Association Of Gestational Age Research Articles

Association Of Gestational Age And Birth Weight With Neonatal Sepsis In Ulin Hospital Banjarmasin

Indonesia is ranked 7th in the country with the highest neonatal mortality rate in the world, respectively 60.000 neonatal deaths per year. Neonatal sepsis in one of the major causes of neonatal death. The aim of this study is to find the association of gestational age and birth weight with the incidence of neonatal sepsis in Ulin Hospital Banjarmasin, January-December 2021. This study is a retrospective study with a cross sectional approach at Neonatal Ward, Ulin Hospital Banjarmasin, South Borneo, January to December 2021. The total sample was 200 infants consisting of 100 healthy infants and 100 sepsis infants. The source of gestational age, birth weight, and diagnosis data were taken through patient medical records. The mean gestational age of healthy infant group was 38,45 weeks (all infants were at term) while in septic infant group was 33,59 weeks (70%preterm, 28%at-term, and 2%post-term). The average birth weight of healthy infant group was 3021.24 grams (all infants were normal birth weight) while in septic infant group was 2003,59 grams (25%normal birth weight, 40%low birth weight, 25%very low birth weight, and 10%extremely low birth weight). There were an association of gestational age and birth weight with neonatal sepsis, confidential rate was 95%. (p<0,000 and p<0,000). There were an association of gestational age and birth weight with neonatal sepsis in Ulin Hospital Banjarmasin, January-December 2021.

Association of Gestational Age at Birth With Left Cardiac Dimensions at Near-Term Corrected Age Among Extremely Preterm Infants

Remodeling and altered ventricular geometry have been described in adults born preterm. Although they seem to have an adverse cardiac phenotype, the impact of various degrees of prematurity on cardiac development has been scarcely reported. In this study, we evaluated the impact of gestational age (GA) at birth on cardiac dimensions and function at near-term age among extremely preterm infants. This is a retrospective single-center cohort study of infants born at <29weeks ofGA between 2015 and 2019. Infants with available clinically acquired echocardiography between 34 and 43weeks were included. Two groups were investigated: those born <26weeks and those born ≥26weeks. All measurements were done by an expert masked to clinical data using the raw images. The primary outcome was measurements of cardiac dimensions and function based on GA group. Secondary outcomes were the association between cardiac dimensions and postnatal steroid exposure and with increments of GA at birth. A total of 205 infants were included (<26weeks, n=102; ≥26weeks, n=103). At time of echocardiography, weight (2.4±0.5 vs 2.5±0.5kg, P=.86) and age (37.2±1.6 vs 37.1±1.9weeks, P=.74) were similar between groups. There was no difference in metrics of right-sided dimensions and function. However, left-sided dimensions were decreased in infants born <26weeks, including systolic left ventricle (LV) diameter (1.06±0.20cm vs 1.12±0.18cm, P=.02), diastolic LV length (2.85±0.37 vs 3.02±0.57cm, P=.02), and estimated LV end-diastolic volume (5.36±1.69 vs 6.01±1.79mL, P=.02). In our cohort of very immature infants, birth at the extreme of prematurity was associated with smaller left cardiac dimensions around 36weeks of corrected age. Future longitudinal prospective studies should evaluate further the impact of prematurity on LV development and performance and their long-term clinical impact.

The association of gestational age and birthweight with blood pressure, cardiac structure, and function in 4 years old: a prospective birth cohort study

