Measures Of Fetal Growth Research Articles

Association between prenatal antibiotics exposure and measures of fetal growth: A repeated-measure study

The abuse of antibiotics in animal husbandry has brought many public health problems, among which the passive use of antibiotics caused by eating food containing residual antibiotics has attracted the most attention. However, few studies have examined the possible adverse effects of prenatal antibiotics exposure on fetal growth and development. In this study, we investigated the associations between prenatal antibiotics exposure and measures of fetal growth. A total of 429 mother-newborn pairs from a birth cohort were enrolled and spot urine samples (N=1287) were collected during each trimester of pregnancy. Sixteen antibiotics from 7 categories, were selected for the determination of the targeted antibiotics in maternal urines by UHPLC-MS/MS. Fetal growth indicators including newborn birth weight, birth length and gestational age (GA), were obtained from medical record. Sixteen antibiotics were found in 92.3% of the urine samples with detection frequencies ranging from 0.3% to 41.3%. Among the 16 antibiotics detected, we found that the exposure level of ciprofloxacin in the first trimester of pregnancy was negatively correlated with GA (β=-0.17day, 95% CI, -0.32 to -0.02day), which would increase the risk of preterm birth (OR=1.05, 95% CI, 1.00, 1.09). The exposure level of norfloxacin in the second trimester of pregnancy was negatively correlated with fetal birth weight (β=-17.56g, 95% CI, -31.13 to -3.99g) and birth length (β=-0.05cm, 95% CI, -0.08 to -0.02cm), and the exposure level of sulfamethoxazole in the third trimester of pregnancy was negatively correlated with fetal birth length (β=-0.15cm, 95% CI, -0.29 to -0.02cm). Our findings suggest that prenatal exposure to norfloxacin and sulfamethoxazole may adversely affect fetal growth and development.

PSXIII-B-5 Early Gestation Heat Stress Improved Measures of sow Growth Performance but did not Impact Fetal Growth

Abstract In utero heat stress negatively impacts fetal development and alters postnatal phenotypes in swine. However, the effects of heat stress (HS) on fetal growth during early gestation is relatively unknown. The study objective was to evaluate the effects of gestational HS on measures of fetal growth in early gestation. Twenty-three gestating gilts were exposed to HS (n = 12; cyclic 26-38°C) or thermoneutral (TN; n = 11; 18.5 ± 1.2°C) conditions from gestation d 6 ± 0.9 to 33 ± 1.7. Vaginal temperature was recorded in 15 min intervals using data loggers. Respiration rates (RR) were recorded daily at 0800, 1200, 1600, and 2000 h. All gilts were individually-housed, and limit-fed 1.82 kg/d. Gilt body weights (BW) were measured weekly and average daily gain and gain:feed were calculated. At gestation d 33 ± 1.7, gilts were harvested and fetal weights and counts were recorded. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX. Vaginal temperatures and RR were greater (P < 0.01) in HS (38.5 ± 0.1°C and 59 ± 2 bpm, respectively) versus TN gilts (38.0 ± 0.1°C and 29 ± 2 bpm, respectively). Although no initial BW differences were observed (P = 0.39; 148.8 ± 4.1 kg), final BW tended to be greater (P < 0.07) for HS (166.5 ± 3.8 kg) versus TN (156.8 ± 4.0 kg) gilts. Average daily gain was increased (P < 0.01) for HS (0.5 ± 0.1 kg/d) versus TN (0.3 ± 0.1 kg/d) gilts. Gain:feed was greater (P < 0.01) for HS (0.27 ± 0.03) versus TN (0.16 ± 0.03) gilts. No fetal weight (P = 0.23; 4.3 ± 0.2 g/fetus) or count (P = 0.15; 15.2 ± 0.9 fetuses/gilt) differences were detected. In conclusion, HS-exposure during early gestation improved measures of growth performance in gestating gilts but did not impact fetal growth or count.

