Birth Height Research Articles

Ultrasound Measurement of Kidney Dimensions in Premature Neonates

Background Ultrasonography is a non-invasive and accurate diagnostic method to evaluate urinary system and its anomalies in the neonates. Kidney sonographic measurement can be used as an alternative method to estimate gestational age. The aim of this study was to measure kidney size in preterm neonates and to provide a guide reference for gestational age. Materials and Methods: Four hundred kidneys (in both sides) of 200 preterm neonates born with gestational age less than 37 weeks were evaluated in the present cross sectional study. Newborns with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), asphyxia, high grade hydronephrosis, single kidney, polycystic kidney, duplex kidney, dysplastic kidney and hydroureteronephrosis were excluded. Ultrasound investigations were performed in supine and lateral decubitus positions. Birth weight, gestational age, height and sex were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16.0. Results: The mean gestational age of patients was 33.8±2.2 weeks. Mean kidney length, width, and thickness were 38.8±3.8 mm, 18.9±2.6 mm, and 21.3±2.6 mm, respectively. In addition, the kidney volume was 84037±2533.4 mm3. Mean diameter of the kidney and its volume were significantly higher in male neonates (p <0.05). Kidneys length and volume had a strong correlation with neonatal birth weight (r =0.608, p <0.001, r =0.663, p <0.001, respectively). Conclusion A significant positive correlation was observed between renal dimensions and birth weight, gestational age, and height of patients. The results of this study showed that the trend of kidney growth can be used as a reference guide for gestational age in premature neonates.

Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus.

Neonatal Diabetes (ND) mellitus is a rare genetic disease (1 in 90,000 live births). It is defined by the presence of severe hyperglycaemia associated with insufficient or no circulating insulin, occurring mainly before 6 months of age and rarely between 6 months and 1 year. Such hyperglycaemia requires either transient treatment with insulin in about half of cases, or permanent insulin treatment. The disease is explained by two major groups of mechanism: malformation of the pancreas with altered insulin-secreting cells development/survival or abnormal function of the existing pancreatic β cell. The most frequent genetic causes of neonatal diabetes mellitus with abnormal β cell function are abnormalities of the 6q24 locus and mutations of the ABCC8 or KCNJ11 genes coding for the potassium channel in the pancreatic β cell. Other genes are associated with pancreas malformation or insufficient β cells development or destruction of β cells. Clinically, compared to patients with an ABCC8 or KCNJ11 mutation, patients with a 6q24 abnormality have lower birth weight and height, are younger at diagnosis and remission, and have a higher malformation frequency. Patients with an ABCC8 or KCNJ11 mutation have neurological and neuropsychological disorders in all those tested carefully. Up to 86% of patients who go into remission have recurrent diabetes when they reach puberty, with no difference due to the genetic origin. All these results reinforce the importance of prolonged follow-up by a multidisciplinary pediatric team, and later doctors specializing in adult medicine. 90% of the patients with an ABCC8 or KCNJ11 mutation as well as those with 6q24 anomalies are amenable to a successful switch from insulin injection to oral sulfonylureas.

Associations of birth outcomes with air pollution and land use characteristics in the Greater Taipei Area

BackgroundUnderstanding the effects of environmental factors on birth outcomes is crucial for public health because newborns' birth size affects their likelihood of childhood survival, risk of perinatal morbidity, and subsequent health and growth. Therefore, we investigated the associations of birth outcomes with prenatal air pollutant exposure and residential land use characteristics in the Greater Taipei Area. MethodsParticipants were selected from the Longitudinal Examination across Prenatal and Postpartum Health in Taiwan study, which is an ongoing prospective study launched in July 2011. Parental sociodemographic data and medical histories were collected using standardized questionnaires. Mean air pollutant levels during each trimester were estimated using the spatial interpolation technique (Ordinary Kriging). Land use types surrounding participants' homes were evaluated within a designated radius of their residential addresses. We used multiple regressions to examine relationships between birth outcomes (i.e., birth weight, height, and head circumference) and environmental factors after adjustment for parental characteristics. ResultsA total of 436 pregnant women–infant pairs were included. Birth weight was negatively associated with commercial land and greenhouse areas near the residence. Living near greenhouse areas negatively affected birth height, but higher greenness level within 100 m of the residence had a positive effect. Birth head circumference was only associated with sociodemographic factors in the multivariate model. ConclusionLand use types near the homes of pregnant women, but not exposure to air pollutants, were significantly associated with birth weight and height in the Greater Taipei Area. Increased greenness level was positively associated with birth height, and living near commercial or greenhouse areas had adverse effects on birth outcomes. Living in a healthy neighborhood is critical for the birth outcomes of infants and presumably their health in early childhood.

