Female Babies Research Articles

Ekstrimisme Aturan Sosial Masyarakat Arab Pra Islam Ditinjau dari Nilai Moderat dan Toleransi

This research is motivated by the system of social rules implemented by pre-Islamic Arab society. These social rules trigger problems in terms of gender equality and tolerance between humans. Even at that time, it was very easy to find practices of violence and war. All the problems that occurred were completely inconsistent with Islamic teachings, because they included inhumane acts. Based on this problem, pre-Islamic Arab society was known as a jahiliyah society. However, in today's advanced era, problems are still found that are similar to the pre-Islamic Arab era. Based on these circumstances, this article aims to explain a number of extremism problems originating from the inhumane social rules of pre-Islamic Arab society in terms of the values ​​of moderation and tolerance of Islamic teachings and the current reality. The method used is literature study for the pre-Islamic Arab period and direct observation of the social reality of today's society. The findings are first, insulting women and the practice of killing newborn female babies as well as slavery are considered immoderate and inhumane acts. Second, the habit of war extremism which was often carried out in pre-Islamic Arab society because of minor disputes between tribes, and was supported by the tribal fanaticism of society. Third, marriage practices and divorce provisions that were wrong and detrimental to women were carried out during the pre-Islamic Arab period. Fourth, the social reality of today's society still bears similarities to the pre-Islamic Arab period, which is caused by the lifestyle and application of Islamic teachings which are not optimal.

ASPECTOS SOCIOECONÔMICOS E GESTACIONAIS RELACIONADOS A OCORRÊNCIA DE BAIXO PESO AO NASCER

The objective of this article is to estimate the prevalence and factors related to the risk of Low Birth Weight (LBW), and its impact on socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. A cross-sectional, analytical study was used, based on data available in the Information Technology Department of the Unified Health System (DATASUS), more specifically, in the Live Birth Information System (SINASC). For data analysis, the EPI-INFO 7.0 program was used, where bivariate analysis was used with the Chi-square test considering the Mantel-Haenszel method to identify which factors are associated with LBW. 49,481 live births were examined in the State of Mato Grosso, 8.78% of which were affected by LBW. In the bivariate analysis, LBW was mostly recorded in children of pregnant women who were in the risk age group, marital status in which they lived alone/separated, indigenous race or skin color, black or mixed race, and lived in a region with low HDI . Furthermore, there are other factors related to pregnancy that had a strong influence on LBW, including: number of prenatal consultations and type of pregnancy. Regarding the characteristics of newborns, LBW presented a majority in female babies and those born prematurely and/or with malformations or congenital anomalies. The results found in the present study justify the need to improve actions capable of serving the maternal and child population so that economic and demographic factors have less impact on the occurrence of LBW.

The Relationship between Maternal Smoking and Infant Birth Weight: Improving Accuracy through Urine Cotinine Analysis and Effective Medical Record Strategies.

We conducted a study to determine if antenatally collected maternal urine cotinine (a metabolite of nicotine) measurements can be used to assess the neonatal impact of nicotine exposure during pregnancy. This was a prospective longitudinal cohort of mother-infant dyads. Only term singleton pregnancies were included. The primary outcome measure was the correlation between maternal urine cotinine and infant birth weight. We analysed data from 238 mother-neonate dyads. Smoking habits were recorded during routine prenatal check-ups and urine samples were collected to measure cotinine and creatinine levels. Urine cotinine was detected in 50.4% (120/238) of women from the whole cohort, but only 16% (38/238) self-reported as smokers (chi-square 39.7, p < 0.0001), and these women had significantly smaller babies (p = 0.010). There was a significant negative correlation between maternal urine cotinine and birth weight (Spearman's coefficient = -0.0226, p = 0.013). Female babies born to women with nicotine in their urine were significantly smaller (p = 0.001). Infant birth weight significantly reduced in mothers with exposure to nicotine during pregnancy. The number of women exposed to nicotine during late pregnancy (measured in urine) was markedly higher than self-reported and national smoking percentages, suggesting an urgent need for an improvement in medical record reporting on smoking habits to better assess neonatal outcomes.

