Cord Blood Levels Research Articles

Anatomical and functional changes of the fetal adrenal gland in intrauterine growth restriction.

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the establishment of adrenal sparing in intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) human fetuses. IUGR fetuses are a subgroup of small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses that are unable to reach their own growth potential because of chronic hypoxia and undernutrition. We hypothesized that in IUGR fetuses the adrenal gland is relatively larger and secretion of noradrenaline (NA), adrenaline (A), and cortisol is increased. This is a prospective observational study including 65 singleton pregnancies (42 IUGR and 23 controls). Using two-dimensional ultrasound, we measured fetal adrenal diameters and adrenal/abdominal circumference (AD/AC) ratio between 25 and 37 weeks. We considered only one measurement per fetus. In 21 pregnancies we also measured NA, A, and cortisol levels in arterial and venous fetal cord blood collected at the time of delivery. The AD/AC ratio was significantly higher in IUGR fetuses than in controls. Cord NA and A levels were significantly higher in IUGR fetuses than in controls. An increase in cortisol secretion in IUGR fetuses was observed but the difference was not statistically significant. Adrenal sparing correlates with a relative increase in adrenal measurements and function.

Malondialdehyde as a Prognosticating Marker for Staging of HIE - A Prospective Cohort Study

Introduction: Prediction of outcomes of asphyxiated neonates is imperative. Timely intervention and effective resuscitation are beneficial for intact neurodevelopmental outcomes. In this study, we assessed the level of oxidative stress at birth in cord blood and correlated it with the Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) staging and outcomes.
 Methodology: This Prospective Cohort Study was conducted between January 2020 and June 2022. All neonates requiring resuscitation at birth were enrolled in a study group. The control group included neonates who did not require resuscitation. Cord blood was collected at birth, centrifuged, serum separated, and stored at -200C. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was read at 535nm on spectrometry.
 Results: 102 neonates were enrolled, among which 29 neonates were asphyxiated and 73 non-asphyxiated. The cord blood mean MDA level was significantly high in Severe HIE, with a p-value of <0.001. The serum MDA level in cord blood had a significant difference in asphyxiated neonates (8.59±1.99) and normal neonates (3.18±1.04) (P<0.001). There is a significant difference in MDA levels in cord blood; the mean MDA level was significantly higher in HIE III (10.93±2.50), compared to HIE II (9.98±2.34) and HIE I(7.72±1.09) with a p-value of <0.001. Deceased neonates had higher MDA levels than those neonates who survived.
 Conclusion: Neonates with high oxidative stress at birth require advanced resuscitation. MDA levels above 7.64 mm/L have 100% sensitivity and 81.4% specificity with respect to mortality in asphyxiated neonates. Hence, cord blood MDA can be a prognostic marker of oxidative stress to predict the outcomes in asphyxiated neonates.

Maternal palmitic acid intake, palmitic acid levels in maternal blood and cord blood with infant body composition

The fat intake of pregnant mothers, especially palmitic acid, which is one of the main components of palm oil, may affect the weight and fat mass of newborns. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between maternal palmitic acid intake and palmitic acid levels in maternal and cord blood with birth weight and infant fat mass. This study uses secondary data using a cross-sectional design, which is part of the main study of the BSEA and IPB University. The research was conducted from May to October 2018 at the Tanah Sareal Health Center and North Bogor Health Center. A total of 142 pregnant women were selected based on a single pregnancy and Hb level of >9 mg/dL. Exclusion criteria were the presence of congenital abnormalities or undergoing therapy for a particular disease. Data analysis was performed using the Pearson/Spearman correlation test. The results of the study showed no association between maternal palmitic acid intake and birth weight or infant fat mass (p> 0,05). Two approximate significant indicators were palmitic acid level in maternal blood with birth weight (p= 0,089), as well as palmitic acid level in cord blood with infant fat mass (p= 0,053). In conclusion, maternal palmitic acid intake and palmitic acid levels in maternal and cord blood did not affect birth weight or infant fat mass.