The influence of oxygen concentration during embryo culture on obstetric and neonatal outcomes: a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

Does oxygen concentration during 3-day embryo culture affect obstetric and neonatal outcomes? Oxygen concentration during 3-day embryo culture does not seem to affect the obstetric and neonatal outcomes measured. Atmospheric oxygen appears to be harmful during extended embryo culture. Embryo culture conditions might therefore be a potential risk factor for subsequent fetal development and the health of future children. No data are available concerning the obstetrics and neonatal outcomes after Day 3 transfer of embryos cultured under reduced and atmospheric oxygen tensions. A secondary analysis of a previous randomized controlled trial assessing clinical pregnancy outcomes was carried out. This analysis included 1125 consecutive oocyte donation cycles utilizing ICSI or IVF and Day 3 embryo transfers between November 2009 and April 2012. The whole cohort of donated oocytes from patients who agreed to participate in the study were randomly allocated (1:1 ratio) to a reduced O2 tension group (6% O2) or an air-exposed group (20% O2) based on a computer-generated randomization list. Fresh and vitrified oocytes were used for oocyte donation. Only those pregnancies with a live birth at or beyond 24 weeks of gestation were included. Day 3 embryos were cultured in an atmosphere of 5.5% CO2, 6% O2, 88.5% N2 versus a dual gas system in air. From the eligible 1125 cycles, 564 were allocated to the 6% O2 group and 561 cycles to the 20% O2 group. However, 50 and 62 cycles did not reach embryo transfer in the 6% and 20% O2 groups, respectively. No differences were found between 6% O2 and atmospheric O2 tension in the number of livebirths per embryo transfer (mean ± SD, 0.5 ± 0.7 versus 0.5 ± 0.7), pregnancy complications or neonatal outcomes. Both groups (6% and atmospheric O2) had similar single and twin delivery rates (40.8% versus 38.1% and 10.7% versus 12.3%, respectively). Preterm delivery rates and very preterm delivery rates (10.80% versus 13.24% and 1.25% versus 2.94%, respectively), birthweight (3229 ± 561 g versus 3154 ± 731 g), low birthweight (2.92% versus 2.45%), birth height (50.18 ± 2.41 cm versus 49.7 ± 3.59 cm), head circumference (34.16 ± 1.87 cm versus 33.09 ± 1.85 cm) and 1 min Apgar scores (8.96 ± 0.87 versus 8.89 ± 0.96) were also similar between 6% and atmospheric O2 groups, respectively. The number of liveborns finally analyzed is still small and not all obstetric and neonatal variables could be evaluated. Furthermore, a small proportion of the obstetric and neonatal data was obtained through a questionnaire filled out by the patients themselves. One reason for the lack of effect of oxygen concentration on pregnancy outcome could be the absence of trophectoderm cells at cleavage stage, which may make Day 3 embryos less susceptible to hypoxic conditions. Nowadays many IVF laboratories use a more physiological oxygen concentration for embryo culture. However, the benefits of using low oxygen concentration on both laboratory and clinical outcomes during embryo culture are still under debate. Furthermore, long-term studies investigating the effect of using atmospheric O2 are also needed. Gathering these type of clinical data is indeed, quite relevant from the safety perspective. The present data show that, at least in egg donation cycles undergoing Day 3 embryo transfers, culturing embryos under atmospheric oxygen concentration seems not to affect perinatal outcomes. The present project was supported by the R + D program of the Regional Valencian Government, Spain (IMPIVA IMDTF/2011/214). The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest with respect to the content of this manuscript. NCT01532193.

Birth weight, childhood and adolescent growth and diabetes risk factors in 21-year-old Asian Indians: the Pune Children's Study.

