Differences In Low Birth Weight Research Articles

Perinatal Outcomes of Women with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Undergoing Frozen Embryo Transfer from the Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology Database

To assess whether infants born to women with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) have an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes following frozen embryo transfer (FET) compared to women without a history of infertility or RPL. Retrospective cohort study utilizing the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcomes Reporting System (SART CORS) database between 2014 and 2020. Patients in the SART CORS database who underwent their first FET resulting in live birth either with a diagnosis of RPL (cases n=3,299) or without a history of RPL or infertility, the comparison population being tubal ligation (TL) only (n=1408). Recurrent pregnancy loss MAIN OUTCOME: Low birthweight (<2500g), additional outcomes included gestational age (continuous), birthweight (continuous), preterm delivery (< 37 weeks), mode of delivery, and neonatal death, defined as death prior to the completion of the 28th day of life. We observed no statistically significant difference in low birthweight, birthweight overall, mode of delivery or risk of neonatal death between patients with RPL compared to women with tubal ligation who underwent their first FET resulting in live birth. Patients with history of RPL compared to TL utilizing FET were more likely to have a later gestational age at delivery (p<0.001). Patients with RPL were also less likely to have a preterm delivery (imputed AOR 0.75 [0.64, 0.89]) than the TL patients. Furthermore, performing preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGTA) in both patients with recurrent pregnancy loss or tubal ligation did not impact perinatal outcomes compared to patients who did not undergo PGTA. Patients with history of recurrent pregnancy loss do not have an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes when they undergo FET compared to patients without infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss. In addition, performing IVF/PGTA in patients with RPL does not adversely impact birth outcomes of their infants.

In Vitro Fertilization and Hearing Impairment in Twins.

This study investigates the potential correlation between in vitro fertilization (IVF) and hearing impairment in twins compared to naturally conceived twins. Analyzing data from 2416 twin infants born between 2019 and 2021. Analyze the pregnancy conditions and complications of mothers, the birth conditions of newborns, perinatal diseases, initial hearing screening results, and subsequent follow-up conditions. Our findings reveal that the incidence of hearing impairment in IVF-conceived twins is comparable to that in naturally conceived twins. Significant differences in low birth weight, preterm birth, respiratory distress syndrome, and hyperbilirubinemia were observed between infants who passed and referred the hearing screening (P ＜ 0.05). The IVF group exhibited a lower incidence of low birth weight (P < 0.05) and older maternal age (P < 0.05), while showing higher rates of placental abnormalities and placental abruption (P < 0.05). Notably, these distinctions did not translate into a significant impact on hearing impairment. Regardless of the method of conception, the following key factors contributing to hearing impairment in twins were identified: low birth weight, preterm birth, respiratory distress syndrome, and hyperbilirubinemia. IVF technology does not exert specific effects on hearing impairment in twins, with perinatal complications being the primary influencing factors.

PEMBERIAN ASI EKSKLUSIF DAN BERAT BADAN LAHIR RENDAH PADA BALITA STUNTING DI WILAYAH DESA TANAK BEAK NUSA TENGGARA BARAT

Stunting is an indicator of health in toddlers, namely chronic nutritional status which results in stunted growth and development. Low birth weight and lack of exclusive breastfeeding are factors that can cause stunting in toddlers. The aim of this research is to analyze differences in exclusive breastfeeding and birth weight among stunted toddlers in the Tanak Beak Village area, West Nusa Tenggara. The research design was cross sectional with a research sample of 60 stunted toddlers aged 6-59 months who were collected using a purposive sampling method. Nutritional status data was collected by measuring using a baby length board and stadiometer with the criteria of a Z-score TB/U or PB/U of less than -2 SD. Data on characteristics and exclusive breastfeeding were obtained through interviews and birth weight was obtained from secondary data from the Community Health Center. Data were analyzed using T-test. The results of the study showed that there was no significant difference in low birth weight (p=0.882) in stunted toddlers, while there was a difference in exclusive breastfeeding (p=0.041) in stunted toddlers in the posyandu1 and posyandu2 areas. The conclusion is that there is no difference in low birth weight in stunted toddlers, while there is a difference in exclusive breastfeeding in stunted toddlers in the posyandu1 and posyandu2 areas. There is a need to increase coverage and efforts to improve the quality of exclusive breastfeeding to optimize efforts to prevent stunting.