Correlation of vitamin A levels in umbilical cord blood with neonatal pulmonary diseases

ObjectiveTo study the relationship between umbilical cord blood vitamin A (VA) and neonatal lung diseases and explore the impact of umbilical cord blood VA on neonatal lung diseases. MethodUmbilical vein blood was collected at birth, and its VA content was measured. According to the VA levels in umbilical cord blood, a VA deficiency (VAD) group, a marginal deficiency group and a normal group were created and followed up until 28 days after birth. ResultsThe umbilical cord blood VA level in the neonatal group with lung disease was 0.13 ± 0.05 mg/L, while the result for the VA level in the non-lung disease group was 0.15 ± 0.05 mg/L. The umbilical cord blood VA levels in the neonatal lung disease group were significantly lower than those in the non-lung disease group. The incidence of neonatal pulmonary diseases was highest in the VAD group, and the incidence decreased as the level of VA in umbilical cord blood increased. Umbilical cord blood VAD and premature birth were found to be independent risk factors for neonatal respiratory disease. ConclusionUmbilical cord blood VAD and premature birth are independent risk factors for neonatal pulmonary diseases. The lower the level of VA in umbilical cord blood, the more susceptible infants will be to neonatal respiratory infections in the neonatal period.

EXPLORING LIPID VARIATIONS IN UMBILICAL CORD BLOOD ACROSS DIFFERENT DELIVERY MODES

Objective: The mode of delivery (vaginal or cesarean) may affect the lipid profile of the newborn, which has implications for their future health. Methods: The study included 150 mothers who gave birth vaginally and 50 mothers who underwent elective cesarean sections. All mothers were aged between 21 and 44 years. The main outcome measures were the serum lipid levels of umbilical cord blood of newborns. The lipid levels included total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL-D), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C). The study compared the obstetric variables and the serum lipid levels between the two groups of mothers. Results: The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of maternal age, neonatal weight, gestational duration, placental weight, and neonatal gender distribution. The newborns delivered by normal vaginal delivery had higher levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, VLDL-D, and LDL-C than those delivered by cesarean section, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: This study suggests that the mode of delivery does not have a significant impact on umbilical cord serum lipid levels. However, the sample size was small, and the results may not be generalizable to other populations.

Comparison of Bordetella pertussis Antibody Levels in Pregnant Women and Umbilical Cord Blood: A Multicenter Study.

In countries where pertussis vaccination is not administered during pregnancy, the determination of pertussis antibody levels in pregnant women is very important in terms of knowing the current seroepidemiology and potential strategies for immunizations. We included 396 pregnant women who were admitted to 4 different obstetrics and gynecology clinics. Anti-Bordetella pertussis toxin (PT) IgG and anti-Bordetella pertussis filamentous hemagglutinin IgG levels in maternal and cord blood pairs were determined by the ELISA method. Venous blood serum anti-PT level was below 5 IU/mL in 58.8%, 5-40 IU/mL in 34.8%, 40-100 IU/mL in 5.1% and >100 IU/mL in 1.3% of pregnant women. Cord blood serum anti-PT level was below 5 IU/mL in 47.7%, 5-40 IU/mL in 44.5%, 40-100 IU/mL in 6.8% and >100 IU/mL in 1% of pregnant women. In our study, the anti-PT level was found below 40 IU/mL in 93.6% of pregnant women and 92.2% of cord blood. Our study found the anti-filamentous hemagglutinin level below 40 IU/mL in 81% of pregnant women and 66.2% of cord blood. Although it is known that pertussis causes serious morbidity and mortality in young infants all over the world and that the most effective and reliable way to prevent it is vaccination of pregnant women, it is a remarkable contradiction that pertussis vaccination rates and therefore seropositivity rates in pregnant women are very low.

Correlations of Aflatoxin Exposure from Cooking Oil and Dietary Foods During Pregnancy with Birth Weight and Gestational Age at Birth in Guangxi, China.

