Birth Weight Newborns Research Articles

Effects of different embryo culture media on birthweight following assisted reproductive technology

Abstract STUDY QUESTION Does the type of embryo culture medium affect the birthweight of newborns conceived by ART? SUMMARY ANSWER After fresh embryo transfers, singleton newborns in the G5 and HTF groups exhibited higher birthweight z-scores and increased risks of being large for gestational age (LGA) compared to those in the Cook group. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Current studies have not yet determined whether embryo culture medium affects birthweight, and if such an effect does exist, the significance of embryo culture medium among all the influencing factors is not yet clear. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A retrospective cohort study including 23,403 fresh ET cycles between 1st January 2010 and 31st December 2022 at the reproductive medical center of a university—affiliated hospital was conducted. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study including 23,403 fresh ET cycles. Four embryo culture media were analyzed: Cook, G5-PLUS, G5 and HTF. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate potential associations between embryo culture medium and birthweight z-score. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate potential associations between embryo culture medium and the risk of LGA and macrosomia. Random forest models were constructed to conduct significance analysis of all factors that may affect birthweight z-score. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The cohort comprised 4453, 8460, 7463 and 3027 singletons in the Cook, G5-PLUS, G5 and HTF groups, respectively. Compared to the Cook group, newborns in the G5 and HTF groups had a higher birthweight z-scores (increased by 0.069 units, P < 0.001, and 0.073 units, P = 0.002, respectively) and a higher risks of LGA (OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.12-1.39, P < 0.001; OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.05-1.37, P = 0.009, respectively), while newborns in the G5 group also had a higher risk of macrosomia (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.06-1.39, P = 0.006). Of the main factors influencing birthweight, the embryo culture medium had a moderate significance. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Due to commercial and regulatory reasons, various culture media were used for different periods, thus resulting in the different number of cases for the four culture media groups. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our analysis revealed that the type of embryo culture medium directly affected birthweight z-scores and the risk of LGA and macrosomia in newborns conceived by ART. Consequently, the selection of embryo culture medium shoud be made cautiously. In addition, new embryo culture media require comprehensive safety verification before being marketed. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by National Key Research and Development Program of China [2023YFC2705604] and the National Natural Science Foundation of China [82071721, 82371706 and 82288102]. All authors have no conflicts of interest to report. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.

Oral dydrogesterone versus oral dydrogesterone plus micronized vaginal progesterone for luteal phase support in ovulatory frozen-thawed embryo transfers.

Oral dydrogesterone versus oral dydrogesterone plus micronized vaginal progesterone for luteal phase support in ovulatory frozen-thawed embryo transfers.

Nationwide Spatial Patterns and Maternal and Birth-Related Factors Associated with Orofacial Clefts in Brazil

This study aimed to identify spatial clustering and maternal and birth-related factors associated with the incidence of orofacial clefts in Brazil from 2001 to 2022. A nationwide ecological study was conducted in Brazil using data from 2001 to 2022 obtained from the Brazilian Live Birth Information System (SINASC). The municipality was used as the spatial unit of analysis. Variables included maternal age and education, newborn sex, gestational age, birth weight, and skin color/ethnicity. Univariate and bivariate global and local Moran’s I indices were used to assess spatial autocorrelation. A total of 234 municipalities (4.2%) formed high–high spatial clusters, primarily in the South and Southeast, while 431 municipalities (7.7%) formed low–low clusters, mostly in the Northeast (Moran’s I = 0.121, 95% CI: 0.107 to 0.135). High–high clusters had a lower median proportion of adolescent mothers (≤19 years: 17.4%) and a higher proportion of mothers aged ≥35 years (12.9%) compared to low–low clusters (23.5% and 8.7%, respectively; p < 0.001). High–high clusters also had fewer mothers with less than seven years of education (31.0% vs. 45.9%, p < 0.001) and higher rates of preterm births and low birth weight (p < 0.001). The proportion of White newborns was higher in high–high clusters than in low–low clusters (82.8% vs. 13.6%, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that orofacial cleft incidence in Brazil is spatially associated with maternal sociodemographic characteristics, perinatal outcomes, and newborn race/ethnicity.

1233-P: Metabolic Consequences of GCK Mutations—Does the Source of Inheritance—Mother or Father—Matter?