BackgroundCurrent evidence relating birthweight and gestational age to cardiovascular risk is conflicting. Whether these factors have independent or interactive impacts on cardiovascular parameters during early childhood remains unclear. The goal of this study was to explore whether there were any independent and interactive effects of gestational age and birthweight on blood pressure, left ventricle (LV) structure, and function in 4 years old.MethodsThis study included 1194 children in the Shanghai Birth Cohort from 2013 to 2016. Information about the mothers and children was recorded at time of birth using a questionnaire. Follow-up measurements, including anthropometric, blood pressure, and echocardiography, were taken between 2018 and 2021, when the children were 4 years old. Multiple linear or logistic regressions and restricted cubic spline were used to explore the association of birthweight and gestational age with cardiovascular measurements.ResultsGestational age had a significant negative correlation with both systolic blood pressure [β = − 0.41, 95% CI: (− 0.76, − 0.07)] and mean arterial pressure [β = − 0.36, 95%CI: (− 0.66, − 0.07)]. The risk of prehypertension decreased with increased gestational age [OR = 0.54, 95% CI: (0.32, 0.93)]. The relationship between birthweight with blood pressure was U-shape (P for non-linear < 0.001). The wall thickness, volume, mass, and cardiac output of LV increased with birthweight, though the ejection fraction [β = − 1.02, 95% CI: (− 1.76, − 0.27)] and shorten fraction [β = 0.72, 95% CI: (− 1.31, − 0.14)] decreased with birthweight. The risk of LV hypertrophy was not associated with birthweight [OR = 1.59, 95% CI: (0.68, 3.73)].ConclusionsIn this study, we found different associations of birthweight and gestational age with cardiovascular measurements in the offspring at 4 years old. Gestational age influenced blood pressure independent of birthweight. Heart size and function at 4 years old was influenced mostly by birthweight and not by gestational age.

Timing of maternal serum alpha fetoprotein testing in pregnancy and association with adverse perinatal outcomes

Elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MS-AFP ≥2.5MoM) is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO); however, there is limited data on the association of gestational age [GA] timing of the MS-AFP assay and APO. We sought to determine if there was an optimal GA for the MS-AFP assay in the second trimester that best predicts APO.

The association of gestational age at delivery with neonatal outcomes in prenatally diagnosed vasa previa

Objective To report on the association of gestational age at delivery and neonatal outcomes in prenatally diagnosed vasa previa. Methods A retrospective cohort study at two academic/community hybrid hospitals, covered by the same maternal-fetal medicine group. Neonatal characteristics and outcomes were compared between cases of prenatally diagnosed vasa previa delivered at gestational age <36 weeks and ≥36 weeks. Results We identified 59 cases of vasa previa, of which 2 were excluded, one due to delivery at 28 weeks for preeclampsia, and one because it was not diagnosed prenatally, leaving 57 pregnancies in our study. There were 2 sets of twins. As such, there were 59 newborns. The mean gestational age at delivery was 35.08 (± 0.27) weeks for those delivered at <36 weeks, and 36.11 (±0.16) weeks for those delivered ≥36 weeks. All cases were delivered by cesarean. Delivery at ≥36 weeks was associated with greater mean birth weight (2774 g (±376.3 g)) compared with 2292.5 g (± 406.8 g) for those babies delivered at <36 weeks (p < 0.001). In addition, there were shorter hospital stays for the babies delivered at ≥36 weeks (median 3 days; interquartile range (IQR) 3,3) when compared with those delivered at <36 weeks (median 13 days; IQR 3,20). In addition, delivery at ≥36 weeks was associated with lower rates of intubation, jaundice and respiratory distress syndrome. Importantly, no cases of rupture of the membranes or vessel rupture occurred in either group. Conclusion Our study suggests that delivery at ≥36 weeks is safe for asymptomatic patients with prenatally diagnosed vasa previa, and may be associated with improved neonatal outcomes. We suggest that stable asymptomatic patients with prenatal diagnosis of vasa previa be delivered at 36 weeks rather than at less than 36 weeks. This will reduce neonatal morbidity with no apparent increased risk to babies.