Cooking oil and dietary foods are easily contaminated by aflatoxins (AFs) in Guangxi, China where low birth weight and preterm birth were prevalent. However, there are no data on AF exposure in pregnant women or their impact on newborn birth outcomes. This study aims to measure the levels and correlations of AFs in cooking oil, estimated dietary intake (EDI) of AFs in dietary foods, and serum AFB1 albumin adducts (AFB1-alb) with newborn birthweight and gestational age at birth. A prospective study was conducted among 126 pregnant women in Guangxi, China. All recruited women were interviewed for demographic data and behavior and obstetric information and then followed up until giving birth. AF measurements were obtained from cooking oil, dietary foods, maternal serum, and cord blood and the correlations of AF levels with newborn birthweight and gestational age at birth were tested using correlation analysis. The median EDI of AFs in cooking oil was 2.61 ng/kg.bw/day and in dietary foods 2.95 ng/kg.bw/day. High positive correlations among EDI of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) from cooking oil and dietary foods were found (r > 0.7). Low positive correlations of AFB1-alb in maternal serum and cord blood and both EDI of AFB1 in both cooking oil and dietary foods were shown (r ≈0.3). Significant correlations between AF levels in both cooking oil and dietary foods with birth weight were found, but very low negative correlations (r = - 0.244 ~ -0.285). AFB1 levels in foods, maternal serum and cord blood levels were high in pregnant women with newborn low birth weight and preterm birth. The EDIs of AFB1 from both cooking oil and dietary foods were significantly correlated with AFB1-alb in maternal serum and cord blood. Negative correlations of AFs from cooking oils and foods with newborn birth weight should be paid more attention.

Assessment of vitamin status; A, E and D in Egyptian neonates with IUGR: a cross sectional study

BackgroundNeonates with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) may present with fatal complications and permanent serious consequences. Vitamin status may influence fetal development. In this study we assessed vitamin A, E and D concentrations in umbilical cord blood in newborns with IUGR.MethodsMaternal data were obtained. Neonatal assessment included; age of gestation calculated from last menstrual period, Ultrasound (U/S), new Ballard, Apgar scores and anthropometric measurements including; Head circumference, length and weight. WHO growth percentile curves were used. Vitamin A, E and D in cord blood samples were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ELISA consecutively.ResultsA total of 86 full term newborns were enrolled in this study, 42 (48.8%) with IUGR with gestational age (33.59 ± 1.20) week by U/S and 44 (51.2%) appropriate for gestational age neonates with gestational age (38.70 ± 1.50). Ballard and Apgar scores (p < 0.05) and Z scores for weight, length and head circumference (p < 0.001) at birth were significantly lower in neonates with Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) than appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates. The levels of Vitamin A, E and D were significantly lower in the IUGR group than the AGA (p < 0.05) for all. Significant positive correlations of weight with vitamin A, and E cord blood levels were found (p < 0.05), while length was significantly positively correlated only with vitamin A (p < 0.05). Head circumference showed significant positive correlations with the three vitamins (p < 0.05) for all.ConclusionNeonates with IUGR had significantly lower levels of Vitamin A, E and D than AGA neonates. Significant positive correlations of weight with vitamin A, and E cord blood levels was detected, while neonatal length was associated only with vitamin A level. The present study highlights the significance of nutritional policies for inhibiting deficiency of these vitamins during pregnancy and childhood.

The association of in-utero exposure to air pollution and atherogenic index of plasma in newborns

BackgroundPrenatal exposure to particulate matter (PM) and traffic was associated with the programming of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in early life. However, the exact underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the association between in-utero exposure to PMs and traffic indicators with the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) in newborns, which is a precise index reflecting an enhancement of lipid risk factors for CVDs.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, a total of 300 mother-newborn pairs were enrolled in Sabzevar, Iran. Spatiotemporal land-use regression models were used to estimate the level of PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 at the mother's residential address. The total length of streets in different buffers (100,300 and 500m) and proximity to major roads were calculated as indicators of traffic. The AIP of cord blood samples was calculated using an AIP calculator. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the association of PM concentrations as well as traffic indicators with AIP controlled for relevant covariates.ResultsPM2.5 exposure was significantly associated with higher levels of AIP in newborns. Each interquartile range (IQR) increment of PM2.5 concentration at the mothers' residential addresses was associated with a 5.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.0, 10.6%, P = 0.04) increase in the AIP. Associations between PM1, PM10 and traffic indicators with cord blood level of AIP were positive but not statistically significant.ConclusionOur findings showed that in utero exposure to PM2.5 may be associated with CVDs programming through the increase of atherogenic lipids.

Association between aluminum and iron exposure in maternal blood and umbilical cord blood and congenital heart defects in children.