Introduction and Objective: Mutations in the glucokinase (GCK) gene are the primary cause of maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY), and the source of inheritance—whether maternal or paternal—may influence metabolic outcomes in offspring. However, this area has not been fully explored. To address this, we employed a novel GCK heterozygous inactivating mutation model (GCKmut), characterized by mild, non-progressive fasting hyperglycemia without dyslipidemia, to investigate the differential metabolic effects of maternal and paternal inheritance on offspring metabolism. Methods: The GCKmut inherited from the father is referred to as GCKmut (paternal), abbreviated as GCKmut (P), while the mutation inherited from the mother is termed GCKmut (maternal), abbreviated as GCKmut (M). Blood glucose and body weight of GCKmut offspring were monitored every one or two weeks from postnatal day 1 (P1) to 16 weeks. At 4 weeks, glucose tolerance was evaluated by intraperitoneal injection glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), and serum insulin content was detected by ELISA. Intracellular insulin content was assessed by Western blotting. At 16 weeks, insulin sensitivity was evaluated using an intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (IPITT). Both male and female mice were included. Results: Compared to GCKmut (M), GCKmut (P) exhibited lower birth weight and serum insulin on P1, with slightly elevated blood glucose. By the first week, their blood glucose changes disappeared, and by the third week, their weight had caught up. At 16 weeks, GCKmut (P) showed impaired glucose tolerance and reduced serum insulin compared to GCKmut (M). Nevertheless, there were no significant differences in insulin and proinsulin levels or insulin sensitivity among the groups. Results were consistent for both male and female mice. Conclusion: Paternal inheritance of the GCKmut leads to reduced birth weight in newborns and disrupts glucose homeostasis in adulthood. Disclosure Y. Liu: None. Y. Zhang: None. S. Ji: None. W. Feng: None. Y. Huang: None. J. Zhen: None. Q. Ma: None. M. Liu: None. Funding National Key R&D Program (2022YFE0131400 and 2019YFA0802502), National Natural Science Foundation of China (82220108014), Tianjin Municipal Health Commission (TJWJ2021ZD001), Tianjin Medical University General Hospital Clinical Research Program (22ZYYLCZD02), Tianjin Municipal Science and Technology Commission (23JCQNJC00680), Discipline Research Special Project of Tianjin Medical University (2024XKNFM13), Discipline Research Special Project of Tianjin Medical University (2024XKNFM09).

Long term trends in birth weight and length of newborns from Sofia, Bulgaria (1980-2020).

The comparison of anthropological data of newborns from different cohorts helps assessing the influence of changes in living conditions on the intrauterine growth and development. The aim of the study is to evaluate the intensity and direction of the secular trend in birth weight and length of Bulgarian newborns for 40-year period and to discuss the possible impact of different environmental factors. Data of 11,595 singleton live births (6,073 boys and 5,522 girls) with "normal birthweight" (between 2500-4500 g) gathered from the birth registers of two Obstetrics and Gynecology hospitals in Sofia, Bulgaria are included in the study. The statistical analyses are performed using SPSS 16.0. The significance of the trend is assessed by one-way ANOVA analysis. For the investigated period mean birth weight decreases from 3446.8 g to 3334.9 g and from 3321.2 g to 3179.1 g in male and female newborns respectively. Concerning birth length a statistically significant positive secular trend is observed in both sexes from 1981 to 2000 (from 50.3 cm to 51.2 cm and from 49.8 cm to 50.5 cm in male and female newborns respectively) followed by an opposite decreasing trend (1.2 cm in both sexes) after 2000. The observed tendencies probably reflect the changes in living standards and health care, population changes and changes in maternal indicators during the investigated period. As size at birth predicts not only short-term complications but also long-term health and chronic disease risk, the established decreasing trend in birth weight and length of Bulgarian newborns could be directly connected with the health of the population.

Effects of Ambient Temperature During Pregnancy on Newborn Birthweight.