Associations of gestational age with gyrification and neurocognition in healthy adults

Epidemiological studies have shown that gestational age and birth weight are linked to cognitive performance in adults. On a neurobiological level, this effect is hypothesized to be related to cortical gyrification, which is determined primarily during fetal development. The relationships between gestational age, gyrification and specific cognitive abilities in adults are still poorly understood. In 542 healthy participants, gyrification indices were calculated from structural magnetic resonance imaging T1 data at 3 T using CAT12. After applying a battery of neuropsychological tests, neuropsychological factors were extracted with a factor analysis. We conducted regressions to test associations between gyrification and gestational age as well as birth weight. Moderation analyses explored the relationships between gestational age, gyrification and neuropsychological factors. Gestational age is significantly positively associated with cortical folding in the left supramarginal, bilaterally in the superior frontal and the lingual cortex. We extracted two neuropsychological factors that describe language abilities and working memory/attention. The association between gyrification in the left superior frontal gyrus and working memory/attention was moderated by gestational age. Further, the association between gyrification in the left supramarginal cortex and both, working memory/attention as well as language, were moderated by gestational age. Gyrification is associated with gestational age and related to specific neuropsychological outcomes in healthy adulthood. Implications from these findings for the cortical neurodevelopment of cognitive domains and mental health are discussed.

Association of Gestational Age at Birth With Subsequent Neurodevelopment in Early Childhood: A National Retrospective Cohort Study in China.

BackgroundThe association between preterm birth and neurodevelopmental delays have been well examined, however, reliable estimates for the full range of gestational age (GA) are limited, and few studies explored the impact of post-term birth on child development.ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the long-term neuropsychological outcomes of children born in a full range of GA with a national representative sample in China.MethodsIn this retrospective population-based cohort study, a total of 137,530 preschoolers aged 3–5 years old (65,295/47.5% females and 72,235/52.5% males) were included in the final analysis. The Ages and Stages Questionnaires-Third Edition (ASQ-3) was completed by parents to evaluate children's neurodevelopment. The associations between GA and neurodevelopment were analyzed by a generalized additive mixed model with thin plate regression splines. Logistic regression was also conducted to examine the differences in children's development with different GAs.ResultsThere was a non-linear relationship between GA and children's neurodevelopmental outcomes with the highest scores at 40 weeks gestational age. The adjusted risks of GAs (very and moderately preterm, late-preterm, early-term, and post-term groups) on suspected developmental delays were observed in communication (OR were 1.83, 1.28, 1.13, and 1.21 respectively, each p < 0.05), gross motor skill (OR were 1.67, 1.38, 1.10, and 1.05 respectively, each p < 0.05), and personal social behavior (OR were 1.01, 1.36, 1.12, and 1.18 respectively, each p < 0.05). The adjusted OR of very and moderately preterm, late-preterm, and early-term were observed in fine motor skills (OR were 1.53, 1.22, and 1.09 respectively, each p < 0.05) and problem-solving (OR were 1.33, 1.12, and 1.06 respectively, each p < 0.05).ConclusionGAs is a risk factor for neurodevelopmental delays in preschoolers after controlling for a wide range of covariates, and 40–41 weeks may be the ideal delivery GA for optimal neurodevelopmental outcomes. Close observation and monitoring should be considered for early- and post-term born children as well as pre-term children.

