) parental genetic contribution to the risk of preterm delivery, and (g) benefits of treating herpes infection during pregnancy.

Dr. Li has worked closely with the medical communities, especially OBGYN physicians, of Kaiser Permanente Northern California.

Current Position(s):

Research Scientist III, Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

Section Affiliations:

Women's and Children's Health

Primary Research Interests:

Developmental origins of adverse pregnancy outcomes and childhood diseases.
Risk factors for childhood obesity and asthma, especially in-utero and early childhood exposures including environmental risk factors (e.g., endocrine disruptors and EMF), antibiotics, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors (e.g., caffeine intake).
Factors impacting the risk of preterm delivery, including maternal depression, infection, and genetics.
Etiology of infertility, miscarriage, preterm delivery, preeclampsia, SIDS, cerebral palsy, birth defects; pediatric diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders; autoimmune diseases in relation to maternal-fetal interaction, and breast cancer.
Pharmacological effects of medication use during pregnancy on pregnancy outcomes.
Genetic and epigenetic determinants of pregnancy outcomes and childhood health.
Risk factors for poor semen quality.

Studies

Examining the Factors for the Rapid Rise of Colorectal Cancer in Young Adults: Does Increased Medical Use of Radiation and Imaging Technology Contribute to the Rise?

This study is examining whether the secular increase in use of medical radiation therapy and diagnostic imaging technology is associated with the corresponding secular increase in the risk of colorectal cancer among young adults age 50 and under.
Investigator: Li, De-Kun
Funder: Northern California Community Benefit Programs

Comparative Effectiveness of Treating Genital Herpes Infection to Reduce Racial Disparities in the Risk of Severe Maternal Morbidity (SMM)

The goals of the study are to determine whether treating GHSV infection in pregnancy, especially earlier in pregnancy, is effective in mitigating the racial disparities in SMM, and GHSV infection, if untreated, contribute to racial disparities in the risk of SMM
Investigator: Li, De-Kun
Funder: Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute

The Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in Pregnancy and Infancy (ESPI) Network: ESPI-Electronic Cohort

Multisite study to describe the incidence, clinical presentation, treatment, clinical course, and outcomes of COVID-19 among pregnant women and up to six months postpartum, and estimate the incidence of COVID-19 hospitalizations and medically attended ambulatory care visits (including telehealth) during pregnancy and for infants up to six months of age.
Investigator: Li, De-Kun
Funder: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Extremely Premature Births Cohort Study

The goal of this study is to understand the incidence of extremely preterm birth and associated adverse health conditions and growth abnormality.
Investigator: Li, De-Kun
Funder: Shire plc

Risk of NTD among Live Births Exposed to Maternal Rx Opioids during Early Pregnancy

The objectives of this study are: 1) To measure the association between in utero exposure to prescription opioids during early pregnancy and primary neurulation defects. 2) To evaluate whether the risk of primary neurulation defects (i.e., craniorachischisis, anencephalus, and myelomeningocele) differs among live births exposed compared to live births unexposed to maternal prescription opioids from 18 to 56 days after last menstrual period.
Investigator: Li, De-Kun
Funder: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Prenatal, Intrapartum and Infant Antibiotic Use and Atopic Diseases in Childhood

This study has the following aims: 1) Assess prenatal, intrapartum and infant antibiotic exposure in relation to atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and asthma. 2) Assess bias due to reverse causality, confounding by early life respiratory infections, and confounding by unmeasured or poorly measured maternal and child factors such as healthcare-seeking behaviors.
Investigator: Li, De-Kun
Funder: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Comparing Effectiveness of Treating Depression With and Without Comorbidity to Improve Fetal Health

The study is to determine (1) whether treating depression during pregnancy will reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy and pediatric outcomes; (2) which treatment is more effective in reducing these risks.
Investigator: Li, De-Kun
Funder: Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute

Effectiveness of Treating Prenatal Depression to Reduce Postpartum Depression

This is a population-based two-stage cohort study that will take advantage of a new KPNC region-wide program of peripartum screening for depression which annually screens about 33,000 pregnant women for depression twice during pregnancy and once post-partum. The study will specifically determine: 1) What is the risk of preterm delivery and postpartume depression (PPD) among women who screen positive for depression during pregnancy compared to those who screen negative for depression. 2. What is the effect of three treatment regimens for depression (i.e., group and individual therapies, and pharmacological treatment) on reducing the risk of preterm delivery and PPD. 3) Which treatment is most effective in reducing the risk of preterm delivery and PPD. 4) Is the effectiveness of the treatment related to timing, dose, and duration of the treatment.
Investigator: Li, De-Kun
Funder: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Prenatal Depression: Registry, Treatment Effectiveness to Reduce Preterm Delivery

The goal of this study is to develop a perinatal depression registry to assess the relationship between prenatal depression and preterm delivery, and whether these relationships differ by race or ethnicity. Additionally, we will evaluate whether treatment for prenatal depression reduces the risk of preterm delivery and whether the effectiveness of treatment varies by race or ethnicity.
Investigator: Li, De-Kun
Funder: Health Resources and Services Administration

Highlighted Publications

Infection and antibiotic use in infancy and risk of childhood obesity: a longitudinal birth cohort study

Author(s): Li DK; Chen H; Ferber J; Odouli R

Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2017 Jan;5(1):18-25. Epub 2016-11-01.

Current Position(s):

Section Affiliations:

Primary Research Interests:

Studies

Examining the Factors for the Rapid Rise of Colorectal Cancer in Young Adults: Does Increased Medical Use of Radiation and Imaging Technology Contribute to the Rise?

Comparative Effectiveness of Treating Genital Herpes Infection to Reduce Racial Disparities in the Risk of Severe Maternal Morbidity (SMM)

The Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in Pregnancy and Infancy (ESPI) Network: ESPI-Electronic Cohort

Extremely Premature Births Cohort Study

Risk of NTD among Live Births Exposed to Maternal Rx Opioids during Early Pregnancy

Prenatal, Intrapartum and Infant Antibiotic Use and Atopic Diseases in Childhood

Comparing Effectiveness of Treating Depression With and Without Comorbidity to Improve Fetal Health

Effectiveness of Treating Prenatal Depression to Reduce Postpartum Depression

Prenatal Depression: Registry, Treatment Effectiveness to Reduce Preterm Delivery

Highlighted Publications

Infection and antibiotic use in infancy and risk of childhood obesity: a longitudinal birth cohort study

Maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy and risk of obesity in offspring: a prospective cohort study

Genital herpes and its treatment in relation to preterm delivery

Urine bisphenol-a level in relation to obesity and overweight in school-age children

A Prospective Study of In-utero Exposure to Magnetic Fields and the Risk of Childhood Obesity

Maternal exposure to magnetic fields during pregnancy in relation to the risk of asthma in offspring

Urine bisphenol-A (BPA) level in relation to semen quality

Occupational exposure to bisphenol-A (BPA) and the risk of self-reported male sexual dysfunction

Exposure to magnetic fields and the risk of poor sperm quality

Presence of depressive symptoms during early pregnancy and the risk of preterm delivery: a prospective cohort study

Maternal caffeine consumption during pregnancy and the risk of miscarriage: a prospective cohort study

Use of a dummy (pacifier) during sleep and risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): population based case-control study

Transmission of parentally shared human leukocyte antigen alleles and the risk of preterm delivery

A population-based prospective cohort study of personal exposure to magnetic fields during pregnancy and the risk of miscarriage

Publications

Prepregnancy Body Mass Index and Risk of Childhood Asthma

Racial-Ethnic Differences in Treatment Initiation for New Diagnoses of Perinatal Depression

Incidence Rates of Medically Attended COVID-19 in Infants Less Than 6 Months of Age

Associations between antidepressant use patterns during pregnancy and birth outcomes among periconception antidepressant users

SARS-CoV-2 testing and detection during peripartum hospitalizations among a multi-center cohort of pregnant persons, March 2020-February 2021

The clinical burden of extremely preterm birth in a large medical records database in the United States: complications, medication use, and healthcare resource utilization