Our objective was to investigate associations of body size (birth weight and body mass index (BMI)) and growth in height, body fat (adiposity) and lean mass during childhood and adolescence, with risk markers for diabetes in young South Asian adults. We studied 357 men and women aged 21 years from the Pune Children's Study birth cohort. Exposures were 1) birth weight, 21-year BMI, both of these mutually adjusted, and their interaction, and 2) uncorrelated conditional measures of growth in height and proxies for gain in adiposity and lean mass from birth to 8 years (childhood) and 8 to 21 years (adolescence) constructed from birth weight, and weight, height, and skinfolds at 8 and 21 years. Outcomes were plasma glucose and insulin concentrations during an oral glucose tolerance test and derived indices of insulin resistance and secretion. Higher 21-year BMI was associated with higher glucose and insulin concentrations and insulin resistance, and lower disposition index. After adjusting for 21-year BMI, higher birth weight was associated with lower 120-min glucose and insulin resistance, and higher disposition index. In the growth analysis, greater adiposity gain during childhood and adolescence was associated with higher glucose, insulin and insulin resistance, and lower disposition index, with stronger effects from adolescent gain. Greater childhood lean gain and adolescent height gain were associated with lower 120-min glucose and insulin. Consistent with other studies, lower birth weight and higher childhood weight gain increases diabetes risk. Disaggregation of weight gain showed that greater child/adolescent adiposity gain and lower lean and height gain may increase risk.

Evaluation of Newborns Born in a Training and Research Hospital in Mogadishu,Somalia, Africa

Background: This study aimed to determine the clinical characteristics of the newborns born in the hospital.Methods: This study included 1199 newborns born in Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan Training and Research Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia, Africa, in 2018. The gender, birth weight and height, delivery method, health status, mother's age, as well as gravida and parity conditions were retrospectively obtained from the records of the delivery clinic.Results: Out of 1199 newborns, 610 neonates were male (50.9%). The mean birth weight of the newborns was 2915.7±907.5 gr, and the mean birth height was 47.6±4.6 cm. Moreover, 66.6% of the newborns were born by normal vaginal delivery, and 91.8% were born alive. The mean age of the mothers was 26.3±5.4 years, and the mean values of gravida and parity were 3.8±2.5 and 2.9±2.1, respectively.Conclusion: There is a dearth of research regarding the evaluation of newborns in Somalia, Africa. Therefore, it is hoped that the results of this study will contribute to form standards for the follow-up of growth and development of infants living in this region and to improvematernal and child health.

First-generation somatostatin receptor ligands and pregnancy: lesson from women with acromegaly.

Few data are available on the risks of first-generation somatostatin receptor ligands (SRLs) during pregnancy in women treated for acromegaly. Current recommendations suggest the withdrawal of treatment at diagnosis of pregnancy. The aims of this literature review were to evaluate the teratogenic effects and the potential impact of SRLs on maternal and fetal outcomes by comparing acromegalic patients treated or not during pregnancy. This study concerns 141 pregnancies in 127 women with acromegaly: 67 pregnancies in 62 women treated with SRLs during pregnancy and 74 pregnancies in 65 women not medically treated during pregnancy. A second analysis was then realized comparing women treated during 1st trimester only (36 pregnancies) and women treated longer (20 pregnancies). One malformation (ureteral stenosis) was reported in a newborn of a woman treated with SRL during pregnancy. No difference was found concerning maternal outcomes (gestational diabetes, hypertension, headaches, and delivery mode) and fetal outcomes (birth term, height, and weight). These results were also confirmed for the second analysis. This review of the literature did report one malformation without being able to prove a specific link with the first-generation SRL treatment. No significant impact on maternal and fetal outcomes is related to first-generation SRL treatment in women with acromegaly. The number of pregnancies is still low and more data are necessary to conclude on the total safety of this treatment during gestation. In the meantime, based on the nonthreatening data from this review of literature, SRL treatment can be continued and/or reintroduced during pregnancy if necessary (mainly for persistent headaches) in women with acromegaly.