Selective Abortions in Montenegro: Legal and Anthropological Analysis

In the old Montenegrin masculine patriarchal culture, having children was one of the primary motivations for marriage. Women in labour faced significant community pressure to give birth to a male child, as evidenced by various ethnographic records and confirmed by contemporary anthropological research. Montenegro exhibits one of the most unbalanced ratios of newborn male to female babies among countries. This necessitates an analysis that integrates legal and anthropological perspectives on son preference. The article explores the socio-historical circumstances and modern expressions of the cult of the male child, followed by an examination of the legal implications of selective abortions. The legal dimension of abortion encompasses a broad normative framework, with the fundamental question concerning the boundary of legal protection in this area, i.e., the limit of state intervention in the personal sphere of individuals and citizens. The legal analysis will also include a reflection on the impact of criminal legal protection on this debate, particularly through the lens of the criminal offense of unlawful termination of pregnancy as stipulated in Article 150 of the Criminal Code of Montenegro. Considering the scope of rights to life, family, and reproduction, and recognizing that pregnancy termination motivated by sex selection is generally prohibited, yet this practice is widespread, the assumption is that the formal legal means to address this issue are limited. As this is a societal phenomenon involving sensitive legal, personal, cultural, religious, political, social, and moral issues, the paper discusses approaches for combating this practice.

Demographic Profile and Outcome of Covid- 19 Obstetric Patients Undergoing Caesarean Section in a Tertiary Care Government Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Background: Pregnancy itself is a hypercoagulable state. COVID-19 infection makes it more deleterious. As a consequence of exaggerated inflammatory response in COVID 19 infected mothers, there is alterations of coagulation system occurs, causing thrombi (micro and macro) in various organs reducing blood flow in capillaries , followed by emboli formation mainly in lung, heart, brain and kidney, resulting in multiple organ failure even death. The present study aims to observe retrospectively the clinical outcome of parturients with COVID-19 infection undergoing caesarean sections. Methods: This observational study was done in the COVID dedicated operation theatre of Department of Anaesthesia, Pain, Palliative and Intensive Care, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh, between May 2020 and December 2021. A total 640 obstetric patients undergoing caesarean section (both COVID positive and suspected) were observed. The demographic and outcome data of mothers ( transferred from post-operative ward to parent ward/ICU) were collected. Informations of ultimate fate (alive/death) of operated mothers were also noted. Demographic (sex) data and outcome data of newborn baby (alive/dead) were also included. The statistical analysis was carried out by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22.0 for Windows. Results: In this study, the age of the most (n=532, 83.13%) of the pregnant mothers belongs to 18-30 years of age group, remaining 16.86% patients are within the age group of 31-45 years (n=108). Although 18.75% study subjects were illiterate below class VIII(31.25), SSC(17.97%), HSC(16.40%), Graduate(12.5%), masters(3.13%)], miscellaneous type of occupational status [home-maker(70%), service holder(19.85%), entrepreneurship(1.56%) &amp; others(8.59%. and came from different category of social class[ most of the patients belong to lower(54.68%) and lower middle class (27.81%) socioeconomic status]. Among total study sample (n=640), 55.63% (n=356) patients were infected with COVID 19 virus confirmed by RT-PCR and 44.38% (n-284) mothers were clinically COVID infected or suspected cases. The majority of the pregnant mothers (n=565. 88.28%) experienced sub-arachnoid block or spinal anaesthesia whereas only 6.09% (n=39) patients got experience of general anaesthesia. Apparently, 93.44% (n=598) of mothers come back to the parent ward after observing in post-operative ward. Of them, (n=640), 2.19% of mothers were not survived in operation theatre or post-operative ward and 4.34% (n=21)of patients had to go to Covid dedicated Intensive Care Unit. Survivors mothers (n=619, 96.72%) were greater than that of non-survivors (n=21, 3.28%). Among the delivered new born babies, the number of female babies (n=330, 51.56%) were slightly higher than that of male (n=310, 48.44%). In a total 640 babies, 560 babies (87.50%) were survived but 12.50% (n-=80 ) of babies were not survived. Conclusions: This observational study represents that among 640 number of COVID positive or suspected pregnant mothers who were undergoing caesarean section , 93.44% of mothers come back to the parent ward, 2.19% of mothers were expired in operation theatre or post operative ward because of complications. Unfortunanely, 4.34% of mothers had experience to go to Intensive Care Unit. Survivors mothers were greater than that of non-survivors. New born babies of confirmed and suspected COVID mothers were slightly female predominant. Total of them, 87.50% of babies were survived. J Dhaka Med Coll. 2022; 31(2) : 187-193