This study evaluates the association between ambient temperature exposure during pregnancy and newborn birthweight, using a penalized generalized additive model (GAM) framework with distributed lag non-linear models (DLNM) to identify sensitive windows of exposure. The analysis includes 238 participants from the SHIP study with complete temperature exposure and birthweight data. Weekly maximum temperatures during pregnancy were estimated using Daymet data, and the impact of temperature on birthweight was assessed, adjusting for maternal age, pre-pregnancy BMI, gestational age, race, smoking, diabetes status, and infant biological sex. The model incorporated a crossbasis function for temperature exposure across 42 gestational weeks and allowed penalization for smoother, data-driven lag estimation. Results from the combined-sex model indicated that higher ambient temperatures during the third trimester, particularly in the final weeks of pregnancy, were associated with increased birthweight. Stratified analyses suggested that this association was more pronounced in male infants. These findings highlight the importance of considering prenatal temperature exposures and timing when evaluating determinants of newborn health.

Effects of a Province-Wide Change in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Screening Policy on Treatment and Newborn Birth Weight.

To evaluate changes in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) treatment and newborn birth weight after a 2010 change in GDM screening recommendations from a two-step (50-g glucose challenge test + 3-h, 100-g oral glucose tolerance test [OGTT] with Carpenter-Coustan criteria) to a mix of one-step and two-step (2-h, 75-g OGTT with International Association for Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group criteria). We estimated effects of the screening change on the incidence of lifestyle or medication treatment, infant birth weight >90th percentile or <10th percentile for gestational age (large and small for gestational age), and endocrinologist visits using interrupted time series analysis in all 463,881 individuals with singleton pregnancies (>28 gestational weeks) from British Columbia, Canada, between 2004 and 2019. After the screening change, lifestyle-treated GDM increased immediately (level change 1.85 [95% CI 1.19-2.51]), corresponding to a 1.85% increase in incidence. Medication-treated GDM increased gradually (trend change 0.23 [95% CI 0.09-0.37] per year), but there was no change in medication-treated GDM using a shorter (3-year) postpolicy period (level change -0.31 [95% CI -0.9 to 0.29]; trend change 0.03 [95% CI -0.36 to 0.43]). We detected no change in infant birth weight outcomes and endocrinology visits. Changing the screening approach substantially increased diagnoses of lifestyle-treated GDM but did not impact medication-treated GDM or infant birth weight.

Determinants of low birth weight and effect of indoor air pollution on birth weight: A case–control study in a tertiary care centre of Hubballi, Karnataka

ABSTRACT Background: The majority of all low birth weight (LBW) babies are born in developing countries, and half of the population in developing nations use solid fuels as their primary source of energy for cooking. An association between household use of solid biomass fuels and reduced newborn weight has been found in several countries. India has a high prevalence of LBW babies, and 88% of the population use solid fuels for cooking. Objectives: To evaluate the determinants of low birth weight and to assess the effect of exposure of pregnant women to indoor air pollution on the birth weight of newborns. Methodology: A case–control study was conducted on singleton newborn babies of KIMS hospital, Hubballi. A structured pretested validated questionnaire was administered to 146 participants including 73 cases (new born babies with birth weight &lt;2.5 kg) and 73 controls (new born babies with birth weight ≥2.5k g). The questionnaire comprised of sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric history, medical illnesses, and the current pregnancy with its outcomes and indoor air pollution. Results: The study found a significant association between low birth weight and a history of low birth weight, no intake of albendazole tablets, hemoglobin levels during pregnancy, exposure to smoke from mosquito repellent coils during pregnancy, burning of volatile liquids at home, and duration of exposure to indoor air pollutants during pregnancy. Conclusion: Indoor air pollution significantly affects the baby’s birth weight. Appropriate antenatal care and health education to overcome indoor air pollution can significantly improve the birth weight of the baby.

Birth weight prediction using artificial intelligence-based placental assessment from macroscopic photo: a retrospective study.

Birth weight prediction using artificial intelligence-based placental assessment from macroscopic photo: a retrospective study.

Life-threatening postpartum hemorrhage (≥ 5000 mL): a single center experience.

To investigate the etiology, interventions and outcome of life-threatening postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) (≥ 5000 mL). Retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 42 patients with life-threatening PPH in Peking University Third Hospital from January 2010 to December 2019. According to the causes of PPH, 35 patients were divided into the placenta accrete spectrum (PAS) group and seven patients into the uterine atony group. Compared with the uterine atony group, the gravidity, parity, times of cesarean section, abortion and intrauterine operation of the PAS group were significantly higher, but the gestational age of delivery and the birth weight of newborn were significantly lower (33.35 ± 3.94 weeks vs 37.31 ± 1.93 weeks; 2228.29 ± 840.49 g vs 2809.00 ± 500.99 g; p < 0.05). For all the patients, the transfusion volume of packed red blood cell (PRBCs), fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and platelets were respectively 23.49 ± 8.42 U, 2345.24 ± 826.16 mL and 0.81 ± 1.19 U, the ratio was basically conformed to the recommended massive transfusion protocol (MTP) (1:1:1). The catheter placement time in the PAS group was significantly longer (7.88 ± 6.05 days vs 3.86 ± 0.90 days, p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in complications and maternal outcomes. No maternal deaths. Placenta accrete spectrum (PAS) is the most important cause of life-threatening PPH. For these patients, MTP is effective, multidisciplinary cooperation and management lead to a good prognosis.