Prenatal Exposure to Organophosphate Insecticides and Measurements of Fetal Growth and Length of Gestation in the Study of Asian Women and their Offspring’s Development and Environmental Exposures (SAWASDEE)

Prenatal Exposure to Organophosphate Insecticides and Measurements of Fetal Growth and Length of Gestation in the Study of Asian Women and their Offspring’s Development and Environmental Exposures (SAWASDEE)

The relation of residential greenness with fetal growth and the role of air pollution in Eastern Massachusetts, USA

Background and Aim: There is growing evidence that green spaces may be beneficial for health. However, the effects on pregnant individuals and fetuses, including the underlying mechanisms, have been underexplored. We examined the association between neighborhood greenness and fetal growth, and the role of air pollution in these relationships (interaction and mediation) in a Massachusetts-based cohort. Methods: Our study consisted of 9,446 pregnancies that delivered at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Massachusetts in 2011-2016. Neighborhood greenness was estimated using normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) with 270 m resolution. Fetal growth parameters included birth weight (BW), and ultrasound measures of biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), femur length, and abdominal circumference (AC). Ultrasound parameters were classified into three distinct gestational periods: 16-23 weeks, 24-31 weeks, and 32+ weeks. We used distributed lag models to estimate the time-varying association between monthly NDVI and fetal growth. All models were adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, and time trends. For models in which we identified an association, we tested for potential interaction with particulate matter ≤2.5 µm (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) —predicted from well-validated ensemble models— and assessed for mediation by these pollutants. Results: We found that higher NDVI was positively associated with BPD, HC, AC, and BW. For example, a 0.1 NDVI increase sustained up until week 32 was associated with a higher mean AC z-score of 0.03 (95% CI: 0.01, 0.06), and a higher mean BW z-score of 0.02 (95% CI: 0.01, 0.03). We found no evidence for interaction or mediation by air pollution. Conclusions: Residential greenness was associated with larger fetal growth measures. Our effect decomposition suggests that the association of greenness with fetal growth is independent from associations with local air pollution. Keywords: greenness, air pollution, fetal growth, ultrasound, pregnancy, interaction, mediation

Traffic-related air pollution and fetal growth in Eastern Massachusetts, USA

Background and Aim: Previous studies have examined the association between prenatal nitrogen dioxide (NO2) —a traffic emissions tracer— and fetal growth based on ultrasound measures during pregnancy. Yet, most have used exposure assessment methods with low temporal resolution, which limits the identification of critical exposure windows given that pregnancy occurs over a relatively short period. Here, we used NO2 data estimated from a high-resolution spatiotemporal model to examine the association between weekly NO2 exposure during pregnancy and fetal growth in a Massachusetts-based cohort. Methods: We used data from 9,446 singleton births at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in 2011-2016. Fetal growth parameters included birth weight, and ultrasound measures of biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), femur length, and abdominal circumference. Ultrasound parameters were classified into three distinct gestational periods: 16-23 weeks, 24-31 weeks, and 32+ weeks. We used distributed lag models to estimate the time-varying association between weekly NO2 exposure and fetal growth. All models were adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, time trends, particulate matter less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5), and temperature. Results: We found that higher NO2 was negatively associated with all fetal growth parameters. The critical window differed depending on the fetal growth parameter and when it was assessed, with associations particularly strong for head parameters. For example, for BPD and HC measured after week 32, the critical exposure window appeared to be around weeks 15-25; a 10-ppb higher NO2 exposure sustained from conception to the time of measurement was associated with a lower mean z-score of -0.26 (95% CI: -0.39, -0.13) and -0.13 (95% CI: -0.25, 0.00) for BPD and HC, respectively. Conclusions: Higher NO2 was associated with smaller fetal growth measures. We identified several critical exposure windows that varied by parameter and timing of measurement. Keywords: air pollution, traffic, nitrogen dioxide, fetal growth, ultrasound, pregnancy, critical window