Assessment of weight and height of patients with primary immunodeficiency disorders and group of children with recurrent respiratory tract infections

BackgroundPrimary immunodeficiences (PIDs) are a group of chronic, serious disorders in which the immune response is insufficient. In consequence, it leads to an increased susceptibility to infections. Up to date, there are about 350 different disorders classified in that group. There are also patients suffering from recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTI), however that group doesn’t present any abnormalities in terms of conducted immunological tests. Many factors, including medical, can have an impact on physical development of a child. Data such as birth weight and length, also weight, height, BMI during admission to the hospital were collected from 195 patients’ medical histories from their hospitalization at Clinical Immunology and Paediatrics Ward of J. Gromkowski Hospital in Wrocław. Investigated groups included patients with PIDs, RRTI and a control group of healthy children. Our purpose was to evaluate the physical growth of children with PID and children with RRTI by assessment of their height and weight. All of parameters were evaluated using centile charts, suitable best for the Polish population.ResultsThe lowest mean birth weight and height was found among the PIDs patients group. Children with PIDs during hospitalization had statistically relevant lower mean weight than the control group and almost 18% of them had their height situated below 3rd percentile. The statistically relevant differences have been found between them and RRTI group in terms of weight, height and nutritional status. The statistically significant difference was detected between the nutritional status of PID and control group.ConclusionsThere is a higher percentage of PID patients with physical growth abnormalities in comparison to healthy children. Our findings indicate a need for further investigation of immune system irregularities and their influence on physical growth of children.

Association of anthropometric measures across the life-course with refractive error and ocular biometry at age 15\u2009years

BackgroundA recent Genome-wide association meta-analysis (GWAS) of refractive error reported shared genetics with anthropometric traits such as height, BMI and obesity. To explore a potential relationship with refractive error and ocular structure we performed a life-course analysis including both maternal and child characteristics using data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children cohort.MethodsMeasures collected across the life-course were analysed to explore the association of height, weight, and BMI with refractive error and ocular biometric measures at age 15 years from 1613children. The outcome measures were the mean spherical equivalent (MSE) of refractive error (dioptres), axial length (AXL; mm), and radius of corneal curvature (RCC; mm). Potential confounding variables; maternal age at conception, maternal education level, parental socio-economic status, gestational age, breast-feeding, and gender were adjusted for within each multi-variable model.ResultsMaternal height was positively associated with teenage AXL (0.010 mm; 95% CI: 0.003, 0.017) and RCC (0.005 mm; 95% CI: 0.003, 0.007), increased maternal weight was positively associated with AXL (0.004 mm; 95% CI: 0.0001, 0.008). Birth length was associated with an increase in teenage AXL (0.067 mm; 95% CI: 0.032, 0.10) and flatter RCC (0.023 mm; 95% CI: 0.013, 0.034) and increasing birth weight was associated with flatter RCC (0.005 mm; 95% CI: 0.0003, 0.009). An increase in teenage height was associated with a lower MSE (− 0.007 D; 95% CI: − 0.013, − 0.001), an increase in AXL (0.021 mm; 95% CI: 0.015, 0.028) and flatter RCC (0.008 mm; 95% CI: 0.006, 0.010). Weight at 15 years was associated with an increase in AXL (0.005 mm; 95% CI: 0.001, 0.009).ConclusionsAt each life stage (pre-natal, birth, and teenage) height and weight, but not BMI, demonstrate an association with AXL and RCC measured at age 15 years. However, the negative association between refractive error and an increase in height was only present at the teenage life stage. Further research into the growth pattern of ocular structures and the development of refractive error over the life-course is required, particularly at the time of puberty.

