Anthropometric Parameters Of Newborns Research Articles

Safety and Efficacy of Praziquantel in Pregnant Women Infected with Schistosoma haematobium in Lambaréné, Gabon – Clinical Results from the Randomized, Single-Blinded, Controlled freeBILy-Gabon Trial

ObjectiveDespite evidence of praziquantel's safety for treating schistosomiasis in pregnancy, many countries withhold treatment. Only two randomized controlled trials have investigated praziquantel in pregnancy, none involving Schistosoma haematobium. MethodsPregnant women during second trimester in Lambaréné (Gabon) were screened for S. haematobium infection using urine microscopy and circulating anodic antigen detection. Participants positive for either test were randomized (3:1) to single-dose praziquantel 40mg/kg during pregnancy versus no treatment during pregnancy. Investigators were blinded for allocation. Primary outcomes were reduction of egg- (ERR) and antigen production (IRR) while explorative outcomes included assessment of cure rate, adverse events, maternal hemoglobin levels maternal anemia prevalence at delivery, pregnancy outcomes, and newborn anthropometric parameters. ResultsOf 761 women screened 165 were eligible and randomized (intervention n=124, control n=41). 124 completed the study (n=90 and n=34, respectively). Tretament led to a significant higher ERR (95.0%[91%-97%] vs. 27.0%[-42%-63%]) and IRR (95%[91%-97%] vs. 56%[14%-78%]). Common adverse events were dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Maternal anemia at delivery was significantly lower in the intervention group (OR:0.40[0.16;0.96],p=0.04). No increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes was observed. ConclusionsThis first randomized controlled trial investigating praziquantel in pregnant women with S. haematobium found praziquantel to be safe, effective and reducing maternal anemia. We recommend treating confirmed infections to prevent morbidity in pregnant women.

Association of Altered Ratio of Maternal Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 during Pregnancy with Newborn Birth Weight, Head Circumference, and Chest Circumference

Objective This study evaluated the effect of an altered ratio of maternal RBC folate (MRF) to serum vitamin B12 (MB12) on pregnancy and newborn outcomes. Methods Blood samples were collected from pregnant women and the umbilical cord at the time of delivery. Estimations of RBC folate and serum vitamin B12 from maternal and cord blood samples and total homocysteine (HCY) were performed. Maternal and newborn anthropometric parameters like placental weight (PW), head circumference (HC), chest circumference (CC), and body weight (BW) were measured in offsprings after birth. We stratified the pregnant women into six groups (a) vitamin B12 normal and folic acid normal (BNFN)-control group, (b) vitamin B12 normal and folic acid elevated (BNFE), (c) vitamin B12 normal and folic acid deficient (BNFD), (d) vitamin B12 deficient and folic acid normal (BDFN), (e) vitamin B12 deficient and folic acid elevated (BDFE) and (f) vitamin B12 deficient and folic acid deficient (BDFD) based on their levels of RBC folate (MRF) and vitamin B12 (MB12). The expression of the one-carbon metabolism genes (methionine synthase (MS), glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT), and cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) was also studied in placental tissue by using real-time PCR. Results Cord blood RBC folate was significantly reduced in groups BDFE and BDFD as compared to the control group (BNFN). The cord blood vitamin B12 levels were also reduced in the BDFE group as compared to the BDFD. All the newborn parameters viz. PW, HC, CC, and BW, were reduced in the altered MRF/MB12 ratio (low & high vs. normal ratio). Total HCY was significantly elevated in the groups with (BDFE & BDFN) an imbalance of maternal RBC folate and serum vitamin B12 as compared to the control group. Downregulation of one-carbon metabolism genes like MS (p < 0.001), GNMT (p < 0.05), and CBS (p < 0.01) in placental tissue was observed in the high MRF/MB12 ratio group as compared to the normal ratio group. A strong positive correlation was also observed between MRF, MB12, and newborn parameters. Conclusions The altered ratio of folate to vitamin B12 in the maternal blood is associated with adverse growth and development of the newborn.