The effect of snakehead fish (Channa striata) cookies supplementation on fetal growth and birth outcomes: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND: An estimated 15–20% of all births worldwide are low birth weight (LBW). In Indonesia, the LBW incidence reached more than 10% in 2013. Improved maternal nutrition is needed by providing high-calorie-protein supplementation for pregnant women to prevent intrauterine growth retardation and LBW. OBJECTIVES: To observe the effect of snakehead fish (Channa striata) cookies supplementation during pregnancy on fetal growth and birth outcomes. METHODS: A total of 50 pregnant women were included in this randomized clinical trial study and were randomly allocated into two groups: treatment and controls. Subjects in the treatment group received supplementation of snakehead fish cookies during pregnancy until giving birth as much as 75 g per day, while subjects in the control group received standard cookies. The snakehead fish cookies underwent a formulation process and were tested for nutrient content and microbial contamination to ensure safety before being given to the subjects. Fetal growth was monitored monthly using 2-dimensional ultrasonography. RESULTS: The average intake of cookies did not differ between the two groups (Control 69.6 (16.8)% vs Snakehead fish 64.6 (15.3)%, p = 0.278). There were no significant differences in fetal estimated fetal weight, biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference, femur length, birth weight, and birth length between the treatment and control groups (p > 0.05). However, the fetal growth measurements on the subjects who consumed snakehead fish cookies were practically higher than those who ate standard cookies. CONCLUSION: The snakehead fish cookies did improve the fetal growth measurements but the results were not significantly different when compared to standard cookies.

An application of group-based trajectory modeling to define fetal growth phenotypes among small-for-gestational-age births in the LIFECODES Fetal Growth Study

Reductions in fetal growth are associated with adverse outcomes at birth and later in life. However, identifying fetuses with pathologically small growth remains challenging. Definitions of small-for-gestational age are often used as a proxy to identify those experiencing pathologic growth (ie, fetal growth restriction). However, this approach is subject to limitation as most newborns labeled small-for-gestational age are constitutionally, not pathologically, small. Incorporating repeated ultrasound measures to examine fetal growth trajectories may help distinguish pathologic deviations in growth from normal variability, beyond a simple definition of small-for-gestational age. This study aimed to characterize phenotypes of growth using ultrasound trajectories of fetal growth among small-for-gestational-age births. This study identified and described trajectories of fetal growth among small-for-gestational-age births (<10th percentile weight for gestational age; n=245) in the LIFECODES Fetal Growth Study using univariate and multivariate trajectory modeling approaches. Available ultrasound measures of fetal growth (estimated fetal weight, head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length) from health records were abstracted. First, univariate group-based trajectory modeling was used to define trajectories of estimated fetal weight z scores during gestation. Second, group-based multi-trajectory modeling was used to identify trajectories based on concurrent measures of head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length z scores. Last, how these trajectories were related to patient demographics, pregnancy characteristics, and birth outcomes compared with those observed among appropriate-for-gestational-age controls was described. Of note, 3 univariate trajectories of estimated fetal weight and 4 multivariate trajectories of fetal growth among small-for-gestational-age births were identified. In our univariate approach, infants with the smallest estimated fetal weight trajectory throughout pregnancy had poorer outcomes, including the highest risk of neonatal intensive care unit admission. The remaining univariate trajectory groups did not have an elevated risk of adverse birth outcomes relative to appropriate-for-gestational-age controls. In our multivariate approach, 2 groups at increased or moderately increased risk of neonatal intensive care unit admission were identified, including infants that remained extremely small for all parameters throughout pregnancy and those who had disproportionately smaller femur length and abdominal circumference compared with head circumference. The remaining multivariate trajectory groups did not have an elevated risk of adverse birth outcome relative to appropriate-for-gestational-age controls. Latent class group-based trajectory modeling applied to ultrasound measures of fetal growth may help distinguish pathologic vs constitutional growth profiles among newborns born small-for-gestational age. Although trajectories cannot be fully characterized until delivery, limiting the direct clinical application of these methods, they may still contribute to the development of approaches for separating growth restriction from constitutional smallness.