Exploring Maternal Health Indicators as Predictors for Low Birth Weight in Neonatal: A Data-Driven Machine Learning Approach

Low birth weight (LBW) remains a significant public health concern, contributing to neonatal morbidity and mortality. Identifying key maternal health indicators that predict LBW can facilitate early intervention and improved healthcare strategies. This research paper explores the potential of various maternal health factors as predictors for LBW using a data-driven machine learning approach. We analyze a dataset comprising maternal age, weight, smoking status, hypertension, race, and prenatal care factors, alongside the birth weight of newborns. Using logistic regression and several machine learning algorithms, including decision trees, random forests, and support vector machines, we evaluate the performance of these models in classifying newborns as having low or normal birth weight. The study highlights the importance of maternal smoking, age, and weight as primary predictors of LBW, while also assessing the significance of factors such as hypertension and the number of prenatal visits. The results indicate that machine learning models, particularly random forests, can provide high accuracy in predicting LBW outcomes, thereby offering valuable insights for healthcare providers in managing pregnancies at risk. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions focused on maternal health to reduce the incidence of low birth weight, with implications for prenatal care policies and maternal health programs.\

Effect of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone (rhGH) Use on Genetic Methylation Patterns and Their Relationship with Body Composition in Small-for-Gestational-Age (SGA) Newborns

Background: Low birth weight in newborns is of multifactorial origin (fetal, maternal, placental, and environmental factors), and in one-third of cases, the cause is of unknown origin, with high infant morbidity and mortality. The main treatment for regaining weight and height in children with low birth weight is the application of growth hormones. However, their role as a protective factor to prevent an increase in body composition and the development of metabolic diseases is still poorly understood. Methodology: A case–control study was conducted in a cohort of patients consulted at the CES Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic, Medellín, Colombia, between 2008 and 2018. We evaluated sociodemographic and clinical variables. Additionally, the identification of differential patterns of genomic methylation between cases (treated with growth hormone) and controls (without growth hormone treatment) was performed. The groups were compared using Fisher’s exact test for qualitative variables and Student’s t-test for the difference in means in independent samples. The correlation was evaluated with the Pearson coefficient. Results: Regarding clinical manifestations, body mass index (BMI) was higher in children who did not receive growth hormone treatment, higher doses of growth hormone treatment helped reduce body mass index (R: −0.21, and p = 0.067), and the use of growth hormone was related to a decrease in triglyceride blood concentrations (p = 0.06); these results tended towards significance. Regarding genome-wide methylation patterns, the following genes were found to be hypermethylated: MDGA1, HOXA5, LINC01168, ZFYVE19, ASAH1, MYH15, DNAJC17, PAMR1, MROCKI, CNDP2, CBY2, ZADH2, HOOK2, C9orf129, NXPH2, OSCP1, ZMIZ2, RUNX1, PTPRS, TEX26, EIF2A4K, MYO1F, C2orf69, and ZSCAN1. Meanwhile, the following genes were found hypomethylated: C10orf71-AS1, ZDHHC13, RPL17, EMC4, RPRD2, OBSCN-AS1, ZNF714, MUC4, SUGT1P4, TRIM38, C3, SPON1, NGF-AS1, CCSER2, P2RX2, LOC284379, GGTA1, NLRP5, OR51A4, HLA-H, and TTLL8. Conclusions: Using growth hormone as a treatment in SGA newborns helps regain weight and height. Additionally, it could be a protective factor against the increase in adolescent body composition.