P0231PREGNANCY AND DELIVERY OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS WITH COMPLEMENT GENE VARIANT MEDIATED THROMBOTIC MICROANGIOPATHY

Abstract Background and Aims In pregnancy and the postpartum period, complement gene variant mediated thrombotic microangiopathy (P-cTMA) can be life threatening for the mother and the child. We describe pregnancy and delivery outcomes of pregnancies a) before cTMA manifestation, b) complicated by P-cTMA, and c) after first manifestation of cTMA in such women. Method This study provides an update of patients enrolled in the Vienna TMA Cohort (VTC) as of January 2020. Demographic and clinical data were retrieved from the electronic and paper-based health care records of our institution and from the Austrian Mother-Child Health Passport. Pregnancy outcomes include live births (full term, moderate to late preterm, very preterm, extremely preterm) or deaths (miscarriage, foetal death, stillbirth, neonatal death). Among delivery outcome we ascertained spontaneous vaginal delivery; Caesarean section, gestational age, birth weight and birth weight categories, birth height, head circumference, Apgar scores, admission to a neonatal intensive care unit, and the presence of malformations. Results We recorded 58 pregnancies (41 live births/21 women, including one set of twins; 4 abortions and 1 stillbirth in 3 women without live births; 1 ongoing pregnancy; successful pregnancies: 40/57=70%) of 25 women (mean age [years] at first pregnancy 28.2±7.4, at cTMA manifestation 33.2±16.5). Currently 6 women have a kidney transplant and 4 have died (each death not related to pregnancy). Detailed pregnancy outcomes are shown in Figure 1. Table 1 indicates delivery outcomes of 41 live births. 6/8 neonates of pregnancies complicated by cTMA were female. Caesarean sections (female: 11/19, 58%; male: 9/24, 38%; p=0.11), preterm deliveries (female: 7/19, 37%; male: 5/24, 21%; p=0.09), and low birth weight (female: 6/19, 32%; male: 3/24, 13%; p=0.02) were more frequent among 43 pooled live births and stillbirths with known sex. Conclusion Overall, pregnancy and delivery outcomes were poor in pregnancies complicated by cTMA as compared to pregnancies before or after cTMA manifestation. The rate of Caesarean section, preterm delivery, and low birth weight was somewhat higher among female as compared to male neonates and stillbirths. Furthermore, neonatal female gender should be explored as risk factor for cTMA manifestation.

A Retrospective Case-Control Study of the Determinants of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Infants in an Urban Community in Shanghai, China Between 2010-2015.

BackgroundIron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a global public health problem. This study aimed to analyze the social determinants of IDA in infants living in Shanghai, China, between 2010–2015.Material/MethodsData were analyzed retrospectively from the Shanghai Children’s Health Check Record system in the Tangqiao Community Health Service Center for infants aged <24 months between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2015. A study group was identified with IDA, and an age-matched and gender-matched healthy control group was identified.ResultsThe five-year prevalence rate of IDA was 11.49% (150/1305). Infants with IDA had significantly lower birth weights (3228.720±456.200 gm vs. 3376.870±393.719 gm; P<0.01), a higher percentage of premature births (10.67% vs. 1.33%; P<0.001), a longer exclusive breastfeeding period (10.63±4.844 months vs. 7.08±5.039 months; P<0.001), a higher rate of exclusive breastfeeding within four months after birth (P<0.001), a later start for complementary feeding (7.32±1.633 months vs. 6.93±1.794 months; P<0.05), and a higher rate of starting complementary feeding after 6 months of age (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups for maternal child-bearing age, mode of delivery, infant birth height, and birth rank.ConclusionsThe introduction of an iron-fortified formula for exclusively breastfed infants at 4 months of age, starting complementary feeding promptly before 6 months of age, and improving perinatal care for pregnant women to avoid premature birth and reduce low birth weight may be effective measures to prevent IDA.

Perturbed Beta-Cell Function and Lipid Profile After Early Prenatal Dexamethasone Exposure in Individuals Without CAH.

BackgroundPrenatal treatment with dexamethasone (DEX) reduces virilization in girls with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). The treatment is effective but may result in long-lasting adverse effects. In this study we explore the effects of DEX on metabolism in individuals not having CAH but treated with DEX during the first trimester of fetal life.MethodAll DEX-treated participants (n = 40, age range 5.1-26.4 years) and controls (n = 75, age range 4.5-26.6 years) were assessed with fasting blood samples to measure blood count, renal function, glucose homeostasis, and serum lipid profiles.ResultsThere were no significant differences between DEX and control participants for birth parameters, weight and height, or body mass index at the time of testing. Analyzing the entire cohort, we found no significant effects of DEX on blood count, renal function, or serum lipid profiles. However, a lower HOMA-β index in the DEX-treated individuals (U = 893.0; P = 0.049) was observed. Post hoc analyses revealed an effect in girls (U = 152.5; P = 0.024) but not in boys (U = 299.5; P = 0.550). The effect on HOMA-β persisted (U = 117.5; P = 0.048) after analyzing data separately in the participants < 16 years of age. In addition, we observed higher plasma glucose levels (F = 14.6; P = 0.001) in the DEX-treated group. The participants ≥ 16 years of age in the DEX-treated group had significantly higher total plasma cholesterol (F = 9.8; P = 0.003) and higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (F = 7.4; P = 0,009).ConclusionPrenatal DEX exposure in early pregnancy has negative effects on beta-cell function and lipid profile in individuals without CAH already at a young age.