Comparative proteomics analysis of whey fractions from Korean mother's milk with different gender babies in the northeast China

Infant's gender may have influences on composition of breastmilk. This study investigated differences in whey fractions from milk of mothers (n = 12, 3 biological repeats) with male or female babies using a 4D label‐free proteomics. Altogether, 1572 proteins were identified and 42 of them were differentially expressed. Majority of the different proteins are located in extracellular position and possessed domain of immunoglobulin V‐set. The screened proteins were observed to contribute greatly to functions of cellular process, binding, and cell part; and pathways of immune system and immune disease. The findings may afford beneficial knowledge for understanding differences in breastmilk composition.

The Role of Varied Sonographic Criteria for Predicting Treatment and Prognosis of Antenatal Hydronephrosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective: This study aimed to compare the Society of Fetal Urology (SFU) guidelines, the anteroposterior pelvic diameter (APD), and the urinary tract dilation (UTD) classification criteria for predicting the prognosis of antenatal hydronephrosis (AH). Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of the relationship among the three classification criteria and their contribution to the diagnosis and prognosis of possible AH in a cohort of neonates. Results: This study was a retrospective review of 290 neonates. The mean age was 16.4 ± 9.0 days, and 33% of the study population comprised female babies. An image review demonstrated that 35% of the patients had severe vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), 22% exhibited severe obstruction, 40% had transient hydronephrosis, and 9% required surgery. The antenatal SFU grading criteria demonstrated a significant relationship with severe obstruction, and the postnatal SFU grading was related to the severity of VUR. The highest sensitivity for the presence of VUR for surgical intervention was obtained for prenatal SFU-1 (100%). The highest specificity was for prenatal SFU-4 (96%) for the presence of VUR, prenatal SFU-4 (99%), and postnatal SFU-4 (94%) for surgical intervention. Conclusion: No reliable sonographic findings were found to predict VUR or severe ureteropelvic junction obstruction. The SFU grading during the postnatal period may predict VUR with low sensitivity and specificity. However, all three classification criteria contributed to the evaluation of the need for treatment in this cohort.

Retracted: Drug Utilization Pattern of Antibiotics in Neonatal intensive care unit in a Tertiary Care Hospital, India

Article retractedMillions of babies are admitted to neonatal intensive care units worldwide, with a significant proportion facing various indications. Given that sepsis is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity among infants globally, including in India, the importance of efficient antibiotic use cannot be overstated. As the global problem of drug resistance intensifies, prudent antibiotic usage becomes crucial in mitigating treatment failures and ensuring the survival of newborns. Aim: to evaluate the pattern of antimicrobial drug utilization in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to assess the criteria for drug selection in tertiary care hospital.Materials and Methods. It was an observational prospective study conducted for six months in which 200 neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit at tertiary care Hospital, were included. Demographic details, duration of hospital stay, reason for admission (disease pattern), various drugs prescribed were noted. Results. Out of 200 neonates the number of male babies admitted to neonatal intensive care unit were 115 (57.5%) and female babies were 85 (42.5%). Many of the neonates were from age group of 1 to 5 (58.5%) days. Most of the neonates were from weight group of 2.5 to 3 (26.5%) kg. Majority of neonates hospital admission duration was 3 to 6 days is 98 (49%) neonates. Most common disorder requiring neonatal intensive care unit admission was Preterm with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (29%) followed by Neonatal Sepsis (19.5%) and Preterm (11%). Other distress reported include birth asphyxia (16 neonates or 8%), Neonatal convulsions (12 neonates or 6%), Late preterm (13 neonates or 6.5%), Hypernatremia (9 neonates or 4.5%), Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (3 neonates or 1.5%), Neonatal Hypoglycemia (5 neonates or 2.5%) and others (23 neonates or 11.5%). Among 423 antibiotics most prescribed antibiotic was Inj. Piperacillin + Tazobactam (35.4%) followed by Gentamycin (30.2%). Out of 423 drugs 152 are fixed dose combination and single drugs are 271 in this study in which piperacillin + tazobactam of fixed dose combination and gentamicin dose combination and single drugs are 271 in this study in which piperacillin + tazobactam of fixed dose combination and gentamicin of single drug had prescribed in more amount.Conclusion. The findings of this study will contribute to the existing body of knowledge regarding the appropriate use of antibiotics in the NICU, thereby providing insights for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions regarding antibiotic therapy. Empirical antibiotics were administered to every newborn based on their individual conditions. The antibiotic utilization pattern within this study group was determined to be rational.