Risks, сomplications, and perinatal outcomes of pregnancy in the context of medical and social challenges of war: the experience of Ukraine

The objective: to assess the impact of displacement caused by military actions on the course of pregnancy, the development of complications, and the condition of newborns.Materials and methods. The study included 76 pregnant women who were divided into two groups: I group – 38 patients with the status of internally displaced persons (IDPs), II group – 38 women who remained in their permanent place of residence. A retrospective analysis of the medical cards with evaluation of the pregnancy course, complications, labor characteristics, and outcomes, followed by statistical data processing, was conducted. The second phase of the study was an assessment of the newborn’s condition using the Apgar score and anthropometric measurements. The frequency of pathological conditions in newborns was also analyzed.Results. The average age of women was 29.70 ± 0.86 years. Analysis of pregnancy outcomes found that preterm birth was more frequent among women with IDP status (34.3%) compared to those who did not change their place of residence (28.9%). The mode of delivery analysis showed that vaginal births occurred in 42.2% of women in both groups, while cesarean section – in 57.8%. Among them the rate of emergency cesarean section was 70.5%, and it was more often performed in II group (58.06%), which may be due to the presence of chronic conditions, such as anemia or hypertensive disorders, which were more common in this cohort. In I group emergency cesarean section (41.93%) was performed because of the decompensation of acute complications caused by stress and infections. Planned cesarean sections were more common in the II group (61.6%) due to better medical supervision. Among pregnancy complications, infectious processes (38.9%) prevailed in the I group compared to the II group (11.1%). This difference is explained by the deterioration of sanitary and hygienic conditions and a decrease in immunity due to psycho-emotional stress and malnutrition. Anemia, on the other hand, was more in II group (47.2 vs 22.2% in I group), which indicates the insufficient effectiveness of its prevention among pregnant women even in stable conditions.Newborn condition was assessed using the Apgar score, where critical scores (1–4 points) were more frequent in I group (16.3%) compared to II group (14.7%). This is due to the negative impact of infections and stress on the pregnancy course among women with IDP status. Scores of 5–7 points were found in 32.7% of newborns in I group and 36% – in II group, which indicates a relatively equal impact of other obstetric risks associated with anemia or preeclampsia. A body weight of newborns ranged from 1,415 g (in cases of preterm birth with complications) to 4,700 g (in post-term pregnancy). In I group low birth weight of newborns (&lt; 2,500 g) was more common, which was associated with placental insufficiency and intrauterine hypoxia caused by stress and limited access to quality medical care. In II group, newborns with high birth weight (&gt; 4,000 g) more frequently experienced complications during delivery, such as shoulder dystocia and asphyxia.Perinatal mortality was recorded in 7 cases (9.2%), most often due to anemia, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia, which led to placental blood flow disorders and fetal hypoxia.Conclusions. Premature births (34.3%), infectious complications (38.9%) and low birth weight were more common in the group of women with IDP status, which indicates the negative impact of stress, worsening living conditions and limited access to medical services. In women who did not change their place of residence, anemia (47.2%) and hypertensive disorders (36.6%) prevailed, which also affected the course of pregnancy, but under conditions of better medical management. The results of the study emphasize the critical role of social, medical, and psychological factors in the formation of perinatal risks, especially among women with IDP status, and highlight the need for enhanced monitoring, preventive measures, and support in wartime conditions.

Prenatal Detection of Fetal Birth Weight and Bone Density using AI and ML techniques

The newborn's low birth weight, which can have a detrimental effect on the infant's health and even cause its death in more extreme conditions, is one of the most critical problems in prenatal care. The high infant mortality rates observed worldwide are caused by this disorder. Artificial intelligence approaches, particularly those based on machine learning (ML), can anticipate health issues that may arise throughout the entire gestation, including at birth. As a result, our project suggests analyzing several (ML) techniques that can determine whether a fetus would be born with less weight than expected for its gestational age. The potential for an increase in gestation days through prompt intervention underlies the significance of early detection of issues related to fetal development. With such an intervention, it would be possible to increase fetal weight at birth, which would lead to a reduction in newborn morbidity and mortality. So in this project we are going to predict the fetal birth weight in early stage also classified them as low weight if weight is less than 2.5kg, normal weight if weight is greater than 2.5kg and less than 4.5kg and abnormal weight if weight is greater than 4.5kg. To estimate the fetal birth weight in this situation, we employed ML approaches and algorithms including Linear and Random Forest Regressor, with Random Forest Regressor predicting more accurately than Linear Regression Keywords: infant mortality rates, gestational age, neonatal morbidity, Linear Regression, Random Forest Regressor.