South African mothers' immediate and 5-year retrospective reports of drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

Prenatal alcohol-drinking is often measured with self-report, but it is unclear whether mothers give more accurate answers when asked while pregnant or some time after their pregnancy. There is also the question of whether to measure drinking in a dichotomous or continuous fashion. We sought to examine how the timing and scale of self-reports affected the content of reports. From a sample of 576 black mothers around Cape Town, South Africa, we compared prenatal reports of prenatal drinking with 5-year retrospective reports, and dichotomous metrics (drinking or abstinent) with continuous metrics (fluid ounces of absolute alcohol drunk per day). Amounts increased over the 5-year period, whereas dichotomous measures found mothers less likely to report drinking later. All four measures were weakly associated with birth weight, birth height, child head circumference soon after birth, and child intelligence at age 5. Furthermore, neither reporting time nor the scale of measurement were consistently related to the strengths of these associations. Our results point to problems with self-report, particularly with this population, but we recommend post-birth continuous measures as the best of the group for their flexibility and their consistency with previous research.

Impact of Phyiotherapy on the Motor Development of Infants of Different Gender and Getational Age

Research background. It is very important to recognize children whose motor development deviates from the normal, and it is affected or exposed to risk factors. The biggest attention should be paid on early diagnosis of motor development delay, and abilitation. This would let avoid severe impairments of motor development and complications. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of physiotherapy on motor development of infants of different gender, gestational age, height, weight, growing in infant home,. Research methods. Were analyzed motor development of 20 randomly selected infants (age 15.7 ± 10.25 weeks), growing in Klaipėda infant home. Subjects received physiotherapy with duration of 3 months. Munich functional developmental diagnostics scale was used to assess the development of three gross motor functions: crawling, sitting and walking. Research results. Before physiotherapy motor coefficient of about twenty percent of infants’ was rated &lt; 50. Physiotherapy significantly (p &lt; 0.05) improved infants’ gross motor functions: crawling, sitting and walking, and motor coefficient of the large majority of subjects after physiotherapy was rated as normal, i. e. &gt; 70. There were no significant differences in motor coefficients between girls and boys. After physiotherapy motor coefficient of walking in full-term babies was significantly higher compared to preterm born babies (p &lt; 0.05). Motor coefficient of sitting and walking in normal weight babies after physiotherapy was significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) compared to low weight babies. After physiotherapy motor coefficient of infants with different height improved significantly, but in taller babies it improved significantly more (p &lt; 0.05) than in shorter babies. Conclusions. Applied physiotherapy significantly improved motor development of infants of different birth age, height and weight, growing in infant home. No significant differences in motor coefficients between girls and boys were identified. Birth age, height and weight are important for motor development.Keywords: physiotherapy, motor coefficient, birth, age, height, weight.

Early life body size in relation to risk of renal cell carcinoma in adulthood: a Danish observational cohort study.