Cord Blood Albumin; A Predictor of Neonatal Jaundice

Objective: To determine significance of cord blood albumin as predictor of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Methodology: This cross-sectional was conducted in 6 months from 24-4-2021 to 23-9-2021 at Department of neonatology, Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital, Muzaffargarh. Early preterm, late preterm and term neonates, age less than 1 week were included in the study. Patients were divided in three groups on basis of gestational age. Group 1 was included early preterm; group 2 was included late preterm and group 3 was including term neonates. Cord blood samples were taken in sterile vials for serum albumin at birth. Patients were followed from 2nd to 7th day of life for development of jaundice. Patients who had transcutaneous bilirubin more than 5mg/dl were selected for serum bilirubin level estimation. Results: A total of 73 newborn babies were studied; with an average age of approximately 4.94+1.68 days. There were 52.1% male and 47.9% female babies. There were no significant differences in average blood cord albumin and direct bilirubin levels among these groups. However, significant variations were observed in terms of total bilirubin and indirect bilirubin levels, with early and late preterm babies displaying higher levels compared to term babies. Moreover, the study established significant inverse correlations between cord blood albumin levels and both total bilirubin (r ? -0.389, p = 0.001) and indirect bilirubin levels (r ? -0.313, p = 0.007). Conclusion: Study provides compelling evidence to support the role of cord blood albumin as a predictor of neonatal jaundice through its observed inverse correlations with bilirubin levels. The findings underscore the potential clinical utility of cord blood albumin as an early diagnostic marker for identifying newborns at risk of developing jaundice.

Determining the influential factors of postnatal care in Bangladesh using multilevel logistic regression.

Postnatal care (PNC) is the care of a newborn and mother for up to six weeks from one hour of placenta birth. The postnatal period is one of the most hazardous stages for mothers and their baby's health. The PNC is influenced by several maternal, family, biological, and socio-economic factors and it is necessary to identify the most significant factors of PNC. Therefore, the authors focus on determining the significant determinants of postnatal care in Bangladesh. This study is based on a secondary dataset extracted from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS)-2017/18. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and multilevel logistic regression have been used to determine the contributing factors of PNC. The rate of postnatal care was highest in Sylhet (73.7%) and lowest in Dhaka (57.1%). Female babies had 10.1% less odds of having postnatal care than male babies. Findings depict that the children with 1-3 siblings have 1. 82 times more odds (odds ratio (OR):1.82, 95% confidence interval (CI):0.03-3.21) of PNC than babies without any siblings. Children who suffered from fever recently had 1.25 times (OR = 1.25, 95% CI:1.09-1.45) more odds of taking PNC than their counterparts. Children of working mothers had 1.33 times (OR:1.33, 95% CI:1.14-1.56) more odds of having PNC than children of non-working mothers. The sex of a child, birth order number, place of residence, region, receiving Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, number of antenatal care visits, having fever recently, number of household members, media exposure, and household facilities are significantly linked with PNC in Bangladesh. To ensure the good health of a child, it is necessary to focus on the targeted groups and put emphasis on the identified variables. The authors believe that the findings will be helpful to the policymakers of Bangladesh to lessen childhood morbidities which will be helpful in achieving the target of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for reducing preventable maternal and under-five deaths by 2030.

Identification of Best Fit Probability Distribution for Infant Birth Weight

Birth weight is the first weight recorded for a newborn, taken within 0 to 30minutesofdelivery. It is an indicator of a newborn’s chances for survival and growth. This study identified the best fit probability distribution for newborn birth weight in Ekiti State Nigeria. In the year 2021 there were 349 births recorded, with 163 males and 186 females. Also, in 2022 the number of births increased slightly to 353, comprising 179 males and 174 females. The selection of the best fit probability distribution was determined by Goodness of fit such as AIC, BIC, CAIC. Birth weights recorded within 0 to 30 minutes of delivery were obtained from Federal Teaching Hospital Ido-Ekiti and it comprise of both male and female newborn babies between 2021 and 2022.The analysis reveals that the mean birth weight is consistently higher for males compared to females in both 2021 and 2022. The results also showed that Weibull distribution is the least suitable model, with the highest AIC (1073.675), BIC (1077.800), and CAIC (1075.887) values, indicating a poor fit for the birth weight data follow by Normal and Gumbel distributions while the Log-normal distribution has the lowest AIC (737.110), BIC (741.234) and CAIC (739.321). This indicates that Log-Normal distribution is the most appropriate among the four probability distributions considered in this study.