Congenital heart disease (CHDs) is the major cause of mortality from birth defects, affecting up to 1% of live births worldwide. However, the relationship between aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe) levels and the risk of CHDs has yielded inconsistent results. We conducted a pair-matched case-control study that included 97 CHDs and 194 non-CHDs to investigate the association and interaction between Al/Fe exposure and the risk of CHDs in a birth cohort study in Lanzhou, China. Higher concentrations of cord blood Al were associated with a greater risk of total CHDs (aOR = 2.826, 95% CI [1.009-7.266]) and isolated CHDs (aOR = 10.713, 95% CI [1.017-112.851]) compared to the lowest Al level. Both in maternal blood and cord blood, a significant dose-effect was observed between Al level and total CHDs (Ptrend < 0.05), but a similar pattern was not observed for Fe. High Al in addition to high Fe appeared to elicit a stronger association with CHDs than both lowest tertile of Al and Fe level in umbilical cord blood, particularly for multiple CHDs, septal defects and patent ductus arteriosus. Our study suggests that exposure to Al during pregnancy (≥2,408 μg/L) is significantly associated with an increased risk of CHDs in offspring, especially septal defects, and that high levels of Al and Fe are strongly correlated with fetal heart development. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms.

Methylation of serotonin regulating genes in cord blood cells: association with maternal metabolic parameters and correlation with methylation in peripheral blood cells during childhood and adolescence

BackgroundSerotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) signaling is involved in neurodevelopment, mood regulation, energy metabolism, and other physiological processes. DNA methylation plays a significant role in modulating the expression of genes responsible for maintaining 5-HT balance, such as 5-HT transporter (SLC6A4), monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), and 5-HT receptor type 2A (HTR2A). Maternal metabolic health can influence long-term outcomes in offspring, with DNA methylation mediating these effects. We investigated associations between maternal metabolic parameters—pre-pregnancy body mass index (pBMI), gestational weight gain (GWG), and glucose tolerance status (GTS), i.e., gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) versus normal glucose tolerance (NGT)—and cord blood methylation of SLC6A4, MAOA, and HTR2A in participants from our PlaNS birth cohort. CpG sites (15, 9, and 2 in each gene, respectively) were selected based on literature and in silico data. Methylation levels were quantified by bisulfite pyrosequencing. We also examined the stability of methylation patterns in these genes in circulating blood cells from birth to adolescence using longitudinal DNA methylation data from the ARIES database.ResultsNone of the 203 PlaNS mothers included in this study had preexisting diabetes, 99 were diagnosed with GDM, and 104 had NGT; all neonates were born at full term by planned Cesarean section. Methylation at most CpG sites differed between male and female newborns. SLC6A4 methylation correlated inversely with maternal pBMI and GWG, while methylation at HTR2A site -1665 correlated positively with GWG. None of the maternal metabolic parameters statistically associated with MAOA methylation. DNA methylation data in cord blood and peripheral blood at ages 7 and 15 years were available for 808 participants from the ARIES database; 4 CpG sites (2 in SLC6A4 and 2 in HTR2A) overlapped between the PlaNS and ARIES cohorts. A positive correlation between methylation levels in cord blood and peripheral blood at 7 and 15 years of age was observed for both SLC6A4 and HTR2A CpG sites.ConclusionsMethylation of 5-HT regulating genes in cord blood cells is influenced by neonatal sex, with maternal metabolism playing an additional role. Inter-individual variations present in circulating blood cells at birth are still pronounced in childhood and adolescence.

Gestational diabetes mellitus enhances cobalt placental transfer efficiency between mother and infant

Background: The fetal stage is pivotal for growth and development, making it susceptible to the adverse effects of prenatal metal(loid)s exposure. This study evaluated the influence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on the placental transfer efficiency (PTE) of metal(loid)s and thus assessed the associated risks of prenatal metal(loid)s exposure. Materials and method: Designed as a case-control study, it incorporated 114 pregnant participants: 65 without complications and 49 diagnosed with GDM. We utilized inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to quantify seven metal(loid)s - manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), gallium (Ga), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd) - in both maternal venous blood and umbilical cord blood. Result: We compared metal(loid)s concentrations and their PTE in the maternal and cord blood between the two groups. Notably, Cu, Ga, As, and Co levels in the umbilical cord blood of the GDM group (657.9 ± 167.2 μg/L, 1.23 ± 0.34 μg/L, 5.19 ± 2.58 μg/L, 1.09 ± 2.03 μg/L) surpassed those of the control group, with PTE of Co showing a marked increase in GDM group (568.8 ± 150.4 μg/L, 1.05 ± 0.31 μg/L, 4.09 ± 2.54 μg/L, 0.47 ± 0.91 μg/L), with PTE of Co showing a marked increase in GDM group (p < 0.05). The PTE of Ni exhibited a reduction in the GDM group relative to the control group, yet this decrease did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: This study indicates that GDM can influence the placental transfer efficiency of certain metal(loid)s, leading to higher concentrations of Co, Cu, Ga, and As in the umbilical cord blood of the GDM group. The marked increase in the PTE of Co suggests a potential link to placental abnormal angiogenesis due to GDM.