Impact of Maternal Age on Obstetric and Neonatal Outcome in Primiparous Women

Background: Pregnancy at extremes of age can be very challenging. The reflex of a woman to pregnancy is influenced by various factors through which woman's age at pregnancy time can be known as the single most important factor that has undeniable effect on pregnancy process and labour. Both adolescent and elderly pregnancy are considered to be high risk as they have unique outcomes. Objective: To assess the effect of maternal age on obstetric and neonatal outcome. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted on 250 primiparous women who attended at Department of Obstetrics &amp; Gynaecology, 300 Bed Hospital, Narayanganj, Bangladesh from March 2019-February 2020. A detailed history regarding maternal age, period of gestation, development of any signs and symptoms of various comorbidities is taken and antenatal examination is done. Routine antenatal investigations were done and all the cases were followed till delivery. Development of various maternal co-morbidities, mode of delivery and neonatal outcome was assessed. Results: Majority of our study population were in 20-34 years age group (72.0%), teenagers constituted 19.2%, advanced maternal age constituted 8.8%.The number of pre- term births in gestational age between 28 to 36 weeks were similar in teenage mothers (12.5%) and elderly primi (13.6%) where as in normal age group it was only 3.8%. Post term pregnancy where comparatively higher in elderly primi (18.8%) than teenagers (10.4%) Association of gestational age with maternal age is statistically significant (P &lt;0.05). In our study 11% patients had Gestational Hypertension. Association of Hypertension in pregnancy with maternal age is statistically significant (p &lt;0.05). In our study, GDM was present in 7.6%; in teenage mothers 2.1% and in elderly mothers 28.5%. In teenage 12.5% and in elderly mothers it is 31.8%. Association of Hypothyroid and maternal age is statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). In our study anemia was seen in 4.1% of teenagers, 4.5% advanced maternal age, 3.3% in age group 20 to 34 years. In our study, 47.9% of teenage mothers delivered vaginally and 52.1% of them delivered by cesarean section. In age group 20 to 34 years, vaginal delivery was 50.2% and caesarean delivery was 49.7%. Whereas in elderly primis the rate of cesarean delivery was 71.4% and vaginal delivery was 28.5%. Association of mode of delivery with maternal age is statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). In our study teenagers, term babies were 78.7%, pre-term babies were 12.7%, IUGR babies were 6.3% and IUD 2.1%. In advanced maternal age; term babies were 68.1%, pre- term were 13.6%, IUGR were 13.6% and IUD were 4.5%. Association of outcome of baby is statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). In our study the babies which got admitted in NICU were 33.7% in teenage mothers and in elderly is 13.3%. Association of NICU admission among teenage and advanced maternal age is statistically significant. (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Teenage pregnancy is an essential public health issue as it is associated with poor maternal and fetal outcome. Teenage and Elderly pregnancy are associated increased maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity early detection of risk factors and prevention is necessary to reduce the morbidity.

Association of Gestational Age at Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination, History of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Infection, and a Vaccine Booster Dose With Maternal and Umbilical Cord Antibody Levels at Delivery.

To describe maternal and umbilical cord blood anti-spike immunoglobulin (Ig)G levels at delivery with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination before and during pregnancy and to assess the association of prior severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and a vaccine booster dose with anti-spike maternal and umbilical cord IgG levels. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of women with self-reported COVID-19 vaccination (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson/Janssen), including a booster dose, during or before pregnancy, who delivered at 34 weeks of gestation or more. Maternal and umbilical cord blood samples at delivery were analyzed for semi-quantitative anti-spike IgG. We examined the association between timing of maternal vaccination and maternal and umbilical cord anti-spike levels using a rank sum test. The relationships between a prior history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and maternal and umbilical cord anti-spike IgG levels, and between a booster dose and maternal and umbilical cord anti-spike levels, were also evaluated using a rank sum test. We included data from 1,359 vaccinated pregnant women, including 20 women who received a booster dose, and 1,362 umbilical cord samples. Maternal anti-spike IgG levels were detectable at delivery regardless of timing of vaccination throughout pregnancy among fully vaccinated women; however, early third-trimester vaccination was associated with the highest anti-spike IgG levels in maternal and umbilical cord blood. Among women with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, maternal and cord blood antibody response achieved with vaccination in early pregnancy was comparable with third-trimester vaccination in pregnant women without a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. A booster dose in the third trimester was associated with maternal anti-spike IgG levels greater than third-trimester vaccination in women with or without a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Vaccination against COVID-19 before and throughout pregnancy was associated with detectable maternal anti-spike IgG levels at delivery. A complete vaccination course, prior history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and a third-trimester booster dose were associated with the highest maternal and umbilical cord antibody levels.