Adult obesity increases risks of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This study investigated if birth weight, child body mass index (BMI) and height are associated with adult RCC. The study included 301,418 children (152,569 boys) from the Copenhagen School Health Records Register born 1930-1985 with measured weights and heights at ages 7 to 13years. Birth weight was obtained by parental report. BMI and height were transformed to z-scores, and BMI was categorized as normal BMI or overweight. RCC was identified by linkage to the Danish Cancer Registry. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated by Cox proportional hazards regression. During follow-up, 1010 individuals (680 men) were diagnosed with RCC. BMI and height were positively associated with RCC with no significant sex-differences (age 13: HR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.06-1.23 per BMI z-score, HR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.05-1.20 per height z-score). Compared to children with normal BMI at ages 7 and 13 years, children with overweight only at age 13 had higher risks of RCC (HR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.24-2.26). Compared to children with average growth in height, persistently taller-than-average children (HR = 1.06, 95% CI 1.03-1.10) and children who changed from average to above-average height (HR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.01-1.15) had increased risks of RCC. Birth weight was positively associated with RCC (HR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.05-1.20 per 500 grams). Birth weight, childhood BMI and height were positively associated with RCC risk in men and women.

The Association between Maternal Dietary Iron Intake during the First Trimester of Pregnancy with Pregnancy Outcomes and Pregnancy-Related Complications.

In this study, we investigated the associations of maternal dietary iron intake during the first trimester of pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes and related complications in pregnant women of Isfahan, Iran. In this prospective study, 812 healthy first-trimester singleton pregnant women were selected randomly from 20 various health centers across Isfahan city during 2015–2016. The maternal dietary iron classified into 2 groups, including heme and non-heme iron. Factors including pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and nausea and vomiting in pregnancy considered as the pregnancy-related complications. Infant's birth weight, birth height, and birth head circumference were also determined as the pregnancy-outcomes. There was a significant association between total iron consumption and infant head circumference (p = 0.01). Total maternal iron (the sum of heme and non-heme iron) was negatively associated with both infant's birth height (p = 0.006) and birth weight (p = 0.02). Non-heme iron consumption is positively associated with high-risk of IUGR (p = 0.004). Heme intake was associated with an increased risk of maternal fasting blood sugar (FBS) (p = 0.04). Higher heme, non-heme, and total iron intake were associated with lower risk of pre-eclampsia (heme: crude p = 0.05; non-heme iron: adjusted p = 0.02; total iron: adjusted p = 0.05). Maternal total iron intake was directly associated with infant head circumference, whereas, negatively associated with both birth weight and birth height. High non-heme iron intake may increase the risk of IUGR, and a high intake of heme iron may increase FBS.

Association between maternal dietary acid load during the early pregnancy and pregnancy-related complications

ABSTRACT Epidemiological studies have suggested that there is an association between dietary acid load (DAL) with complications and outcomes of pregnancy. The current study aimed to explore the impact of DAL on theses parameters through a prospective cohort of Iranian pregnant women. In this prospective cohort study, 812 singleton pregnant women without any medical condition, use of medications, and without following a specific diet were included. Dietary intake of participants was examined using a 117-item semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Net endogenous acid production (NEAP) and potential renal acid load (PRAL) parameters were used to explore potential DAL using the suggested formula. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used and odds ratio (OR) and 95% corresponding confidence interval (CI) were reported. DAL (NEAP and PRAL) was not associated with pregnancy outcomes including birth weight, birth height and birth head circumference (all P values > .05). NEAP was associated with pre-eclampsia (Model 3: OR = 0.48, 95%CI (0.25, 0.94); Ptrend = 0.05), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (Model 2: OR = 3.99, 95%CI (1.09, 14.53); Ptrend = 0.04), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (Model 3: OR = 2.45, 95%CI (1.05, 5.72); Ptrend = 0.03), and intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) (Model 3: OR = 2.82, 95%CI (1.02, 7.78); Ptrend = 0.01). Moreover, PRAL was related with risk of pre-eclampsia (Model 3: OR = 0.41, 95%CI (0.19, 0.86); Ptrend = 0.003), SBP (Model 2: OR = 6.07, 95%CI (1.23, 29.94); Ptrend = 0.03), DBP (Model 3: OR = 3.62, 95%CI (1.23, 10.65); Ptrend = 0.03), and IUGR (Model 2: OR = 2.63, 95%CI (0.93, 7.44); Ptrend = 0.02). Our study focused on DAL which showed a significant association with pregnancy-related complications including higher SBP, DBP, IUGR, and pre-eclampsia. Further research with larger sample sizes in different populations might be required to evaluate the compatibility of DAL during pregnancy