The Right Ventricular Fetal Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion Index Is a New Index for Evaluating Fetal Cardiac Function of Gestational Hypertension.

The right ventricular fetal tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion index (FTI) can be used to evaluate right ventricular systolic function. The purpose of this study was to establish the reference range of the FTI in normal fetuses and evaluate its diagnostic value in hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. In this prospective observational study, the right ventricular FTI was measured in 208 normal single-gestation fetuses between 20 and 40 weeks. With the increase in gestational age, the right ventricular FTI did not significantly fluctuate. With the increase in the severity of HDCP, the right ventricular FTI decreased gradually. Compared with the normal group, the low right ventricular FTI group had a higher incidence of premature delivery and emergency delivery due to continuous abnormal fetal heart monitoring, but there were no significant differences in low birth weight, new born Apgar score less than 7 in 5 minutes, or admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. The FTI of the right ventricle of normal fetuses is relatively constant at different gestational weeks. The right ventricular FTI can be used to evaluate fetal cardiac function changes in pregnant women with HDCP.

Dietary Intake and Its Association with Birth Outcomes in Women with Nausea and Vomiting during the Second Trimester of Pregnancy: A Prospective Cohort Study in Japan.

Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) is a common symptom. Although the influence of NVP during the first trimester on dietary intake and birth outcomes has been revealed, no study has focused on NVP during the second trimester. This study aimed to reveal whether NVP severity during the second trimester is associated with dietary intake, gestational weight gain (GWG), birth weight, and delivery week. Participants completed a questionnaire at 18-27 gestational weeks. NVP severity was assessed using the modified Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis and Nausea scale in the questionnaire. Dietary habits were assessed using a brief-type diet history questionnaire. In total, 825 responses were analyzed: 202 (24.5%), 135 (16.4%), and 8 (1.0%) women reported mild, moderate, and severe NVP, respectively; 480 (58.2%) women did not have NVP during the second trimester. No significant association was observed between energy and nutrient intake and no/mild and moderate/severe NVP. Women with moderate/severe NVP had lower total GWG than those with no/mild NVP (p = 0.007). There was no significant difference in low birth weight and preterm birth rates (p = 0.246 and p = 0.604). This is the first study to investigate whether NVP severity during the second trimester is associated with dietary intake and birth outcomes.

Young Birthing Age and Delivery and Neonatal Outcomes [ID: 1356517

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study is to examine differences in obstetric delivery and neonatal outcomes between young birthing patients (age 18 years or younger) and a standard risk birthing population (age 25–30 years). METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients delivering between 2012 and 2017 in a single urban academic health system. Outcomes were examined for a young birthing cohort (n=528) and compared with a standard risk cohort age 25–30 years (n=937). This study was identified as exempt by the local IRB. RESULTS: When examining delivery outcomes, young birthing age was associated with a lower risk of cesarean section, even after adjusting for a history of prior cesarean section (13.4% versus 30.7%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.41), and a lower risk of postpartum hemorrhage (8.5% versus 12.85, aOR 0.48), all with P&lt;.05. However, young age was also associated with an increased risk of delivery at less than 37 weeks of gestation (15.2% versus 9.5%, OR 1.96). When examining neonatal outcomes, young birthing age was associated with a lower rate of congenital anomalies at birth (6.6% versus 14.4%, aOR 0.42). After adjusting for covariates, there was no difference in low birth weight or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. CONCLUSION: Young birthing patients have delivery outcomes that vary from those of a standard birthing cohort, with a lower risk of cesarean delivery and postpartum hemorrhage but an increased risk of preterm birth. In addition, younger birthing patients have a lower risk of anomalies identified at birth but no increased risk of lower birth weight or NICU admission. These data may help tailor birthing programs for younger patients to better address their specific delivery risks.