Association of Gestational Age and Developmental Coordination Disorder

Association of Gestational Age and Developmental Coordination Disorder

Association of Gestational Age at Birth With Subsequent Suspected Developmental Coordination Disorder in Early Childhood in China

It remains unknown whether children born at different degrees of prematurity, early term, and post term might have a higher risk of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) compared with completely full-term children (39-40 gestational weeks). To differentiate between suspected DCD in children with different gestational ages based on a national representative sample in China. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in China from April 1, 2018, to December 31, 2019. A total of 152 433 children aged 3 to 5 years from 2403 public kindergartens in 551 cities of China were included in the final analysis. A multilevel regression model was developed to determine the strength of association for different gestational ages associated with suspected DCD when considering kindergartens as clusters. Children's motor performance was assessed using the Little Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire, completed by their parents. Gestational age was determined according to the mother's medical records and divided into 7 categories: completely full term (39 to 40 weeks' gestation), very preterm (<32 weeks), moderately preterm (32-33 weeks), late preterm (34-36 weeks), early term (37-38 weeks), late term (41 weeks), and post term (>41 weeks). A total of 152 433 children aged 3 to 5 years (mean [SD] age, 4.5 [0.8] years), including 80 370 boys (52.7%) and 72 063 girls (47.3%), were included in the study. There were 45 052 children (29.6%) aged 3 years, 59 796 (39.2%) aged 4 years, and 47 585 (31.2%) aged 5 years. Children who were born very preterm (odds ratio [OR], 1.35; 95% CI, 1.23-1.48), moderately preterm (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.02-1.36), late preterm (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.16-1.32), early term (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.06-1.16), and post term (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.07-1.27) were more likely to be classified in the suspected DCD category on the Little Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire than completely full-term children after adjusting for the same characteristics. Additionally, there was no association with suspected DCD in younger (aged 3 years) early-term and postterm children by stratified analyses. In this cohort study, every degree of prematurity at birth, early-term birth, and postterm birth were associated with suspected DCD when compared with full-term birth. These findings have important implications for understanding motor development in children born at different gestational ages. Long-term follow-up and rehabilitation interventions should be considered for children born early and post term.

Association of Gestational Age at Birth With Brain Morphometry

(Abstracted from JAMA Pediatr 2020;e202991) Gestational age (GA) at birth is an important factor in child health and neurodevelopment. Yet, few studies have evaluated the associations between GA and brain morphometry.

Association of gestational age with MRI-based biometrics of brain development in fetuses

BackgroundReported date of last menstrual period and ultrasonography measurements are the most commonly used methods for determining gestational age in antenatal life. However, the mother cannot always determine the last menstrual period with certainty, and ultrasonography measurements are accurate only in the first trimester. We aimed to assess the ability of various biometric measurements on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in determining the accurate gestational age of an individual fetus in the second half of gestation.MethodsWe used MRI to scan a total of 637 fetuses ranging in age from 22 to 40 gestational weeks. We evaluated 9 standard fetal 2D biometric parameters, and regression models were fitted to assess normal fetal brain development. A stepwise linear regression model was constructed to predict gestational age, and measurement accuracy was determined in a held-out, unseen test sample (n = 49).ResultsA second-order polynomial regression model was found to be the best descriptor of biometric measures including brain bi-parietal diameter, head circumference, and fronto-occipital diameter in relation to normal fetal growth. Normal fetuses showed divergent growth patterns for the cerebrum and cerebellum, where the cerebrum undergoes rapid growth in the second trimester, while the cerebellum undergoes rapid growth in the third trimester. Moreover, a linear model based on biometrics of brain bi-parietal diameter, length of the corpus callosum, vermis area, transverse cerebellar diameter, and cerebellar area accurately predicted gestational age in the second and third trimesters (cross-validation R2 = 0.822, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThese results support the use of MRI biometry charts to improve MRI evaluation of fetal growth and suggest that MRI biometry measurements offer a potential estimation model of fetal gestational age in the second half of gestation, which is vital to any assessment of pregnancy, fetal development, and neonatal care.