Effect of preconception multiple micronutrients vs. iron-folic acid supplementation on maternal and birth outcomes among women from developing countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Maternal malnutrition affects the somatic growth of the fetus and subsequent adverse events during infancy and childhood period. Though trials have been conducted on multiple micronutrient (MMN) supplements initiated during the preconception period, there is no collated evidence on this. We performed a systematic review of published trials with the application of Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). The searches were conducted until 30 September 2023. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5 software. The primary objective was to compare the effect of preconception MMN vs. iron-folic acid (IFA) supplementation on newborn anthropometric parameters at birth. Of the 11,832 total citations retrieved, 12 studies with data from 11,391 participants [Intervention = 5,767; Control = 5,624] were included. For the primary outcome, there was no significant difference in the birth weight [MD, 35.61 (95% CI, -7.83 to 79.06), p = 0.11], birth length [MD, 0.19 (95% CI, -0.03 to 0.42), p = 0.09], and head circumference [MD, -0.25 (95% CI, -0.64 to -0.14), p = 0.22] between the MMN and control groups. For all the secondary outcomes [except for small for gestational age (SGA) and low birth weight (LBW)], the difference between the MMN and control groups was not significant. The GRADE evidence generated for all the outcomes varied from "very low to moderate certainty." A "very low certainty" of evidence suggests that MMN supplementation may not be better than routine IFA supplementation in improving newborn anthropometric parameters (weight, length, and head circumference). The adverse events resulting from the supplementation were not significant. We need better quality uniformly designed RCTs before any firm recommendation can be made.Systematic review registration: identifier (CRD42019144878: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#searchadvanced).

Estimating gestational age using the anthropometric measurements of newborns in North Shewa Zone public hospitals, Oromia, Ethiopia.

The accurate estimation of gestational age is crucial in identifying prematurity and other health problems in newborns and in providing appropriate perinatal care. Although there are numerous methods for measuring gestational age, they are not always applicable. During these situations, it becomes challenging to ascertain whether a baby has been born prematurely or not. Therefore, this study aims to estimate gestational age by utilizing newborn anthropometric parameters. The objective of this study is to estimate the gestational age of newborns in public hospitals located in the North Shewa Zone of the Oromia Region in Ethiopia, by using anthropometric parameters. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a facility from February 2022 to April 2022, using an interview-based questionnaire and anthropometric measurements. The anthropometric parameters that were measured include foot length (FL), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and chest and head circumference (CHC). The study's sample size had a total of 420 participants. The data were cleaned, edited, manually checked for completeness, and entered into Epi-data version 3.1. Subsequently, the data were transferred into SPSS for analysis. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, simple linear regression, and multiple linear regressions. Finally, the data were presented using statements and tables. There is a significant and positive correlation between anthropometric parameters, including head circumference (r: 0.483), MUAC (r: 0.481), foot length (r: 0.457), and chest circumference (r: 0.482) with gestational age. All anthropometric parameters demonstrated positive and significant estimates of gestational age. The combination of the four measurements yielded the strongest estimate of gestational age. Gestational age can be calculated by the formula: Gestational age (Weeks) = 9.78 + 0.209*CHC + 0.607*MUAC + 0.727*FL + 0.322*HC. Gestational age can be measured using head circumference, mid-upper arm circumference, foot length, and chest circumference. Utilizing the four anthropometric parameters in combination exhibits greater efficacy in estimating gestational age than using them individually. Therefore, it is recommended to use these alternative approaches when standard methods are not applicable.

Trends of gestational age-related anthropometric parameters of newborns in tertiary care center

Aim. The current study aimed to determine the pattern of birth weights, lengths and occipitofrontal circumference of babies born in tertiary center. Method. Length, occipitofrontal circumference and weight of babies were collected from medical records over last 5 years. These parameters were then plotted in growth chart to find out the nomogram of babies born in our center. Results. A total of 3169 babies (1482 males and 1687 females) were studied. The overall mean birth weight (± standard deviation (SD)) was 2994±419 g, the mean ±SD length 49.4±2.3 cm, the mean ±SD OFC 33.7±1.7 cm. Conclusion. According to NFHS 5, 17% had low birth weight in Tamil Nadu, which is comparatively higher than our study (7.6%). This suggest that with improved care to the antenatal mothers we can reduce the incidence of low-birth-weight babies.

Pregnancy outcomes and newborn characteristics in women with follicular fluid thyroid autoantibodies undergoing assisted reproduction.