MicroRNAs in Umbilical Cord Blood and Development in Full-Term Newborns: A Prospective Study.

Exploring the epigenetic regulations, such as microRNA, in newborns holds significant promise for enhancing our ability to address and potentially prevent early-life developmental delays. Hence, this research seeks to investigate if the expression of miRNA in the umbilical cord blood of infants can forecast their developmental outcomes as they grow older. We enrolled 143 full-term newborns, delivered either via cesarean section (CS) or through natural spontaneous delivery (NSD). We then analyzed the profiles of specific miRNAs (miR-486-5p, miR-126-5p, miR-140-3p, miR-151a-3p, miR-142-5p, and miR-30e-5p) in the umbilical cord blood of these infants. Subsequently, we performed follow-up assessments using Bayley-III scores when the cohort reached 1 year of age. Furthermore, we conducted pathway-enrichment analyses on the target genes associated with these examined miRNAs. When comparing newborns delivered via cesarean section (CS) to those born via natural spontaneous delivery (NSD), we observed notable differences. Specifically, newborns through NSD displayed significantly higher ΔCt values for miR-486-5p, alongside lower ΔCt values for miR-126-5p and miR-151a-3p in their cord blood. At 1 year of age, cognitive development was significantly linked to the ΔCt values of miR-140-3p and miR-142-5p, while language development showed a significant association with the ΔCt values of miR-140-3p. Moreover, our pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the target genes of these miRNAs were consistently involved in the pathways related to neurons, such as axon guidance and the neurotrophin signaling pathway. In summary, this study represents a pioneering effort in elucidating the potential connections between miRNA levels in cord blood and the health indicators and neurodevelopment of newborns at 1 year of age. Our findings underscore the significance of miRNA levels at birth in influencing mechanisms related to neurodevelopment.

Cord blood vitamin A and vitamin D levels in relation to physical growth in exclusively breastfed infants aged 0-6 months.

Vitamins A and D are essential for the health of pregnant women and infants. Nevertheless, the relationship between umbilical cord blood vitamins A and D levels and the physical growth of exclusively breastfed infants remains uncertain. This cohort study aims to examine the relationship between cord blood vitamins A and D levels and the physical growth of exclusively breastfed infants aged 0-6 months. 140 singleton mother-infant pairs were recruited in total. Questionnaires were used to collect maternal and infant information, and liquid chromatography was utilized to quantify the levels of vitamins A and D in the umbilical cord blood. Anthropometric measurements were conducted at birth, at 3 and 6 months of age, and the weight-for-age z-score (WAZ), length-for-age z-score (LAZ), head circumference-for-age z-score (HAZ), and BMI-for-age z-score (BMIZ) were calculated. Univariate and multivariate linear regression models were used for the analysis. The average concentration of vitamins A and D in cord blood was 0.58 ± 0.20 μmol/L and 34.07 ± 13.35 nmol/L, both below the normal range for children. After adjusting for confounding factors, vitamin A levels in cord blood positively correlated with HAZ growth in infants aged 3-6 months (β= 0.75, P < 0.01) while vitamin D levels negatively correlated with LAZ growth (β= -0.01, P = 0.01) and positively correlated with BMIZ growth (β= 0.02, P < 0.01). Higher Vitamin A levels at birth promote HAZ growth in infants aged 3-6 months while higher vitamin D levels at birth promote BMIZ growth in infants aged 3-6 months. https://register.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT04017286.

Blood lead levels in pregnant women and their newborn infants at an Indian teaching hospital.