Clinical profile and growth pattern of children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia attending endocrine clinic, in a tertiary care center, South India

Background: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of autosomal recessive disorders that result from the deficiency of one of several enzymes involved in the steroidogenic pathway for cortisol or aldosterone biosynthesis. Glucocorticoid replacement therapy, though largely effective in managing crises and limiting virilization, is far from perfect. Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of the study are to study the clinical profile and association between type of disease and glucocorticoid dosage with the growth of children with CAH attending pediatric and endocrinology outpatient department in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective observational study. All children who were newly diagnosed and old cases of CAH were consecutively recruited. Background details of the patient including sociodemographic data were obtained by a structured pro forma. Medical history and details of treatment were obtained from previous records. Patients were then followed up 6 monthly for 1 year and height and height velocity were obtained. Results: This study included 33 children (23 salt wasting [SW] and 10 simple virilizing [SV] CAH). Mean age was 6.3 ± 4.3 years. Among SW CAH, while 83.3% of male babies presented with adrenal crises while only 20% of the female babies went for a crisis, because most of them were diagnosed by the presence of ambiguous genitalia. Among SV patients, all females presented with ambiguous genitalia and males presented with precocious puberty. The overall height standard deviation was 0.8 ± 1.2 with a greater growth faltering in those taking higher doses of hydrocortisone. Growth was compromised more in SW CAH than in SV CAH. Conclusion: Growth in CAH is less compared to normal population and many factors including glucocorticoid dose and type of disease determine the growth and final height.

The change of bile salt stimulated lipase during 6 months and the correlation with macronutrients in Chinese human milk

Bile salt stimulated lipase (BSSL) is the most abundant lipase in human milk which plays a pivotal role in new-born fat digestion, especially in the first six months of life. Lipid as the main energy supply for infant was very depending on BSSL activity for obtaining optimal lipid absorption under immature digestion track and pancreatic system condition. Due to the important role of BSSL, this research was addressed to study the effect of gender and lactation stage on BSSL activity and the correlation of BSSL with macronutrients content in Chinese human milk. Cross sectional and longitudinal study were used to investigate the BSSL activity and concentration pattern during 6 months of lactation. A declining pattern of both BSSL activity and concentration was observed as lactation stage progressed. The BSSL concentration significantly declined from 138.56 to 97.07 μg/ml during 6 months. Significant differences of BSSL activity and concentration were also observed in human milk for different gender babies. Male babies had breastmilk with less BSSL rather than female babies. Protein had strong correlation with BSSL activity and concentration, while carbohydrate had non-significant negative coefficient correlation. However, no correlation observed between fat content and BSSL.

Acalypha wilkesiana L - A potential anti-stearoyl-CoA desaturase agent: Insilico and network pharmacology studies

The activity of Seborrheic dermatitis on the skin of children still remains of the dermatoses of male and female babies in the early days of their existence. Acalypha wilkesiana L have been employed by mothers to combat Seborrheic dermatitis, yet, the descriptors responsible for such activity as well as the nonbonding interactions between the selected phytochemicals and stearoyl-CoA desaturase has not been explored. The studied compounds were optimized using Spartan’14 software as well as molecular operating environments (MOE) for docking, Cytoscape software for compound-protein interaction network, Gromacs for molecular dynamic simulation as well ADMETSar for pharmacokinetics studies. The selected compounds proved to have anti-stearoyl-CoA desaturase properties via the calculated descriptors obtained from the chemical compounds obtained from Acalypha wilkesiana L as well as from the result from molecular modeling studies. The Pharmacokinetics results were observed and reported appropriately.