Association of serum folate levels during pregnancy and prenatal depression

Medically Attended Influenza During Pregnancy in the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 Influenza Seasons

The clinical burden of extremely preterm birth in a large medical records database in the United States: Mortality and survival associated with selected complications

Intrapartum antibiotics and childhood asthma and allergic rhinitis: a retrospective cohort study

Respiratory Viral Infections and Infection Prevention Practices among Women with Acute Respiratory Illness during Delivery Hospitalizations during the 2019-2020 Influenza Season

Prevalence of prescription opioid use during pregnancy in 8 U.S. health plans during 2001-2014

Editorial Expression of Concern: Exposure to Magnetic Field Non-Ionizing Radiation and the Risk of Miscarriage: A Prospective Cohort Study

Notice of Retraction and Replacement. Li et al. Association Between Maternal Exposure to Magnetic Field Nonionizing Radiation During Pregnancy and Risk of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Offspring in a Longitudinal Birth Cohort. JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(3):e201417

Validity of diagnosis and procedure codes for identifying neural tube defects in infants

Cesarean Delivery and the Risk of Allergic Rhinitis in Children

Cesarean Delivery and the Risk of Atopic Dermatitis in Children

Prenatal bisphenol A exposure, fetal thyroid hormones and neurobehavioral development in children at 2 and 4 years: A prospective cohort study

Prenatal Depression and Diet Quality During Pregnancy

Maternal infection and antibiotic use in pregnancy and the risk of childhood obesity in offspring: a birth cohort study

Association Between Maternal Exposure to Magnetic Field Nonionizing Radiation During Pregnancy and Risk of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Offspring in a Longitudinal Birth Cohort

Trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV3) during pregnancy and six-month infant development

Factors associated with recruitment, surveillance participation, and retention in an observational study of pregnant women and influenza

Preventing Perinatal Depression to Improve Maternal and Child Health-a Health Care Imperative

Pregnancy-Associated Cancer: A U.S. Population-Based Study

Prenatal exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic field and its impact on fetal growth

Bisphenol A Exposure and Sperm ACHE Hydroxymethylation in Men

Bisphenol A and pubertal height growth in school-aged children

Maternal exposure to bisphenol A and anogenital distance throughout infancy: A longitudinal study from Shanghai, China

Continuation of postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy: comparison of cyclic versus continuous combined schedules

Association of Bisphenol A Exposure with LINE-1 Hydroxymethylation in Human Semen

Association between paternal alcohol consumption before conception and anogenital distance of offspring

Exposure to Magnetic Field Non-Ionizing Radiation and the Risk of Miscarriage: A Prospective Cohort Study

Urinary bisphenol A and pubertal development in Chinese school-aged girls: a cross-sectional study

The impact of high apparent temperature on spontaneous preterm delivery: a case-crossover study

The impact of maternal factors on the association between temperature and preterm delivery

Infection and antibiotic use in infancy and risk of childhood obesity: a longitudinal birth cohort study

Genome-wide alteration in DNA hydroxymethylation in the sperm from bisphenol A-exposed men

Urine bisphenol A and pubertal development in boys

The Kaiser Permanente Northern California research program on genes, environment, and health (RPGEH) pregnancy cohort: study design, methodology and baseline characteristics

Effects of maternal folic acid supplementation on gene methylation and being small for gestational age

Trimethoprim-sulfonamide use during the first trimester of pregnancy and the risk of congenital anomalies

Altered Gut Microbiota Composition Associated with Eczema in Infants

Relationship between self-reported residential indoor remodeling and semen quality: a case-control study

Associations between Bisphenol A Exposure and Reproductive Hormones among Female Workers

Results of a Pilot Study using Self-Collected Mid-Turbinate Nasal Swabs for Detection of Influenza Virus Infection among Pregnant Women

Topiramate use during pregnancy and major congenital malformations in multiple populations

Maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy and risk of obesity in offspring: a prospective cohort study

Exposure to bisphenol-A and reproductive hormones among male adults

Antidepressant medication use, depression, and the risk of preeclampsia

Severity of influenza and non-influenza acute respiratory illness among pregnant women, 2010-12