Association of Gestational Age at Birth With Risk of Perinatal Mortality and Special Educational Need Among Twins

Importance Twin pregnancies account for 3% of live births but experience substantially more perinatal morbidity and mortality than singleton pregnancies. Optimizing the timing of birth is a key strategy in improving twin pregnancy outcomes. Current UK and US policies are based on observational studies of perinatal mortality and not on longer-term effects. The association of timing of birth with long-term childhood outcomes among twins is uncertain. Objective To identify the optimal gestation week for birth of twin infants by calculating the week of birth associated with the lowest risk of short-term and long-term adverse outcomes (perinatal mortality and special educational need [SEN] at school). Design, Setting, and Participants This population-based, data-linkage cohort study included 43 133 twin infants born at a gestational age of 34 weeks onward between January 1, 1980, and December 31, 2015, in Scotland. The data were analyzed from June 1, 2017, to March 1, 2019. Exposures Gestational age (in weeks) at the time of birth. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcomes were extended perinatal mortality and a record of SEN (≥1 of intellectual disabilities, dyslexia, physical or motor impairment, language or speech disorder, autistic spectrum disorder, and social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties) at school (children aged 4-18 years). To infer the consequence of the gestational age at birth, clinical outcomes of twin infants born at each week of gestation from 34 weeks onward were compared with those of twin infants remaining in utero thereafter. Results Of the total 43 133 twin infants included in the study, 21 696 (50.3%) were females. Although maternity records were available for all infants, 9519 sex-discordant twin children were linked to their educational data, of whom 1069 (13.8%) had a record of SEN. Compared with twins remaining in utero (n = 26 172), birth at any gestational age from 34 to 37 weeks was associated with increased odds of perinatal death (ie, adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.99; 95% CI, 1.53-2.69 at 36 weeks [n = 8056]) and increased risk of SEN at school (AOR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.11-1.74, for birth at 36 weeks compared with 37 weeks). In a competing risk analysis, the risks of stillbirth and neonatal death were balanced at 37 weeks (risk difference, 2.05; 95% CI, 0.8-3.3). Conclusions and Relevance The findings of this study suggest that, in the absence of a medical complication, twins should not be routinely delivered before 37 completed weeks of gestation. These findings may help optimize shared decision-making around the timing of twin birth.

Frequency of uterine rupture after one successful vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC).

Objectives: To determine the frequency of uterine rupture after one successful vaginal birth after caesarean section. Study Design: Cross Sectional Study. Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Nishtar Hospital Multan. Period: From12-May-2017 to 11-May-2018. Material &amp; Methods: Total number of 135 patients of 16-45 years with singleton pregnancies were admitted for 2nd Vagina Birth after cesarean Section at gestational age ≥ 28 weeks of gestation. Data in shape of parity, gestational age and BMI was taken. These patients were assessed for frequency of uterine rupture after one successful vaginal birth after caesarean section. Data was analyzed with statistical analysis program (SPSS version 21). Frequency and percentage was calculated for qualitative variables like parity and uterine rupture. Mean ± SD was calculated for quantitative variables like age, BMI and gestational age. Results: Mean age of patients was 29.88+5.34 years. Mean body mass index (BMI) of study patients was 25.17+4.88 kg/m2. Mean gestational age at the time of delivery was 39.01+2.54 weeks. Uterine rupture after vaginal birth occurred in 2 (1.48%) patients. There was no association of gestational age, parity and gestational age with the frequency of uterine rupture. Conclusion: Women with prior successful VBAC are at low risk of maternal and neonatal complications during subsequent trail of VBAC with lower risk of uterine rupture and perinatal complications.

Association of Gestational Age at Birth With Risk of Perinatal Mortality and Special Educational Need Among Twins