Higher levels of thyroid autoantibodies in follicular fluid (FF) of thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) positive women are strongly correlated with serum levels and may have effect on the post-implantation embryo development. Literature highlights that levothyroxine (LT4) treatment may attenuate the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The aim of the study was to estimate the pregnancy and newborn outcomes in women with FF thyroid autoantibodies undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART). The study population included 24 women with confirmed clinical pregnancy, 8 TAI positive and 16 TAI negative women. LT4 supplementation was applied in 20.8% patients, TAI positive. Pregnancy outcomes were: twin pregnancy rate 41.7%, early miscarriage rate 8.3%, late miscarriage rate 4.2%, preterm birth rate 16.7%, term birth rate 70.8%, live birth rate 96.0%. There was significant difference in serum and in FF TgAbs (p< 0.001)between the groups according to TAI, while serum fT3 was lower in the group with TAI (p = 0.047). Serum P4 was higher in LT4 treated group (p = 0.005), with TAI, and newborns in this group had higher birth weight (p = 0.001) and height (p = 0.008). Maternal complications occurred in 23.8% of patients. No congenital malformations in newborns were noted. Thyroid autoantibodies present in FF may have an effect on the post-implantation embryo development, but have no effect on further course of pregnancy. The special benefit of LT4 treatment for successful ART outcome was demonstrated for newborn anthropometric parameters.

The influence of cord blood renalase and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) on perinatal and anthropometric parameters of newborns of mothers with gestational hypertension.

Renalase is an enzyme secreted by the kidneys, which takes part in the regulation of arterial pressure, myocardial contractility and modulation of vascular resistance, but its effect on renalase levels in newborns has not been studied yet. The levels of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) were also evaluated as a marker of oxidative stress. This study examined whether renalase and AOPP levels are different in the cord blood of newborns exposed to gestational hypertension (HT). The association of both factors with perinatal and anthropometric data among the studied patients was assessed. The study included 89 newborns: 30 newborns from the study group, whose mothers were diagnosed with gestational HT, and 59 newborns born from normal pregnancies, who formed the control group. Anthropometric measurements and perinatal data in newborns in both groups were recorded. A significantly lower (p < 0.001) concentration of renalase was found in the study group (median (Q1-Q3): 23.96 μg/mL (20.63-26.91 μg/mL)) as compared to the control group (median (Q1-Q3): 37.54 μg/mL (33.78-40.02 μg/mL)). In case of AOPPs, a significantly higher (p < 0.001) concentration of AOPPs was observed in the study group (median (Q1-Q3): 131.65 μmol/L (113.80-146.10 μmol/L)) than in the controls (median (Q1-Q3): 93.70 μmol/L (87.10-111.20 μmol/L)). A significant difference between renalase and AOPP concentrations between the study and control groups has been demonstrated. Both factors may influence anthropometric and perinatal outcomes of newborns.

Urinary Phthalate Biomarkers during Pregnancy, and Maternal Endocrine Parameters in Association with Anthropometric Parameters of Newborns.

Adverse birth outcomes present risk factors resulting in neonatal morbidity and mortality. Sufficient maternal hormonal concentrations are crucial for normal foetal development. Previous studies have shown a relationship between phthalate exposure and maternal hormonal levels during pregnancy. This study aims to investigate if neonatal anthropometric parameters are associated with maternal endocrine parameters during the ≤15th week of gestation and the third trimester of pregnancy concerning phthalate exposure in pregnant women from Nitra, Slovakia. We used high-performance liquid chromatography, tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), and electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay to quantify urinary concentrations of phthalates and serum concentrations of hormones and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), respectively. We observed a mostly positive correlation between neonatal anthropometric parameters (gestational age, birth length, birth weight, head circumference) and maternal concentration of phthalate metabolites (p ≤ 0.05). The hierarchical multivariate regression results showed a statistically significant association between Apgar score at 5 min after delivery, gestational age, birth weight, head circumference, and maternal endocrine parameters during pregnancy (p ≤ 0.05), adjusted to phthalate metabolites. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to indicate that prenatal exposure to phthalates may also affect birth outcomes through interaction with the maternal endocrine system.