Detecting geographical clusters of low birth weight and/or preterm birth in Japan

In Japan, mean birth weight has significantly decreased from 3152 g in 1979 to 3018 g in 2010 and the prevalence of preterm birth (PTB) has risen to 5.7% in the last thirty years. However, the presence and magnitude of geographical differences in low birthweight (LBW) and/or PTB in Japan is not well understood. We implemented spatial analysis to identify localized clusters and hot spots of LBW and/or PTB during 2012–2016. The Japan national birth database was used in this study. A total of 5,041,685 (male: 2,587,415, female: 2,454,270) births were used for spatial analysis using empirical Bayes estimates of the incidence rate of LBW and/or PTB and spatial scan tests to detect hot-spot areas with p values calculated from Monte Carlo iterations. The most and second likely clusters were located in two areas: (1) the small islands in south-west Japan (Amami and Okinawa, Relative risk = 1.09–1.67 with p < 0.001) and (2) the cities on the base of Mt. Fuji, stretching over three neighboring prefectures of Yamanashi, Shizuoka and Kanagawa (Relative risk = 1.10–1.55 with p < 0.001), respectively. We need to optimize the medical resource allocations based on the evidence in geographical clustering of LBW and/or PTB at specific locations in Japan.

The relationship between COVID-19 vaccination status in pregnancy and birth weight

Previous studies demonstrated no difference in low birth weight (LBW; weight ≤ 2500 grams at birth) risk between vaccinated and unvaccinated persons against COVID-19. Few studies, however, have explored the association between unvaccinated, partially, and fully vaccinated status and LBW. We evaluated this association between vaccination status and LBW.

Relationship between historical developments in the percentages of low birthweight and fetal mortality in Spain

ObjectiveTo document the differences in low birthweight in different population subgroups and to analyze its possible relationship with fetal mortality rates in Spain. MethodWe used the microdata on live births and stillbirths since 1975 to 2020 from the Spanish National Statistics Institute to examine differentials in delivering a low birthweight controlling for different sociodemographic variables and to determine the relationship between low birthweight and fetal mortality. No statistical analysis was necessary beyond the calculation of percentages and rates. ResultsThe data at our disposal for Spain confirm the historical increase in the incidence of low birthweight and allow us to link trends in low birthweight with a decrease in the fetal mortality rate. When fetal mortality is high, the incidence of low birthweight is low, given that a natural selection effect takes place. ConclusionsThe surprising historical increase in the incidence of low birthweight in Spain can be explained by the improvement in mortality rates. As more fetuses of lower gestational age are born alive, cases of low birthweight also increase.

US-Born Black Women and Black Immigrant Women: an Exploration of Disparities in Health Care and Sociodemographic Factors Related to Low Birth Weight.

This study explores whether nativity differences in health care and sociodemographic factors help to account for nativity differences in low birth weight (LBW) when comparing US-born Black women (USBW) to Black Immigrant women (BIW). Bivariate analyses and multinomial nested logit (MNL) models were performed using the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) dataset. Statistically significant nativity differences between USBW and BIW were found across variables of LBW (p = .009), marital status (p < .001), education level (p < .001), receiving public assistance (p < .001), health care coverage (p < .001), age (p < .001), and poverty level income (p < .001). Results from the MNL models indicated that BIW were 91% less likely to have a LBW baby (p < .001). When accounting for other sociodemographic and health care related variables differing by nativity, although a statistically significant, narrowing gap between BIW and USBW was observed (OR = .12, p < .001), BIW were still less likely to have a LBW baby. Differences between USBW and BIW across sociodemographic variables and health care related factors related to adverse pregnancy outcomes were observed in this study. Controlling for the factors attenuated nativity differences but did not eliminate the differences on LBW. Future research should continue to explore this relationship.