Twin pregnancies account for 3% of live births but experience substantially more perinatal morbidity and mortality than singleton pregnancies. Optimizing the timing of birth is a key strategy in improving twin pregnancy outcomes. Current UK and US policies are based on observational studies of perinatal mortality and not on longer-term effects. The association of timing of birth with long-term childhood outcomes among twins is uncertain. To identify the optimal gestation week for birth of twin infants by calculating the week of birth associated with the lowest risk of short-term and long-term adverse outcomes (perinatal mortality and special educational need [SEN] at school). This population-based, data-linkage cohort study included 43 133 twin infants born at a gestational age of 34 weeks onward between January 1, 1980, and December 31, 2015, in Scotland. The data were analyzed from June 1, 2017, to March 1, 2019. Gestational age (in weeks) at the time of birth. The primary outcomes were extended perinatal mortality and a record of SEN (≥1 of intellectual disabilities, dyslexia, physical or motor impairment, language or speech disorder, autistic spectrum disorder, and social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties) at school (children aged 4-18 years). To infer the consequence of the gestational age at birth, clinical outcomes of twin infants born at each week of gestation from 34 weeks onward were compared with those of twin infants remaining in utero thereafter. Of the total 43 133 twin infants included in the study, 21 696 (50.3%) were females. Although maternity records were available for all infants, 9519 sex-discordant twin children were linked to their educational data, of whom 1069 (13.8%) had a record of SEN. Compared with twins remaining in utero (n = 26 172), birth at any gestational age from 34 to 37 weeks was associated with increased odds of perinatal death (ie, adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.99; 95% CI, 1.53-2.69 at 36 weeks [n = 8056]) and increased risk of SEN at school (AOR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.11-1.74, for birth at 36 weeks compared with 37 weeks). In a competing risk analysis, the risks of stillbirth and neonatal death were balanced at 37 weeks (risk difference, 2.05; 95% CI, 0.8-3.3). The findings of this study suggest that, in the absence of a medical complication, twins should not be routinely delivered before 37 completed weeks of gestation. These findings may help optimize shared decision-making around the timing of twin birth.

Mortality Rate and Major Causes of Death by Gestational Age in Korean Children under 5 Years of Age.

BackgroundPreterm birth is associated with increased infant mortality. However, it is not clear whether prematurity is associated with mortality after 1 year of age. There is a lack of research on mortality rate and causes of death after infancy in preterm babies in Korea. We aimed to analyze the mortality rates and causes of deaths up to 5 years of age in Korea.MethodsUsing the Microdata Integrated Service of Statistics Korea database, this retrospective cohort study screened infants born between 2010 and 2012. After applying the exclusion criteria, 1,422,913 live births were classified into the following groups by gestational age: those born at < 32 weeks' gestation (n = 10,411), those born between 32 and 36 weeks' gestation (n = 75,657), and those born at ≥ 37 weeks' gestation (n = 1,336,845). The association of gestational age with mortality in infancy (< 1 year of age) and childhood (1–5 years of age) was analyzed, with and without covariates. The major causes of death in infancy and childhood were analyzed by gestational age.ResultsOverall, 4,930 (0.3%) children died between birth and 5 years of age, with 19.1% of these deaths occurring after infancy. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for infant death were 78.79 (95% confidence interval [CI], 71.33–87.04) and 4.62 (95% CI, 4.07–5.24) for the < 32 and 32–36 weeks groups, respectively, compared to the full-term group; the adjusted HRs for deaths occurring at ages 1–5 years were 9.25 (95% CI, 6.85–12.50) and 2.42 (95% CI, 1.95–3.01), respectively. In infancy, conditions originating in the perinatal period were the most common cause of deaths in the < 32 and 32–36 weeks groups (88.7% and 41.9%, respectively). Contrarily, in the ≥ 37 weeks group, conditions originating in the perinatal period explained 22.7% of infant deaths, with congenital malformations primarily accounting for 29.6% of these deaths. The most common cause of death in children (after infancy) in the < 32 weeks group was perinatal causes (25.0%); in the 32–36 weeks group, congenital malformation and nervous system disease were the common causes (21.7% and 19.1%, respectively). In the ≥ 37 weeks group, injury, poisoning, and other consequences of external causes explained 26.6% of childhood deaths, followed by neoplasms and nervous system disease (15.7% and 14.7%, respectively).ConclusionLow gestational age is associated with not only infant mortality but also child mortality. The major causes of death differed by gestational age in infancy and childhood. For the care of preterm infants, especially those born at < 32 weeks' gestation, particular attention and continuous monitoring are needed in consideration of the major causes of deaths until 5 years of age.

Associations of gestational age and birth anthropometric indicators with brain white matter maturation in full-term neonates.