The Relation Between Maternal / Neonatal Vitamin D Levels and Early Onset Neonatal Sepsis

In addition to its classical role in bone metabolism, vitamin D also has an immunomodulatory effects on immune function. Our aim was to determine the relation between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D(25(OH)D) concentrations in newborns and their mothers with early onset neonatal sepsis (EOS). Also we aim to study the effect of severity of vitamin D deficiency on incidence of EOS. The design comprises a hospital- based case- control study. The study group consisted of 50 newborns with EOS who was admitted to neonatal intensive care unit and their mothers. Controls were 50 healthy newborns of the same age as the study group and their mothers. The study subjects were divided into insufficient, moderate and severe deficiency according to vitamin D level. There is no significant statistical difference between study and control groups in gestational week, birth weight, birth height, head circumference and age. The mean serum 25(OH)D concentrations in the study group newborns were significantly lower than those of the control group (11.58±4.883 ng/ml and 28.78±6.453 ng/ml respectively). The 25(0H)D concentrations of newborns were highly correlated with mothers’ serum in both groups. Severe vitamin D deficiency was significantly more common in the sepsis group. Data shows that 25(OH)D concentrations of the newborns were highly correlated with the level of CRP, duration of hospital stay, and complications caused by sepsis. Our findings suggest that newborns with vitamin D deficiency may have an increased risk of suffering from EOS. Newborns with more vitamin D deficiency were found to have higher CRP levels, a longer hospital stay, and a higher incidence of complications. The strong positive correlation between newborns’ and their mothers’ 25(OH)D concentrations makes that adequate vitamin D supplementation of mothers during pregnancy is of great importance, through a proper ante-natal care, especially in winter months.

The Determinant of Stunting Prevalence in 24-59 Month Children in Hayahaya Village, Western Limboto Sub-district, Gorontalo Regency

Background: Stunting is among the nutritional problems that lead to deficits in the children’s life quality, hindering the children’s growth. Indonesia ranks fifth as the country with the most stunting prevalence in 24-59 month children; this includes groups who are at risk of malnutrition. Short-term consequences of stunting involve problems in brain development and physical growth, while the long-term effects include cognitive and learning skill deficits. Subjects and Method: This quantitative study relied on the analytical observation method with the cross-sectional design, with the independent variables, such as a mother’s education level, family income, parenting styles, newborn height, newborn weight, birth spacing, and breastfeeding records. The dependent variable is stunting prevalence. Out of 95 of the total population, 76 children who met the inclusion criteria were selected as the sample. This study relied on the result of several data analyses, including univariate, bivariate, and multivariate tests. Further, the chi-square analysis and logistic regression enter method were also employed. Results: The result shows that the mother’s education level, family income, parenting styles, birth height, and birth weight contribute to the stunting prevalence of the children. Conclusion: In conclusion, parenting styles are the dominant variable that correlates with the stunting of the children. Keywords: stunting, parenting style, breast­feeding, birthweight Correspondence: Rabia Zakaria. Department of Midwifery, He­alth Polytechnic of Ministry of Health Go­ron­talo, Indonesia. E-mail: rabiasubarkah@­gmail­.com, Phone: +62-823-4879-4086. Journal of Maternal and Child Health (2020), 05(03): 287-296 https://doi.org/10.26911/thejmch.2020.05.03.07

Characteristics of The Immigrant Newborns and Analysis of Short-Term Results: An Example of Giresun

With this study, it was aimed to evaluate the characteristics of the immigrant and Turkish newborns who were born in our hospital and monitored in the neonatal control unit and to analyze the results. The retrospective and descriptive study included Turkish and immigrant newborns who were born in the Department Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics of Giresun University Training and Research Hospital between January 2019 and December 2019 and were followed up in the neonatal monitoring unit. A total of 319 babies, 211 of whom were Turkish and 108 were immigrants, were included in the study. While 36% of Turkish newborns were born by a normal spontaneous vaginal delivery, this rate is 66.7% in the immigrant babies (p0.05).No significant difference was found between birth weight, height, head circumference, gestational week and cord blood gas values of the Turkish and immigrant newborns (p>0.05).Antenatal follow-up rates in the immigrant mothers (51.9%) were significantly lower (p