Plasma phospholipid polyunsaturated fatty acids composition in early pregnancy and fetal growth trajectories throughout pregnancy: Findings from the US fetal growth studies-singletons cohort.

SummaryBackgroundWe aimed to investigate plasma phospholipid PUFA levels in early pregnancy and fetal growth trajectories throughout pregnancy.MethodsWithin the NICHD Fetal Growth Studies–Singleton Cohort, we enrolled 2,802 pregnant women at gestational weeks 8–13 and randomly assigned them to four ultrasonogram schedules to capture weekly fetal growth throughout pregnancy. Eleven plasma phospholipid PUFAs were measured at early pregnancy using blood samples collected from a subsample of 321 pregnant women. We modeled fetal growth trajectories across tertiles of PUFAs with cubic splines using linear mixed models after adjusting for major confounders. We then compared pairwise weekly fetal growth biometrics referencing the lowest tertile in each PUFA using the Wald test.FindingsAmong plasma n-3 PUFAs in early pregnancy, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n3) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n3) showed positive associations with all fetal growth measurements. For instance, compared with the lowest tertile, the highest tertile of DHA had greater estimated fetal growth (EFW) and abdominal circumference (AC), starting at 13 weeks of gestation and throughout pregnancy (at gestational week 38: 3235.3 vs. 3089.0 g for EFW; 344.6 vs. 339.2 mm for AC). As for plasma n-6 PUFAs, some showed positive associations (e.g., linoleic acid [LA], 18:2n6) while others (e.g., docosatetraenoic acid [DTA], 22:4n6) showed inverse associations with fetal growth measures.InterpretationOur data suggested that higher plasma levels of DHA and ALA in the first trimester were associated with increased fetal size and weight throughout subsequent pregnancy.FundingNational Institute of Child Health and Human Development intramural funding.

Early pregnancy PM2.5 exposure and its inorganic constituents affect fetal growth by interrupting maternal thyroid function

Early pregnancy is crucial for fetal growth. Maternal thyroid hormone is critical for fetal growth and can be disturbed under exogenous exposure. However, it's uncertain whether exposure to PM2.5 and inorganic constituents during early pregnancy can affect TH and fetal growth. We focused on the associations of early-pregnancy PM2.5 and inorganic constituents with fetal growth and maternal THs. PM2.5 concentration was estimated using a satellite-based spatiotemporal model. Fetal biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), femur length (FL), and humerus length (HL) were measured by ultrasonography at median 15.6, 22.2, and 33.1 gestational weeks. Levels of 28 PM2.5 constituents were measured in a sub-group of 329 pregnancies. Maternal serum free thyroxine (fT4), free triiodothyronine, and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were measured at 14 weeks of gestation. Mixed-effect models and multiple linear regression were applied to evaluate the associations of PM2.5 and its constituents with fetal growth measures. Mediation analysis was used to examine the mediating role of the THs. Results showed that each 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 was associated with 0.20 mm reductions in BPD (95%CI: 0.33, −0.01), 0.27 mm decreases in FL (95%CI: 0.40, −0.13), and 0.36 decreases in HL (95%CI: 0.49, −0.23). Per 10 μg/m3 increment in PM2.5 was correlated with 5.82% decreases in the fT4 level (95% CI: 8.61%, −2.96%). FT4 accounted for 14.3% of PM2.5 exposure-induced change in BPD at first follow-up. Al (β = −2.91, 95%CI: 5.17, −0.66), Si (β = −1.20, 95%CI: 2.22, −0.19), K (β = −3.09, 95%CI: 5.41, −0.77), Mn (β = −47.20, 95%CI: 83.68, −10.79) and Zn (β = −3.02, 95%CI: 5.55, −0.49) were associated with decreased fetal BPD, especially in first follow-up. Zn (β = −38.12%, 95% CI: 58.52%, −8.61%) was also associated with decreased fT4 levels. Overall, early pregnancy exposure to PM2.5 and its constituents was associated with fetal growth restriction and decreased maternal fT4 levels might mediate the effect of PM2.5.