With the growth of the world's economy and industrialization, lead (Pb) contamination in the environment has become a major issue on a global scale. Lead is typically linked to unfavorable pregnancy outcomes such as stillbirth, low birth weight preterm, and spontaneous abortion. In this study, we evaluated the blood lead levels of pregnant women and their birth outcomes attending an Indian tertiary care teaching hospital, those who were not exposed to any lead-associated industry or shops. A descriptive study was undertaken to evaluate blood lead estimation in pregnant women and umbilical blood lead levels in a community hospital. Blood samples from 104 mothers during the 1st trimester, 90 mothers during 3rd trimester, and from the umbilical cord were collected. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect information on demographics, medical history, and concerns linked to pregnancy. Following acid digestion, the levels of lead in whole blood were determined by an atomic absorption spectrometer. The DNA damage in high blood lead-concentrated pregnant women was evaluated by comet assay methods. Among 194 blood samples of pregnant women, 31 (15.98%) samples revealed ≥5 μg/dL blood lead levels. High lead concentration (≥5 µg/dL) in 1st trimester pregnant women, end of 3rd trimester and cord blood were detected 20.19%, 11.11% and 1.11% respectively. The mean blood lead levels in 1st trimester, 3rd trimester, and cord blood were 3.88 ± 3.19, 2.66 ± 1.82, and 1.53 ± 1.06 mg/dL, respectively. The blood lead concentrations were significantly higher in the 1st trimester of pregnancy than in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy (P < 0.0017). A positive correlation between maternal and infant blood lead levels was revealed (P < 0.0001). When the comet assay was used to assess the genotoxic consequences of elevated blood lead levels during pregnancy, higher amounts of DNA damage were found in the samples (P < 0.01). In this descriptive study, there was a significant amount of lead transferred from mother to baby through the placenta. All mothers were not exposed to lead-associated industry and most were housewives. This article may be viewed as an eye-opener for understanding the blood lead concentration during pregnancy to avoid abnormal birth outcomes. To minimize exposure to environmental lead, all possible measures should be undertaken.

Norepinephrine versus phenylephrine for managing maternal hypotension during cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia: a meta-analysis of maternal and neonatal outcomes

Norepinephrine or phenylephrine administration to prevent and treat hypotension during spinal anesthesia for cesarean section has been a significant topic of discussion. This meta-analysis aimed to update existing evidence and provide further insights into neonatal and maternal outcomes associated with norepinephrine and phenylephrine. Review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to assess the effectiveness of norepinephrine and phenylephrine in managing maternal hypotension during cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia. Neonatal umbilical cord blood pH and maternal hypotension were the primary outcomes. Based on the analysis of 26 RCTs with 2984 participants, we found no significant difference between the norepinephrine and phenylephrine groups in umbilical artery pH in neonates (mean difference (MD) 0.00; 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.00 to 0.01, p = 0.20). Neonates Apgar scores did not differ between both groups. Norepinephrine was associated with lower incidences of bradycardia (risk ratio (RR) 0.44; 95% CI 0.37 to 0.51, p &lt; 0.001) and reactive hypertension (RR 0.53; 95% CI 0.39 to 0.72, p &lt; 0.001) in parturient women than phenylephrine. In neither group did umbilical cord blood levels of partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) and base excess (BE) levels of neonates differ significantly, nor did maternal hypotension, nausea or vomiting incidence during delivery. For maternal hypotension after spinal anesthesia, norepinephrine and phenylephrine did not significantly differ in neonatal acidemia. Despite similarities to phenylephrine in managing hypotension and maintaining maternal hemodynamic stability, norepinephrine is a promising alternative.

Pneumoprotein CC16 in the Umbilical Cord Blood of Preterm Neonates.