Serum metabolomic characterization in pigs in relation to birth weight category and neonatal nutrition.

The objective of this study was to characterize developmental differences in low birth weight (LBW) and normal birth weight (NBW) piglets with or without pre-weaning nutrient restriction using serum metabolomic profile analysis. At farrowing, 112 piglets were identified as LBW (1.22 ± 0.28 kg) or NBW (1.70 ± 0.27 kg) and were randomly assigned to receive normal nutrition (NN) or restricted nutrition (RN) (6 h/day no suckling) from days 2 to 28 post farrow (n = 8 pigs/group). On day 28, piglets were weaned onto a common diet. Fasted blood samples were obtained on days 28 and 56 (n = 8 pigs/group) and were analyzed using quantitative metabolomics via a combination of direct injection mass spectrometry with a reverse-phase LC-MS/MS custom assay. Data were normalized using logarithmic transformation and auto-scaling. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was carried out to further explore the differential metabolites among the groups (metaboanalyst.ca) with an integrated enrichment and pathway topography analysis. On day 28, LBW piglets had lower levels of essential amino acids as well as reduced metabolites associated with fatty acid oxidation, glycolysis, and the tri-carboxylic acid (TCA) cycle compared to the NBW group. The overall reduction of metabolites associated with energy production and regulation suggests that LBW vs. NBW are in an energy-survival state. On day 56, LBW pigs had increased utilization of fatty acids and resultant ketone production, evident by increased carnitines, acetoacetate, β-hydroxybutyrate, and glycerol compared to NBW pigs. In addition, compared to the NBW pigs LBW pigs had a consistent decrease in serum glucose and lactate as well as reduced TCA cycle metabolites: pyruvate, succinate, citrate, and α-ketoglutaric acid similar to day 28. Low reliance on glycolysis and the TCA cycle and higher glycerol production in the LBW pigs may indicate impairments in glucose tolerance at 56 d. In summary, LBW piglets appear to have more metabolic alterations in early life, which is not resolved with adequate nutrition or refeeding and may elucidate physiological and metabolic mechanisms of poor growth and life performance compared to NBW pigs later in life.

PSVI-4 Serum Metabolomic Characterization of Birth Weight and Neonatal Nutrient Restriction on Piglet Growth and Development

Abstract The objective was to characterize developmental differences in low birth weight (LBW) and normal birth weight (NBW) piglets with or without nutrient restriction using serum metabolomic profile analysis. After farrowing, 112 piglets were selected as LBW (1.22 ± 0.28 kg) or NBW (1.70 ± 0.27 kg) and were categorized to receive normal nutrition (NN) or restricted nutrition (RN - 6 h/day no suckling) until d 28 when the pigs were weaned onto a common diet until d 56. Blood samples were taken on d 28 and d 56 (n=8 pigs/treatment) and were analyzed using quantitative metabolomics via a combination of direct injection mass spectrometry with a reverse-phase LC-MS/MS custom assay (TMIC prime). Data were normalized using logarithmic transformation and auto-scaling. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was carried out to further explore the differential metabolites among the treatments (metaboanalyst.ca) with an integrated enrichment and pathway topography analysis. The results suggest that at d 28, LBW piglets had decreased metabolites associated with fatty acid oxidation, glycolysis and TCA cycle metabolites, and essential amino acids such as valine, leucine, arginine. These indicate a decrease utilization of gluconeogenic, and TCA cycle pathways compared with the NBW group. On d 56, LBW piglets had increased utilization of fatty acids, exhibited by increased production of serum acetoacetate, B-hydroxybutyrate, glycerol, compared with NBW. Additionally, the LBW piglets had decreased glucose utilization, pyruvate, succinate, citrate, a-ketoglutaric acid, and lactate compared with the NBW piglets. Due to low utilization of glycolysis and the TCA cycle, associated amino acids were less in LBW piglets, except for a increased glycerol which may indicate impairments in glucose tolerance. In summary, LBW piglets appear to have more metabolic deficiencies in early life, which is not resolved with nutrition in early life, but may be responsive to a tailored nutritional intervention post-weaning.