Neonatal uterine bleeding: Risk factors and its association with endometriosis-related symptoms later in life

ObjectiveWe examined the prevalence and risk factors in association with neonatal uterine bleeding (NUB) by retrospective search of contemporary and historical medical records and investigated the possible association between the history of NUB at birth and endometriosis-related symptoms later in life who are now young women. Study designThis was a retrospective case-controlled cohort study and prospective evaluation of web-based questionnaire survey on symptoms related to endometriosis among young women born with and without NUB. Multiple regression analysis was performed incorporating various confounding variables that may influence the occurrence of NUB or the reporting of endometriosis symptoms later in life. ResultsAmong the 1093 female neonates born between 1996 and 2000, 105 of them had NUB, yielding with a prevalence of 9.6 %. Of the 807 female babies born between 2013 and 2017, 25 (3.1 %) had NUB. Multiple Logistic regression analysis indicated that younger age of the mother [odds ratio (OR) = 0.92, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 0.85–1.00, P = 0.048] and longer gestational age of 39 weeks (OR = 3.04, 95 % CI = 1.43–6.45, P = 0.004) and of ≥ 40 weeks (OR = 4.54, 95 % CI = 2.20–9.39, P < 0.0001) of gestation were significantly associated with the occurrence of NUB. While the possibility of recall bias cannot be ruled out, newborn females who had a history of NUB appeared to complain of various endometriosis-related symptoms later in life during adulthood. ConclusionsWe confirmed the validity of the reported prevalence and risk factors of NUB. NUB indeed occurs with a prevalence of 3–10% during the historical and contemporary period. Longer gestational age and younger maternal age may be considered as high-risk factors for the occurrence of NUB. The clinical relevance of our findings remains to be elucidated. Future prospective studies, preferably with larger sample sizes and the inclusion of NUB cases after discharge from the hospital, may further illuminate some unresolved issues. We also need to confirm the endometriosis-related symptoms in women with and without history of NUB via more definitive diagnosis such as imaging and histology.

A study of morbidity and mortality pattern of pre-term neonates in neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital of North East India

Background: Pre-maturity is one of the major health problems and associated with high morbidities and mortality. According to the WHO every year, an estimated 15 million babies are born pre-term and this number is rising. Aims and Objectives: The objectives of the study were to know the various morbidity pattern developed during the clinical course and to identify the cause of mortality of pre-term babies admitted in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Materials and Methods: This prospective, observational study was conducted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Assam, over a period of 1 year. A sample size of 150 pre-term babies selected randomly as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: The total number of cases studied in the present study were 150 pre-term babies admitted in NICU. Male pre-term babies were 82 (54.6%) and female pre-term babies were 68 (45.3%). The various morbidities observed among the pre-term babies during the study period were neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (48%) followed by respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (30%), neonatal sepsis (22%), hypocalcemia (16%), hypothermia (14.7%), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) (5.3%), and intraventricular hemorrhage (4.7%). The overall mortality among the studied cases was 12.6%. Out of 150 cases, 19 cases were expired (12.6%). The present study shows that RDS (36.8%), neonatal sepsis (26.3%), birth asphyxia (21.1%), and NEC (15.7%) were the major causes of mortality among pre-term babies. Conclusion: The survival rate increases significantly with increase in birth weight and gestational age. RDS, birth asphyxia, and neonatal sepsis were the leading causes of death.

Relationship between the Incidence of Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia and Gestatinal Age as a Risk Factor

Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NH) or neonatal jaundice is characterized by elevated serum levels of total bilirubin in the blood and yellow color of the baby's skin, sclera, and mucous membranes. Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia can cause mild-moderate-severe neurological disorders, up to death, if left untreated. The incidence of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NH) in Indonesia in 2016 reached 51.47% of cases where 33.3% of the total NH cases were related to prematurity. The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of NH in RSAB Harapan Kita This research is a type of quantitative analytical research with a cross sectional approach. The study population is babies born at RSAB Harapan Kita for the period January 2022 – December 2022. Using a random sampling technique with the slovin formula and a margin of error of 5%, a sample of 315 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Furthermore, statistical analysis was carried out using the chi-square test. As many as 158 (50.2%) babies born at RSAB Harapan Kita experienced NH with the most results of female babies (54.4%), aged 24-48 hours (48.1%), low birth weight (57%), and premature gestational age (67.7%). Bivariate analysis of the association of gestational age with NH incidence has a significance value of &lt;0.001 which proves a significant association. Conclusions: There is a significant association between preterm gestational age and NH incidence

Maternal Exposure to Arsenic and Its Impact on Maternal and Fetal Health: A Review.