Levels of toxic and essential metals in maternal cord blood and anthropometry at birth: a pilot study

Background Anthropometric parameters at birth are important indicators of child vulnerability to the risk of childhood illness, and consequently, the chance of survival and risk of diseases late in life. The aim of this study was to investigate correlations between toxic (aluminium, antimony, arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury) and essential metals (copper, manganese, selenium and zinc) in maternal and umbilical cord blood samples, with newborn anthropometric parameters in a predominantly agricultural community of Ebony State, Nigeria. Methods Questionnaires were administered to 60 pregnant women at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Abakaliki, South-East Nigeria, to collect demographic information and lifestyle during pregnancy. In addition, we measured several anthropological parameters of newborns, including head circumference, birth weight and birth length. Furthermore, cord and maternal blood samples were analysed by the Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results Most metals had a strong correlation between maternal and cord blood. Maternal characteristics like sleeping pattern, gestation age at delivery and maternal weight significantly predicted 76% variations in baby weight. Maternal blood aluminium was inversely correlated with body weight (r=-0.61) and birth length (r=-0.61). Gestation age at delivery, maternal weight and baby weight were strong predictors of the baby length. Toxic metals were associated with altered anthropometric parameters at birth, with varying contributions to the altered anthropometric outcomes. Conclusions Besides the negative effect of toxic metals on newborn anthropometry, we also detected interesting interactions between metals; maternal exposure to lead negatively correlates with manganese and zinc in the cord blood, while maternal exposure to aluminium was positively correlated with copper. These results contribute to the broader understanding of the environmental effects on maternal and child health.

Bone mass in newborns and its predictors.

Optimal bone mass (a function of foetal programming and adequate intrauterine bone mineral accrual) is essential for prevention of osteoporosis. The present study was planned with the objectives to describe newborn bone mass (NBBM) and study the associated factors. Observational study Patients: Singleton pregnant women ≤16 weeks gestation. Maternal factors and antenatal events: Dietary assessment (3 days-24-h diet recalls at ≤16 and 32-34 weeks), fetal femoral volume (FFV) assessment at 19 and 34 weeks, serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (S.25OHD) and placental weight. Newborn anthropometric parameters, cord S.25OHD & IGF-1 level and NBBM by DXA (whole-body bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD) and bone area). Total 224 subjects were studied: 198 full-term and 26 preterm. The mean BMC, BMD and bone area for term newborns was 46.5 g (95% confidence interval [CI]: 45.35-47.66), 0.209 g/cm2 (95% CI: 0.206-0.212) and 221.6 cm2 (95% CI: 218.52-224.62), respectively. The mean placental weight was 403.2 ± 75.01 g (n = 72) while FFV was 0.71 ± 0.28 ml (19 weeks; n = 59) and 4.4 ± 1.17 ml (34 weeks; n = 33). Factors significantly associated with NBBM -gestational age at delivery, gestational weight gain, FFV at 19 weeks, placental weight, third-trimester maternal serum albumin and newborn anthropometric parameters (univariable analysis) and newborn birth weight, placental weight and FFV at 19 weeks (multivariable analysis). This study described NBBM among term newborns and birth weight, second-trimester FFV and placental weight were the associated factors.

Cord Serum Calcitriol Inversely Correlates with Maternal Blood Pressure in Urinary Tract Infection-Affected Pregnancies: Sex-Dependent Immune Implications.

Urinary tract infections (UTI) during pregnancy are frequently associated with hypertensive disorders, increasing the risk of perinatal morbidity. Calcitriol, vitamin D3’s most active metabolite, has been involved in blood pressure regulation and prevention of UTIs, partially through modulating vasoactive peptides and antimicrobial peptides, like cathelicidin. However, nothing is known regarding the interplay between placental calcitriol, cathelicidin, and maternal blood pressure in UTI-complicated pregnancies. Here, we analyzed the correlation between these parameters in pregnant women with UTI and with normal pregnancy (NP). Umbilical venous serum calcitriol and its precursor calcidiol were significantly elevated in UTI. Regardless of newborn’s sex, we found strong negative correlations between calcitriol and maternal systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the UTI cohort (p < 0.002). In NP, this relationship was observed only in female-carrying mothers. UTI-female placentas showed higher expression of cathelicidin and CYP27B1, the calcitriol activating-enzyme, compared to male and NP samples. Accordingly, cord-serum calcitriol from UTI-female neonates negatively correlated with maternal bacteriuria. Cathelicidin gene expression positively correlated with gestational age in UTI and with newborn anthropometric parameters. Our results suggest that vitamin D deficiency might predispose to maternal cardiovascular risk and perinatal infections especially in male-carrying pregnancies, probably due to lower placental CYP27B1 and cathelicidin expression.