Precision in prescription: multiple micronutrient supplements in pregnancy

Precision in prescription: multiple micronutrient supplements in pregnancy

Population birth outcomes and experiences of expectant mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Wales: a mixed methods study

BackgroundPregnancy can be a stressful time and the COVID-19 pandemic is thought to have heightened maternal stress. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on population birth outcomes, uptake of primary immunisations, and expectant mothers' experiences of pregnancy in Wales. MethodsIn this mixed methods study we analysed stillbirths, prematurity, birthweight and caesarean section births before (2016–19) and during (2020) the pandemic using national routine anonymised data held in the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage Databank. Uptake of the first three scheduled primary immunisations were compared between 2019 and 2020. Immunisations were extracted from the routinely collected data in the National Community Child Health Database. We compared percentages between years the ran χ2 with Yates correction for the three percentages given. Expectant mothers (aged ≥16 years) in Wales completed an online survey about their experiences of pregnancy during the pandemic. Inclusion criteria was being aged 16 years or older and living in Wales. The qualitative survey data was analysed using codebook thematic analysis. Ethical approval was granted by Swansea University Ethics Committee and each participant provided written consent before answering any survey questions. FindingsThere was no significant difference between annual outcomes including gestation and birthweight, stillbirths, and caesarean sections for infants born in 2020 compared with 2016–19. Difference in gestation (moderate to late preterm difference –0·26%, 95% CI –0·52% to –0·01%). Difference in low birthweight 0·13% (0·00% to 0·26%). Difference in stillbirths –0·01% (–0·02% to 0·00%). Difference in caesarean sections –0·42% (–1·13% to 0·29%). There was an increase in late-term births (≥42 weeks gestation) during the first lockdown (odds ratio [OR] 1·28, p=0·019) and a decrease in moderate to late preterm births (32–36 weeks gestation) during the second lockdown (OR 0·74, p=0·001). Fewer babies were born in 2020 (n=29 031) compared with 2016–19 (n=32 582; mean [SD 1561]). All babies received their immunisations in 2020, but there were minor delays in the timings of vaccines. Those vaccinations due at 8-weeks were 8% less likely to be on time (within 28 days) and, at 16-weeks, they were 19% less likely to be on time. The pandemic had a negative effect on the mental health of 151 (72%) of 211 survey respondents, who reported feeling anxious, nervous, or depressed; this finding was associated with attending scans without their partner, giving birth alone, and minimal contact with midwives. InterpretationThe COVID-19 pandemic had a negative effect on mothers' experiences of pregnancy; however, population data suggests that this did not translate to adverse birth outcomes for babies born during the pandemic. FundingHealth Care Research Wales

Comparison of adverse birth outcomes among HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women delivering in high and low risk settings in the era of universal ART in Malawi: a registry study

ABSTRACT Background: Recent studies show that ART is associated with an adverse birth outcome in HIV-infected women. Aim: To compare rates of low birthweight (LBW) and preterm birth (PTB) between HIV-infected women receiving lifelong ART and HIV-uninfected women giving birth in low- and high-risk settings in Malawi. Methods: This observational, registry study was conducted from January 2016 to August 2017 in one large, tertiary referral hospital and four primary healthcare (PHC) facilities in Blantyre, Malawi. Women who delivered singleton live births or stillbirths of ≥20 weeks gestation were included in the analysis. Descriptive and stratified analyses were conducted using χ2 tests and multivariable logistic models to control for maternal age, gravidity and health facility. Results: A total of 14,233 births were included in the analysis (7715 from the tertiary hospital and 6518 from PHC facilities). In the univariable analysis, there were no differences in rates of LBW (6.7% vs 6.4%) and PTB (42.5% vs 42.0%) between HIV-infected and -uninfected women delivering in PHC facilities. However, differences in LBW were significantly higher in HIV-infected women in multivariable analysis (LBW aOR 1.40, 95% CI 1.01–1.95). Rates of LBW and PTB were significantly higher in HIV-infected women than in uninfected women delivering at the tertiary hospital (LBW 17.6% vs 13.2%, aOR 1.53, 95% CI 1.27–1.85; PTB 28.2% vs 24.9%, aOR 1.37, 95% CI 1.17–1.60) Conclusion: Rates of adverse birth outcomes are significantly higher in HIV-infected women than in HIV-uninfected women, and this is more apparent in high-risk hospital settings than in low-risk PHC settings.