Preterm birth and stillbirth: total bile acid levels in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and outcomes of twin pregnancies: a retrospective cohort study from 2014 to 2022

BackgroundIntrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a pregnancy-specific liver disorder characterized by maternal pruritus and elevated serum bile acids. Twin pregnancies, as a type of high-risk pregnancy, present additional complexities when complicated by ICP compared to singleton pregnancies. Our study aims to investigate the relationship between bile acid levels in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and stillbirth in twin pregnancies.MethodsThis retrospective single-center cohort study was conducted at the Second Hospital of Sichuan University from January 2014 to July 2022, focusing on twin pregnancies complicated by ICP. Patients were grouped based on peak levels of total bile acids during pregnancy. Differences among these groups in gestational weeks at delivery, preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, fetal distress, stillbirth, premature rupture of membranes, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and newborn birth weight were observed as pregnancy outcome indicators.ResultsIn 1156 twin pregnancies complicated by ICP, were 430 cases classified as mild, 392 as moderate-low, 292 as moderate-high, and 42 as severe. Regarding pregnancy outcomes, significant differences were observed among the four groups of pregnant women in terms of gestational weeks at delivery (P < 0.001), rate of preterm birth (P < 0.001), newborn birth weight (P < 0.001), incidence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid (P < 0.001), and proportion of low birth weight infants (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe study results indicate that the severity of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth, newborn birth weight, and meconium-stained amniotic fluid contamination. Additionally, among different bile acid level groups, gestational weeks at delivery showed varying trends in stillbirth occurrence.

The effect of maternal anemia on different anthropometric parameters of newborns - A case-control study.

Complex interaction of maternal environment has been considered to play pivotal role in fetal survival including postnatal growth and future development. Anemia during pregnancy is being studied as a major determinant of obstetric outcome and effect on anthropometric parameters of newborns. Accordingly, an attempt was made to study the effects of maternal anemia on birth weight (BW) and other parameters of newborns while keeping attention on different maternal bio-social proximates. An observational study included 200 mother-newborn dyad: newborns of mothers suffering from anemia during pregnancy and another group consisting of newborns born to non-anemic mothers. Appropriate statistical analysis was done to interpret the anthropometric data of newborns to assess the relationship between maternal factors including anemia and neonatal outcome before the results of the study were compared with similar types of studies performed earlier on different population groups. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in anthropometric parameters (birth weight, length, crown-rump length, maximum cranial breadth, head circumference, chest circumference, abdominal circumference) of newborns were observed between the two groups. More or less no difference (p ≥ 0.05) was found on account of maternal parameters except anemia. Correlations of the mother's anemic level with each newborn anthropometric parameter were computed and maximum correlation was studied with crown-rump length (r = 0.40, P < 0.01). Maternal anemia as an individual factor can significantly explain variations of different birth parameters of newborns which could be possibly due to its chronic effect on growth potential rather than its acute effect which is usually exerted on birth weight alone.

Evaluating the impact of red blood cell parameters on outcomes of dinoprostone-induced labor: a retrospective study.

This study explores the relationship between red blood cell parameters and perinatal outcomes in dinoprostone insert-induced labor at the Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology of the Jagiellonian University Medical College Cracow, Poland. Conducted between May 2019 and February 2021, this retrospective analysis included data on maternal age, pre-pregnancy BMI, hemoglobin level, red blood cell count, mean cell volume, and red blood cell distribution width, alongside newborn birthweight and Apgar scores. The study evaluated the impact of anemia, a hemoglobin level lower than 12 g/dL, on the likelihood of cesarean section, labor duration, delivery time, and neonatal outcomes. With 183 participants, findings indicate no significant difference in perinatal outcomes between anemic and non-anemic groups, suggesting that mild anemia may not significantly affect dinoprostone insert-induced labor outcomes. The study highlights the importance of a nuanced approach to managing anemia in pregnancy, emphasizing the necessity for individualized treatment strategies. Our findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on anemia management during pregnancy, underscoring the need for more targeted research to develop evidence-based guidelines.

NINJ1 exerts a role in the development of preeclampsia through potential regulation by the Notch1 signaling pathway.