Gestational metabolic syndrome and neonatal anthropometric indices: a prospective cohort study

Background and aim There is limited knowledge about the effect of maternal metabolic syndrome (MetS) on the anthropometric parameters of newborns. Therefore, the authors aimed to evaluate the association between MetS in the first trimester of pregnancy with weight and height of the newborn. Methods This prospective cohort study was conducted on 455 pregnant women in Tehran during their first trimester of pregnancy. MetS was defined as the coexistence of three or more of the following criteria: fasting blood sugar (FBS) level ≥92 mg/dl, blood pressure ≥130.85 mm/hg, triglyceride ≥150 mg/dl, high density lipoprotein ≤50 mg/dl, and body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2. All participants were followed up to childbirth. After birth, the baby's weight and height data were collected from the birth certificate. Results Linear regression analysis showed FBS (ß: 0.100, p-value: 0.038), BMI (ß: 0.139, p-value: 0.004), and MetS (ß: -0.122, p-value: 0.015) were significantly associated with birth weight but no statistically significant results were found for birth height. Conclusion MetS and some of its components in pregnancy can affect birth weight of neonates.

Residential proximity to pesticide applications in Argentine Patagonia: impact on pregnancy and newborn parameters.

Among residents living close to agricultural fields who are potentially exposed to pesticides, pregnant women and their fetuses are of particular concern for their vulnerability to environmental chemicals. In this collaborative multicenter study, we covered a wide distribution of participants in the most important fruit production zone of north Patagonia (Argentina) to investigate whether maternal residential proximity to fruit croplands with intense pesticide applications (rural group -RG-) is associated with pregnancy complications and alterations in their newborn parameters compared to the urban population (urban group -UG-). A total of 776 pregnant women met the inclusion criteria. The percentage of threatened miscarriage was significantly higher in the RG than in the UG. The percentage of miscarriage, threat of premature labor, intrauterine fetal death, preterm premature rupture of membranes, and intrauterine growth retardation were similar in both groups. Newborn anthropometric parameters were corrected by sex and gestational age prior to statistical analysis. Length at birth and head circumference were lower in the RG than in the UG. Birth weight was similar in both groups. The percentage of head circumference less than the 5th percentile and the ponderal index were greater in the RG than in the UG. Our results suggest that proximity to pesticide applications may increase the risk of pregnancy complications and altered newborn parameters.

Anthropometric indicies of infants with realized perinatal transmission of HIV

Purpose of the study: evaluation of the anthropometric parameters of newborns with realized perinatal transmission of HIV.Materials and methods: The article presents the analysis of the main anthropometric parameters (length, weight, head and chest circumference) of 147 infants born to HIV-infected mothers who were divided into 2 groups of observation (with realized and unrealized transmission of HIV).Results: These results demonstrate that a reduction in comparison with the normative parameters of anthropometric indicators such as body weight, head circumference and chest circumference at birth, is a distinctive feature, substantiating intrauterine infection with HIV. Indicators body length did not significantly deviate from the norm in both groups observation that, apparently, was associated with a short-term impact of HIV on the child body during pregnancy.

Are AAMA and GAMA Levels in Urine after Childbirth a Suitable Marker to Assess Exposure to Acrylamide from Passive Smoking during Pregnancy?-A Pilot Study.

Introduction: Acrylamide (AA) is a “probably carcinogenic to humans” monomer that can form in heated starchy food and in tobacco smoke. N-Acetyl-S-(2-carbamoylethyl)-L-cysteine (AAMA) and N-Acetyl-S-(2-carbamoyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-L-cysteine (GAMA), acrylamide metabolites in urine, are recognized as good markers of exposure to acrylamide. Aim: The aim of the study is a preliminary assessment whether the levels of AAMA and GAMA in urine after childbirth are good markers of acrylamide exposure due to passive smoking during pregnancy. Material and method: The study group consisted 67 non-smokers and 10 passive-smoker women during pregnancy. AAMA and GAMA levels in urine samples were determined using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results: The median AAMA levels in urine of non-smoking and passively smoking women were 30.7 μg/g creatinine and 25.2 μg/g creatinine, respectively. Much lower values were determined for GAMA: 11.4 μg/g creatinine and 10.3 μg/g creatinine, respectively. There is no significant difference between AAMA and GAMA content in urine samples between both groups of women as well as in the anthropometric parameters of newborns between those two groups of mothers. Conclusion: Our pilot study did not confirm that postpartum AAMA and GAMA concentrations in urine are good markers of exposure to acrylamide from passive smoking during pregnancy. It is probably due to the different ways of acrylamide absorption from tobacco smoke by active and passive smokers. Exposure of pregnant women to acrylamide from passive smoking requires further research.