Geographic Variation in Reproductive Health Among the Black Population in the US: An Analysis of Nativity, Region of Origin, and Division of Residence

Reproductive health outcomes are indicators of larger social processes and researchers have long documented inequalities in these outcomes among Blacks and Whites in the United States. However, we do not fully understand the underlying mechanisms responsible for these inequalities. We believe that this is partially due to the treatment of the Black population as a monolith, which masks underlying variation in health risks and outcomes. By examining the variation that exists beneath the average, we can begin to develop a better understanding of the potential sources of health inequalities between Blacks and other racialized populations. We provide an application of this perspective through a geographic examination of reproductive health outcomes within the Black population. Using national birth records data from 2013 to 2016, we examine differences in low birth weight, preterm birth, gestational hypertension, and gestational diabetes by nativity (i.e., US- or foreign-born), region of origin (e.g., Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean), and current US division of residence (e.g., Middle Atlantic, South Atlantic) within the Black population. While foreign-born Blacks are at a lower risk for low birth weight, preterm birth, and gestational hypertension, they are at an elevated risk for gestational diabetes compared to US-born Blacks. Moreover, we find substantial variation in this general pattern across region of origin and division of residence in the US. These findings demonstrate the potential role of migration, context, and selectivity in the health of foreign-born Blacks and demonstrate that national averages mask geographic variation, limiting our understanding of the contributions of these and other social processes to the health of racialized groups in the US.

Neonatal outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome after frozen-thawed embryo transfer

To compare the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes after frozen embryo transfer (FET) among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with those among women without PCOS. Retrospective cohort study. Tertiary-care academic medical center. In this study, we included 1,167 singletons born to mothers with PCOS and 9,995 singletons born to mothers without PCOS after FET during the period from January 1, 2007, to December 31,2019. None. Adverse neonatal outcomes including preterm birth, low birth weight, high birth weight, small for gestational age (SGA), and large for gestational age. The odds of preterm birth were significantly higher among infants from mothers with PCOS compared with those from mothers without PCOS. The odds of low birth weight and SGA were lower in mothers with PCOS compared with mothers without PCOS in the overall analysis, but the differences in low birth weight and SGA between mothers with and without PCOS did not exist in the subgroup analysis with a normal BMI population. The diagnosis of PCOS was independently associated with increased odds of preterm birth among women with singleton pregnancies by FET. In addition, decreased odds of low birth weight and SGA were observed among patients with PCOS, but the increased odds were not observed in the subset analysis of patients with PCOS with normal BMI.

Pregnant women with COVID-19 and risk of adverse birth outcomes and maternal-fetal vertical transmission: a population-based cohort study in Wuhan, China