Birth weight and maternal energy status during pregnancy as predictors of epigenetic age acceleration in young adults from metropolitan Cebu, Philippines

ABSTRACT Epigenetic clocks quantify regular changes in DNA methylation that occur with age, or in relation to biomarkers of ageing, and are strong predictors of morbidity and mortality. Here, we assess whether measures of fetal nutrition and growth that predict adult chronic disease also predict accelerated biological ageing in young adulthood using a suite of commonly used epigenetic clocks. Data come from the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey (CLHNS), a long-running cohort followed since birth in metropolitan Cebu, Philippines. Past work has shown that birth weight (BW) and the mother’s arm fat during pregnancy (a measure of pregnancy energy status) relate inversely to health outcomes in the CLHNS but primarily in males. Genome-wide DNA methylation was assessed in whole blood using the Infinium EPIC array. Participants included males (n=895) and females (n=803) measured in 2005 (20.8–22.5 years). Clocks included the Hannum and Horvath clocks trained on chronological age, the DNAmPhenoAge and DNAmGrimAge clocks trained on clinical biomarkers, the Dunedin pace of ageing (DunedinPACE) clock trained on longitudinal changes in ageing biomarkers, and the DNAmTL clock trained on leukocyte telomere length. In males, lower BW predicted advanced biological ageing using the Hannum, DNAmPhenoAge, DunedinPoAm, and DNAmTL clocks. In contrast, BW did not predict any clock in female participants. Participants’ mothers’ pregnancy arm fat only predicted DNAmTL in males. These findings suggest that epigenetic clocks are a useful tool for gauging long-term outcomes predicted by fetal growth, and add to existing evidence in the CLHNS for sex differences in these relationships.

A wide range of triglyceride levels is sufficient for fetal growth at gestational weeks 12-16, but higher triglyceride levels are associated with gestational hypertension.

To learn whether and how lipid levels are associated with gestational hypertension and fetal growth in normal pregnancy. In a case-control study course, 464 patients with gestational hypertension were pooled into a case group; a total of 1077 women with full-term pregnancies and no pregnancy complications were selected as controls. In a cross-sectional study, whether maternal lipid levels were associated with fetal growth were evaluated in 1077 healthy controls. Maternal lipids and glucose levels and fetal measurements. Maternal levels of triglyceride (TG) were significantly higher in the case group than in controls at gestational weeks 12-16. Levels of TG, total cholesterol (TC) and low-densitylipoprotein (LDL-C) in control mothers increased gradually and significantly with increasing gestational week, however, these lipid concentrations lost these steady elevating trends with gestational week increases in the cases. Binary logistic regression showed that TG is a risk factor associated with hypertension at gestational weeks 12-16 and independent to maternal blood levels of LDL-C and glucose. Of the healthy mothers at gestational weeks 12-16, quantile regression showed that TG levels were not associated with real-time fetal growth measurements or final birthweight. The reference standards for maternal TG levels were estimated via the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentiles by gestational week. Maternal TG levels are associated with gestational hypertension, and a wide range of TG levels is sufficient for fetal growth within a given gestational week.

Exposure to during Pregnancy and Fetal Growth in Eastern Massachusetts, USA.