SUN-635 Profiling of Activation Patterns of Placental mTOR in Pregnancies Complicated by Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) couples’ energy and nutrient abundance to cell growth and is critically involved in the onset and progression of diabetes, cancer and ageing. Placental mTOR is involved in nutrient sensing and transfer to the fetus; animal models suggest that placental mTOR is upregulated in pregnancies complicated by hyperglycaemia (1). In this study we investigated expression patterns and activation of placental mTOR and possible effects of gestational diabetes (GDM). Our study consisted of GDM-mothers (n=28) and their offspring and ii) mothers (n=33) with normal pregnancies (non-GDM) and their infants. Total and phospho-mTOR (Ser2448) expression were determined in placental biopsies using either immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis. Newborn anthropometric parameters were also determined at delivery. GDM pregnant women presented with higher fasting glucose levels than non-GDM (98.12±22.82mg/dL; 73.61±9.89mg/dL; p<0.001). No significant difference was found in birth weight or baby length between GDM and non-GDM infants. IHC analysis showed that both total and activated mTOR were predominantly expressed in trophoblasts and to a lesser extend in syncytiotrophoblasts, in both GDM and non-GDM placentas. GDM placentas exhibited a higher mTOR H-score (2) compared to non-GDM (p<0.012), and WB analysis showed a higher phosphor-mTOR signal intensity (p=0.047) in the same group, most likely due to increased total mTOR expression. mTOR expression was also increased in both GDM syncytiotrophoblasts and endothelial cells compared to non-GDM (p<0.001) whereas a reduced signal was detected in stromal phospho-mTOR (p=0.004). No difference was found in trophoblasts or endothelial cells between the 2 study groups suggesting that activation of this kinase is tightly regulated and is relatively independent of changes in total kinase levels. Interestingly bivariate correlation analysis identified an extensive network of significant associations in the expression levels of total, phosphor-mTOR and P/T mTOR between trophoblasts, stroma, endothelial and syncytiotrophoblastsin control placental biopsies; this network was significantly disrupted in GDM placentas, identifying a disheveled regulation of placental mTOR activity. In conclusion, placental mTOR/PmTOR expression is differentially regulated across different placental cell types and is sensitive to hyperglycaemia associated with gestational diabetes mellitus.(1)M. Castillo-Castrejon and TL. Powell. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2017; 8: 306. (2) E. Lakiotaki, et al., Scientific Reports 2016; 6, 21252.

Association of prenatal exposure to PAHs with anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and birth outcomes of newborns

BackgroundPolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are chemicals that cause serious concerns because of their carcinogenicity and endocrine disrupting ability. ObjectiveIn the current study, we studied how urinary PAH metabolites are related with the dose-effects of hormone levels and birth outcomes. Method163 pregnant women without health problems and 163 newborns were enrolled in hospitals in Guiyu (e-waste-exposed area) and Haojiang (reference area) from May 2016 to May 2017. Urine samples were collected to measure hydroxylated PAH (OH-PAH) metabolite levels. Umbilical cord blood was used for measurement of hormone levels. Anthropometric parameters of newborns, such as anogenital distance (AGD), were also measured. ResultsEight of ten urinary PAH metabolites in the exposed group were significantly higher than in the reference group. Levels of umbilical cord serum estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) in the exposed group were significantly lower than those in the reference group. Birth weight was positively correlated with 2-OHFlu (2-hydroxyfluorene). Head circumference was negatively correlated with 9-OHFlu, 3-OHPhe (3-hydroxyphenanthrene), 9-OHPhe, and ƩOHFlu (sum of 2-OHFlu and 9-OHFlu). Serum E2 and T levels were negatively correlated with most OH-PAHs. In addition, we found that serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level was positively correlated with AGD, and serum E2 level was negatively correlated with neonatal head circumference. ConclusionsPAH exposure in pregnant women may adversely affect the birth outcomes of newborns, especially AGD; and AMH may be involved in the process. Establishing a baseline for the relationship between PAH exposure and health is important to protect the health of mothers and children living in electronic waste (e-waste) recycling areas.

Influence of Parenteral Nutrition Delivery Techniques on Growth and Neurodevelopment of Very Low Birth Weight Newborns: A Randomized Trial.