Arsenic exposure is a significant public health issue, with harmful effects caused by its use in commercial products such as car batteries, pesticides, and herbicides. Arsenic has three main compounds: inorganic, organic, and arsine gas. Inorganic arsenic compounds in water are highly toxic. The daily intake of arsenic from food and beverages is between 20 and 300 mcg/day. Arsenic is known for its carcinogenic properties and is classified as a human carcinogen by different institutions. Exposure can lead to oxidative stress, DNA damage, and epigenetic deregulation, which can cause endocrine disorders, altered signal transduction pathways, and cell proliferation. In addition, arsenic can easily cross the placenta, making it a critical concern for maternal and fetal health. Exposure can lead to complications such as gestational diabetes, anemia, low birth weight, miscarriage, and congenital anomalies. Female babies are particularly vulnerable to the negative impact of arsenic exposure, with a higher risk of low weight for gestational age and congenital cardiac anomalies. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor and regulate the levels of arsenic in drinking water and food sources to prevent these adverse health outcomes. Further research is necessary to fully understand the impact of arsenic exposure on human health, especially during pregnancy and infancy, by implementing preventative measures and monitoring the levels of arsenic in the environment.

Drug Utilization Pattern of Antibiotics in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at a Tertiary Care Hospital, Mysuru, Karnataka

ABSTRACT Introduction: Millions of babies are admitted to neonatal intensive care units (ICUs) worldwide, with a significant proportion facing various indications. Given that sepsis is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity among infants globally, including in India, the importance of efficient antibiotic use cannot be overstated. As the global problem of drug resistance intensifies, prudent antibiotic usage becomes crucial in mitigating treatment failures and ensuring the survival of newborns. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the pattern of antimicrobial drug utilization in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to assess the criteria for drug selection in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: It was an observational, prospective study conducted for 6 months in which 200 neonates admitted to the NICU at a tertiary care hospital were included in the study. Results: Out of 200 neonates, the number of male babies admitted to NICU was 115 (57.5%) and female babies were 85 (42.5%). Many of the neonates were from the age group of 1 to 5 days (58.5%). Most of the neonates were from the weight group of 2.5 to 3 kg (26.5%). The hospital admission duration for the majority of neonates is within the 3–6-day range, accounting for 98 neonates, which represents 49% of the cases. The most prevalent reason for admission to the neonatal ICU (NICU) was preterm with respiratory distress syndrome, comprising 29% of cases, followed by neonatal sepsis at 19.5%, and preterm births at 11%. Among 423 antibiotics, the most prescribed antibiotic was injection piperacillin + tazobactam (35.4%) followed by gentamicin (30.2%). Conclusion: Empirical antibiotics were administered to every newborn based on their individual conditions. The antibiotic utilization pattern within this study group was determined to be rational.

Infant and Young Child Feeding practices up to 23 months in Namuno District, Cabo Delgado, Mozambique

BackgroundInadequate breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices are key determinants of child malnutrition and impact one-third of the under-five mortality rate worldwide. The district of Namuno in Cabo Delgado (Mozambique) has been long registering a high prevalence of acute malnutrition. To date, no data exists about Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices in the area. The current pilot study explores the feeding practices among children aged 0–23 months in Namuno and sets out its main drivers.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was realized between August and September 2019 and drew on questionnaires for mothers/caregivers of children aged 0 to 23 months. We computed IYCF indicators and correlated them with mothers’/caregivers' school attendance, delivery setting, and distance between home and the place where livelihood activities took place (workplace), using univariate and multivariate (age-adjusted) logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe survey was data derived from a sample of 632 mothers/caregivers. 62% of 0–23-month-old children received colostrum whilst only 31% of 0–5 months babies were on exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). Among 6–23 months old children, 17% consumed foods and beverages from at least five out of eight defined food groups, 31% received a minimum frequency of meals, and 23% had a minimum acceptable diet. Data revealed a positive correlation between early initiation of breastfeeding and delivery in a maternity ward (OR 6.9, CI 3.2–16.1, p-value < 0.001). No difference in the IYCF indicators between female and male babies was detected.ConclusionsIn the Namuno district, IYCF practices did not fulfill WHO/UNICEF’s indicators and recommendations. This suggests that efforts should be focused on EBF-enabling interventions to improve children’s dietary consumption patterns.