We examined the impact of perinatal factors on cord serum club cell protein (CC16) and the association of CC16 with mechanical ventilation and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm neonates. A retrospective cohort study including 60 neonates born with gestational age (GA) < 34 weeks. The impact of categorical perinatal factors on cord blood levels of CC16 was examined with univariate and multivariate regression analyses. In neonates with GA < 32 weeks, cord blood CC16 concentrations were significantly lower compared to neonates with GA between 320/7 and 336/7 weeks (5.4 ± 2.5 compared to 7.6 ± 2.9 ng/mL, p = 0.039). Neonates with prolonged rupture of membranes had significantly lower CC16 compared to those without prolonged rupture of membranes (4.0 ± 1.9 compared to 7.2 ± 2.2, p < 0.001). Finally, neonates with BPD had significantly lower CC16, compared to neonates without BPD (4.2 ± 2.1 compared to 7.0 ± 2.2 ng/mL, p = 0.004).Prolonged rupture of membranes was significantly negatively associated with CC16 (b = -2.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.49 to -4.85, p = 0.017), after adjusting for GA (b = 0.23, 95% CI 0.03-0.42, p = 0.022), mode of conception, and mode of delivery. Finally, higher CC16 levels were significantly inversely associated with BPD (odds ratio = 0.33, 95% CI 0.12-0.88, p = 0.028), after adjusting for GA (b = 0.27, 95% CI 0.09-0.78, p = 0.015), and birth weight. Prolonged rupture of membranes was significantly negatively associated with cord serum CC16, after adjusting for GA, conception, and delivery mode, and CC16 was significantly inversely associated with BPD, after adjusting for GA and birth weight. · Neonates with prolonged rupture of membranes had lower CC16 levels.. · CC16 was significantly negatively associated with BPD.. · CC16 could be a biomarker of lung injury and BPD..

Effect of Mobile Phone Usage During Pregnancy on Total Oxidant and Antioxidant Levels in Cord Blood

Effect of Mobile Phone Usage During Pregnancy on Total Oxidant and Antioxidant Levels in Cord Blood

Placental Streptococcus agalactiae DNA is associated with neonatal unit admission and foetal pro-inflammatory cytokines in term infants

Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus; GBS) is a common cause of sepsis in neonates. Previous work detected GBS DNA in the placenta in ~5% of women before the onset of labour, but the clinical significance of this finding is unknown. Here we re-analysed this dataset as a case control study of neonatal unit (NNU) admission. Of 436 infants born at term (≥37 weeks of gestation), 7/30 with placental GBS and 34/406 without placental GBS were admitted to the NNU (odds ratio (OR) 3.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3–7.8). We then performed a validation study using non-overlapping subjects from the same cohort. This included a further 239 cases of term NNU admission and 686 term controls: 16/36 with placental GBS and 223/889 without GBS were admitted to the NNU (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2–4.6). Of the 36 infants with placental GBS, 10 were admitted to the NNU with evidence of probable but culture-negative sepsis (OR 4.8, 95% CI 2.2–10.3), 2 were admitted with proven GBS sepsis (OR 66.6, 95% CI 7.3–963.7), 6 were admitted and had chorioamnionitis (inflammation of the foetal membranes) (OR 5.3, 95% CI 2.0–13.4), and 5 were admitted and had funisitis (inflammation of the umbilical cord) (OR 6.7, 95% CI 12.5–17.7). Foetal cytokine storm (two or more pro-inflammatory cytokines >10 times median control levels in umbilical cord blood) was present in 36% of infants with placental GBS DNA and 4% of cases where the placenta was negative (OR 14.2, 95% CI 3.6–60.8). Overall, ~1 in 200 term births had GBS detected in the placenta, which was associated with infant NNU admission and morbidity.

Bisphenol derivatives in cord blood and association between thyroid hormones and potential exposure sources

ABSTRACT Endocrine-disrupting environmental chemicals are a public health concern, particularly fetal exposure to Bisphenol derivatives. This study aimed to assess fetal exposure to Bisphenol derivatives (BPA, BPF, and BPS) by measuring their levels in cord blood and investigating their association with plastic material used in daily life as well as cord blood TSH and free L-thyroxine (fT4) levels. In this descriptive study, a questionnaire with a face-to-face interview was administered before birth, and cord blood samples were taken immediately after delivery. The mean levels of BPA, BPF, TSH, and fT4 were measured as 10.69 ± 2.39 ng/ml, 3.80 ± 0.58 ng/ml; 2.36 ± 0.23 µIU/ml, and 14.18 ± 0.53 pg/ml, respectively, in a total of 104 cord blood samples. All BPS levels remained below the detection limit. Linear regression analysis revealed a positive association between birth weight and cord blood BPA concentration (β = 0.26; p = 0.02). Further research on maternal exposure during the fetal and neonatal period is critical for public health.