Abstract

Multiple studies have reported sex differences in the incidence and outcomes of conditions in the perinatal and neonatal periods. Biologic sex is an important modifier of several pathophysiologic processes, mediated through genetic, epigenetic, and hormonal mechanisms, which appear to originate early during fetal life and often persist throughout life. The “male disadvantage” has persisted despite advances in neonatal care. Animal studies have provided new insights into the possible underlying mechanisms and the key pathways involved to explain these sex-related differences observed in the perinatal and neonatal periods. In this chapter, we discuss some important aspects of these differences and highlight the importance of considering the sex bias in studies as well as in clinical care provided to fetuses and newborn infants. Proper integration of sex considerations and provision of sex-targeted diagnostic and therapeutic practices have the potential to narrow the gap between males and females in terms of perinatal and neonatal outcomes.

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