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is evolving rapidly worldwide. However, little is known about the association between pregnant women with COVID-19 and the risk of adverse birth outcomes.MethodWe conducted a retrospective cohort study based on the Maternal and Child Health Information System (MCHIMS) of Wuhan, China. All pregnant women with singleton live birth recorded by the system between January 13 and March 18, 2020, were included. The adverse birth outcomes were preterm birth, low birth weight, neonatal asphyxia, premature rupture of membrane (PROM), and cesarean section delivery. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the associations between maternal COVID-19 diagnosis and adverse birth outcomes.ResultsOut of 11,078 pregnant women, 65 were confirmed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). No deaths occurred from these confirmed cases or their newborns. Compared to pregnant women without COVID-19, pregnant women with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis had an increased risk of preterm birth (OR 3.34, 95% CI 1.60–7.00) and cesarean section (OR 3.63, 95% CI 1.95–6.76). There was no statistical difference in low birth weight, neonatal asphyxia, and PROM between the mothers with and without COVID-19. Among these newborns that were born to mothers with confirmed COVID-19, none was tested severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) positive or had abnormal CT results. Only one had diarrhea and three had a fever.ConclusionsThis population-based cohort study suggests that COVID-19 during the later pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of adverse birth outcomes, including iatrogenic preterm birth and cesarean section delivery. Our data provide little evidence for maternal-fetal vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2. It is important to monitor the long-term health effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on pregnant women and their children.

Gender Difference in the Association between Environmental Tobacco Smoke and Birth Weight in Africa.

The adverse health effects of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) on children are well-documented, and yet, gender difference in low birthweight among newborns whose mothers were exposed to ETS during pregnancy still remains contentious. We therefore explored the association between ETS exposure and risk of low birthweight, and further determined the gender difference in the association between exposure to ETS during pregnancy and birth weight in Africa. The Demographic Health Surveys of 23 African countries with information on 208,027 newborns were used. The associations between exposure to ETS and birth weight was estimated using multiple logistic regression models. Exposure to ETS increased the risk of low birthweight in Africa (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.06; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.02–1.10). A stratified analysis, by gender, revealed that male newborns whose mothers were exposed to ETS were 1.08 (95% CI: 1.02–1.14) times more likely to be low in birthweight than those whose mothers were not exposed, with those exposed weekly (adjusted OR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.01–1.35) and daily (adjusted OR = 1.06; 95% CI: 1.01–1.12) being more likely to have low birthweight. Exposure to ETS is significantly associated with low birthweight in Africa, mainly among male newborns. Gender could possibly be a modifier, and hence, research on biological plausibility is necessary. Moreover, a public health promotion on behavioral changes is likely to have a positive impact on newborns’ health.

Stillbirth at Tikur Anbessa Hospital a retrospective study

AbstractBackground: Stillbirths are believed to contribute to the overwhelming majority of perinatalmortality in some developing countries. Though the facilities and expertise for perinatal postmortem examination are lacking in Ethiopia, studies have indicated that useful informationcould be obtained from careful review of clinical records.Objective: This study is aimed at identifying probable causes, comparison of selected fetaland maternal variables between cases and controls and suggests possible preventive options.Methods: This study was a retrospective comparative study of stillbirths with sex matchedlive births. It was conducted at Tikur Anbessa Hospital. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from Sept.11, 2000-Sept. 10 2001, based on information retrieved from individual patient records andusing a structured data entry format. The main study variables were maternal sociodemographicfeatures, antenatal care(ANC) attendance, and gestational age of indexpregnancy, birth weight, modes of delivery and probable causes of stillbirths.Results: The stillbirth rate (SBR) was 55.3/1000 births and contributed to 77.2% of thegross perinatal mortality (GPNM). ANC attendance (85.7%) and residence in Addis Ababa(82.3%) were significantly higher among controls than cases which had corresponding figuresof 69.4% and 55.1%, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in low birthweight (40.5%) and preterm (32.1%) stillbirths than controls with the respective figures of15% and 11%, respectively. Mechanical factors were the commonest probable causes of deathaccounting for 44.2% of all stillbirths, while 21.8% were unexplained stillbirths and antepartum hemorrhage contributed to 15.7%.Conclusion: It is suggested that proper antenatal and intra partum care can reducestillbirth.Keywords: Stillbirth rate, peri-natal mortality, intra-partum care