To explore NINJ1 expression in the placental tissue of preeclampsia patients, its correlation with patient status and pregnancy outcome, and offer preliminary insights into the relationship between NINJ1 and the Notch1 signaling pathway. Placental tissue samples from PE and normal pregnancies were collected. NINJ1 expression was detected and compared between groups. Correlation with clinical data was analyzed. A PE cell model was established using hypoxia-treated cells. The Notch pathway inhibitor DAPT was used. Additionally, trophoblast cells were treated with different concentrations of the Notch pathway inhibitor DAPT. The CCK-8 assay and scratch test were used to assess cell proliferation and migration. The levels of NINJ1 and Notch signaling components were measured using qRT-PCR and western blot. NINJ1 expression was higher in PE placental tissues compared to normal tissues. Women in the PE group had a higher incidence of hypoproteinemia, thoracoabdominal effusions, premature deliveries, and a higher hospitalization rate for newborns compared to the normal group. NINJ1 protein expression in the PE group placental tissues was negatively correlated with newborn birth weight and the serum albumin level and positively correlated with the 24-h urinary protein and uric acid levels. NINJ1 expression was increased in trophoblast cells under hypoxic conditions, while Notch signaling pathway inhibition reduced the proliferation and migration abilities of trophoblast cells, downregulated Notch1, Hes1, and Hes5 protein expression, and significantly upregulated NINJ1 expression. High expression of NINJ1 is associated with the occurrence of preeclampsia and adverse pregnancy outcomes, potentially regulated by the Notch1 signaling pathway.

Dysregulated maternal and newborn fatty acid, sugar and amino acid metabolism associated with high birth weight.

This study aims to find maternal and neonatal metabolomic signatures that contribute to the adverse birthweight outcomes including abnormally high and low birth weight. We also investigated the role of metabolomic signatures in the associations of maternal risk factors such as parity and gestational weight gain with adverse birthweight outcomes. Ninety-six pregnant women and their newborns from the MADRES prospective cohort were studied. Maternal serum at third trimester and newborn cord blood were assayed for untargeted metabolomics using mass-spectrometry. Metabolome-wide association analysis was conducted to assess maternal and newborn metabolomic features association with birth weight Z-score, followed by network analysis of maternal and newborn metabolomics. Lastly, the contribution of maternal and newborn metabolomics to associations between maternal risk factors and newborn birthweight was assessed. Maternal gestational weight gain and parity were positively associated with newborn birthweight. Maternal glucose and branched-chain amino acid metabolism pathways and newborn's fatty acid, glucose metabolism and C21-steroid hormone biosynthesis were significantly enriched with high birth weight Z-score. Dysregulation in these pathways linked maternal factors such as gestational weight gain and parity with high birth weight Z-score. Our findings indicate that altered maternal sugar and energy metabolism, newborn sugar and amino acid metabolism, and newborn C21-steroid hormone biosynthesis were associated with high birth weight. Dysregulated metabolism in pregnant women and newborn may contribute to the pathophysiological mechanisms linking maternal excessive gestational weight gain and multiparity with high birth weight.

Role of serum high-sensitive C-reactive protein to predict severity of pre-eclampsia in ahigh-population resource-poor country: a prospective observational study

Objective To determine the role of high-sensitive C-reactive protein(hsCRP) in predicting the severity of preeclampsia in a high-population, resource-poorcountry.Patients and Methods This prospective cohort study was conducted at theDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Calcutta National Medical College, India, fromMarch 2021 to September 2022. A total of 180 participants were divided into three equalgroups: patients with severe preeclampsia and non-severe preeclampsia and healthy pregnantwomen.Results The levels of the biomarkers hsCRP and uric acid differedsignificantly between women with preeclampsia and healthy women, with cutoff levels of3.72 mg/L and 5.15mg/dL, respectively, as determined using receiver operatingcharacteristic (ROC) curve analysis. HsCRP was also able to differentiate severepreeclampsia from non-severe preeclampsia at a cutoff level ≥8.75 mg/L (high Youden index>0.6). However, uric acid levels failed to discriminate between pregnant women withsevere and non-severe preeclampsia. Elevated hsCRP levels were strongly associated withlow birth weight of newborns in pregnant women with preeclampsia and healthy controlgroups (P=0.001) and with disease severity (P<0.001),respectively.Conclusions HsCRP can be used as an important diagnostic tool to excludeand evaluate the severity of preeclampsia.