Background and Objectives: In very low birth weight (VLBW) newborns, parenteral nutrition (PN) is delivered via a peripheral venous catheter (PVC), a central venous catheter (CVC), or a peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC). Up to 45% of PICCs are accompanied by complications, the most common being sepsis. A PVC is an unstable PN delivery technique requiring frequent change. The growth and neurodevelopment of VLBW newborns may be disturbed because of catheters used for early PN delivery and complications thereof. The aim of the conducted study was to evaluate the effect of two PN delivery techniques (PICC and PVC) on anthropometric parameters and neurodevelopment of VLBW newborns. Materials and Methods: A prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted in VLBW (≥750–<1500 g) newborns that met the inclusion criteria and were randomized into two groups: PICC and PVC. We assessed short-term outcomes (i.e., anthropometric parameters from birth until corrected age (CA) 36 weeks) and long-term outcomes (i.e., anthropometric parameters from CA 3 months to 12 months as well as neurodevelopment at CA 12 months according to the Bayley II scale). Results: In total, 108 newborns (57 in the PICC group and 51 in the PVC group) were randomized. Short-term outcomes were assessed in 47 and 38 subjects, and long-term outcomes and neurodevelopment were assessed in 38 and 33 subjects of PICC and PVC groups, respectively. There were no differences observed in anthropometric parameters between the subjects of the two groups in the short- and long-term. Mental development index (MDI) < 85 was observed in 26.3% and 21.2% (p = 0.781), and psychomotor development index (PDI) < 85 was observed in 39.5% and 54.5% (p = 0.239) of PICC and PVC subjects, respectively. Conclusions: In the short- and long-term, no differences were observed in the anthropometric parameters of newborns in both groups. At CA 12 months, there was no difference in neurodevelopment in both groups.

The Effect of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Infection on Low Birth Weight, Mother to Child HIV Transmission and Infants’ Death in African Area

Background: It is yet a controversy subject whether low birth weight and infant death are associated to human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection. Objective: To appreciate association between low birth weights, mother to child HIV transmission and infant mortality in HIV-1 infected pregnant women delivering between 2011 and 2016. Materials: We conducted 6 years cohort study in urban Mali. Outcome included preterm delivery, small for gestational age, infant survival status and HIV transmission. Comparison concerned women clinical WHO stage, mother viro-immunological status, and newborn anthropometric parameters. Results: HIV-1 infected women who delivered low birth weight newborn were 20.9% (111/531) versus 16.5% (1910/11.546) in HIV negative patients (p = 0.016). CD4 T cell counts low than 350 T cells count were strongly associated to LBW (p = 0.000; RR = 3.03; 95% CI [1.89 - 3.16]). There is no significant association between ART that was initiated during pregnancy (p = 0.061, RR = 0.02; CI 95% (1.02 - 1.99)) or during delivery (p = 0.571; RR = 1.01; CI 95% (0.10 - 3.02)) and LBW delivery. In multivariate analysis ART regimens containing protease inhibitor (PI) were lone regimens associated with LBW ((p = 0.030; RR = 1.001; 95% confidence interval [1.28 - 3.80]). Very low birth weight was statistically associated to women HIV infection (adjusted relative risk, 2.02; p = 0.000; 95% confidence interval (2.17 - 4.10)). There is no significant difference between mother to child HIV transmission rate in the two HIV-infected pregnant women (10 infected children in group 2: MTCT rate 4.5%) and 3 infected children in group 1 (MTCT rate: 2.7%) (p = 0.56; RR, 0.59; CI 95% (0.18 - 4.39)). In multivariate analysis, LBW was associated with infant death (p = 0.001; RR = 2.04; CI 95% [1.04 - 5.05]). The median weight of infant at the moment of death in group 1 was 851 g (IQR: 520 - 1833 g). Significant relationship was found between infant death among LBW newborn with mother WHO stage 2 (p = 0.004; adjusted RR = 3.22; CI 95% [2.25 - 6.00]), CD4 T cells count < 350 cells/mm3 (p = 0.005; RR = 2.81; CI 95% [1.20 - 4.11]), PI regimens (p = 0.030; RR = 1.00; CI 95% [1.28 - 3.80]). Conclusion: We confirm increased risk of low birth weight and mother HIV-1 infection and we identified strongest association between mortality in infant born to HIV-1 infected mother and LBW.

Correlation of Birth Weight with other Anthropometric Parameters of Newborns in Himachal Pradesh

Correlation of Birth Weight with other Anthropometric Parameters of Newborns in Himachal Pradesh