Newborn assessments, including gestational age (GA) and anthropometric measurements (birth weight, crown-heel length, head circumference) are routinely performed in pediatric settings, being used as important indicators in assessing neonatal development. Close associations of these birth indicators with later cognitive abilities were also reported. However, specific associations of these indicators with white matter (WM) development during the neonatal period remain unclear, as well as the extent to which they influence WM maturation. To address this issue, 51 full-term neonates (GA range, 37-42 weeks) with no abnormalities on MRI were retrospectively recruited. Specific correlations between birth indicators and WM maturation, quantified by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)-metrics (fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, radial diffusivity), were identified by using DTI tract-based spatial statistics and automated fiber-tract quantification. Our findings suggest that (a) higher GA, birth weight, and crown-heel length may indicate greater WM maturation in full-term neonates, while head circumference presented weak correlation with WM maturation during early newborn period; (b) among the four indicators examined, GA was the one most associated with WM maturation. We believe that this study advances our knowledge of specific correlations between birth indicators and neonatal brain development and provides a valuable reference for future neonatal studies.

Maturational patterns in right ventricular strain mechanics from the fetus to the young infant

AimTo test the hypothesis that right ventricular (RV) function has age-specific patterns of development, we tracked the evolution of RV strain mechanics by 2D-speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) in healthy subjects from mid-gestation through one year of age. MethodsWe conducted a prospective longitudinal echocardiography study in 50 healthy subjects at five time periods across gestation (16–20 weeks, 21–25 weeks, 26–30 weeks, 31–35 weeks, and 36–40 weeks) and four time periods following delivery (1 week, 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year of age). We characterized RV function by measuring RV global and free wall longitudinal strain and systolic strain rate, and segmental longitudinal strain at the apical-, mid-, and basal- ventricular levels of the free wall. Possible associations of gestational age, postnatal age, estimated fetal weight, body surface area, gender, and heart rate on strain were investigated. ResultsThe magnitudes of RV global and free wall longitudinal strain and global strain rate were decreased throughout gestation (p < 0.05 for all). Following birth, the magnitudes of all measures increased from one week through one year (p < 0.001 for all). RV segmental longitudinal strain maintained a base-to-apex gradient (highest-to-lowest) from mid-gestation through one year (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in strain patterns based on gender or hear rate. ConclusionThe maturational patterns of RV strain are gestational- and postnatal age- specific. With accepted physiological maturation patterns in healthy subjects, these myocardial deformation parameters can provide a valid basis that allows comparison between health and disease.

The increased purchase of asthma medication for individuals born preterm seems to wane with age: A register-based longitudinal national cohort study

IntroductionPreterm birth is associated with increased risk of respiratory symptoms in childhood, often treated with asthma medication. We designed a follow-up study to previous research and investigated whether the association of gestational age with purchasing asthma medication diminishes in adulthood.MethodsWe conducted a register-based study of a national cohort of all infants born in Denmark in 1980–2009 evaluating longitudinal data on individually prescribed asthma medication (both inhaled ß-2 receptor agonist and different controller treatment over 2-year periods) available from 1995–2011. We analyzed the effect of gestational age considering age, birth year, and perinatal variables using logistic regression with a Generalized Estimating Equations model. All data were unambiguously linked through the Civil Registration System.ResultsWe included 1,819,743 individuals in our study population. We found an inverse dose-response relationship between gestational age and asthma medication in earlier age-groups with a gradual decrease in odds ratios with increasing age and loss of statistical significance in early adulthood (18–31 years). For our oldest generations, there was a significant effect of gestational age (p-value = 0.04), which became insignificant when adjusting for confounding and mediating factors (p = 0.44). There were significant interactions between gestational age and age (p<0.0001) and gestational age and birth year, but these were most important during childhood (0–11 years) and for our youngest generations (born after 1995).ConclusionThe strong association between gestational age and purchase of prescription asthma medication weakens with age into early adulthood, in consistence with the results from our previous study. The risk for purchasing medication to treat asthma-like symptoms was higher in more recent birth years, but the effect of gestational age was small beyond 11 years of age. Gestational age per se did not seem to be significant for the development of asthma-like symptoms: most of its effect could be explained by other perinatal factors.