Background:Prior studies have examined the association between fine particulate matter [PM in aerodynamic diameter ()] and fetal growth with either limited spatial or temporal resolution.Objectives:In this study, we examined the association between exposure during pregnancy and fetal growth measures (ultrasound parameters and birth weight) in a pregnancy cohort using spatiotemporally resolved in Eastern Massachusetts, USA.Methods:We used ultrasound measures of biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference, femur length, and abdominal circumference (AC), in addition to birth weight, from 9,446 pregnancies that were delivered at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center from 2011–2016. We used linear mixed-effects models to examine the associations of in two exposure windows (the first 16 wk of pregnancy and the cumulative exposure up until the assessment of fetal growth) with anatomic scans (ultrasound ), growth scans (ultrasound ), and birth weight. All models were adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, long-term trends, and temperature.Results:Higher exposure in the first 16 wk was associated with smaller fetal growth measures, where associations were particularly strong for BPD, AC, and birth weight. For example, a increase in was associated with a lower mean BPD -score of (95% CI: , ) before 24 wk, a lower mean AC -score of (95% CI: , ) after 24 wk, and a lower mean birth weight -score of (95% CI: , ). Analyses examining the associations with cumulative exposure up until the assessment of fetal growth produced attenuated associations.Conclusions:Higher gestational exposure to was associated with smaller fetal growth measures at levels below the current national standards. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP9824

Abstract 9582: Maternal Triglyceride Levels Were Associated with Gestational Hypertension but Were Not Associated with Fetal Growth in Normal Pregnancy

Introduction: Abundant lipid supply and moderate mobilization of lipid metabolism allow proper nutrients for fetal development during pregnancy. However, knowledge of whether and how lipid levels associated with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia is inconsistent and no reference standards are currently defined for lipid parameters during pregnancy. Hypothesis: Higher maternal triglyceride (TG) levels were associated with pregnancy complications and that a wide range of TG levels was sufficient for fetal growth. Methods: A case-control study combined with a cross-sectional study. 464 patients with gestational hypertension and/or preeclampsia were pooled into a case group. A total of 1077 women with full-term pregnancies and no pregnancy complications were selected as controls. Results: Maternal levels of TG were significantly higher in the case group than in controls in all gestational weeks (12 to 16). Maternal levels of TG, total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) in healthy controls increased gradually and significantly with increasing gestational week, however, these lipid concentrations lost their steady elevating trends with gestational week increases in the case group. Binary logistic regression showed that TG is a risk factor associated with hypertension and/or preeclampsia at gestational weeks 12 to 16 and independent to maternal blood levels of glucose and LDL-C. The odds ratios for gestational complications were 2.24 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.31 - 3.83], 2.11 (95%CI: 1.35 - 4.13), 2.61 (95%CI: 1.10 - 6.17), 2.45 (95%CI: 1.27 - 4.52) and 2.36 (95%CI: 1.17 - 4.32) respectively in case women with TG levels higher than the 75th percentile of healthy controls at gestational weeks 12 to 16. Of the healthy controls at gestational weeks 12 to 16, quantile regression showed that TG levels were not associated with real-time fetal growth measurements or final birthweight. The reference standards for maternal TG levels were estimated via the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentiles by gestational week. Conclusions: Maternal TG levels are associated with gestational hypertension and/or preeclampsia, and a wide range of TG levels is sufficient for fetal growth within a given gestational week.

Invited Perspective: How Can Studies of Chemical Mixtures and Human Health Guide Interventions and Policy?

Invited Perspective: How Can Studies of Chemical Mixtures and Human Health Guide Interventions and Policy?

Using principal component analysis to examine associations of early pregnancy inflammatory biomarker profiles and adverse birth outcomes

Inflammation as a risk factor for preterm birth is well-established. The primary objective of this analysis was to examine whether individual cytokines versus a composite indicator of mid-pregnancy inflammation are significantly associated with risk for adverse birth outcomes. A multi-site prospective study was conducted in a socio-demographically diverse cohort of 610 pregnant participants. At a study visit between 12 and 20 6/7 weeks' gestation, low-grade inflammation was measured via log-transformed serum concentrations of the biomarkers IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-13, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and CRP. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify underlying dimensions of inflammatory activity from the seven biomarkers measured. Gestational age and birth weight at delivery were obtained from medical chart review. The associations between inflammatory profiles and birth outcomes were assessed via linear and logistic regression models. Results were compared with those from individual inflammatory biomarkers, and model fit was assessed using Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC). Principal component analysis analysis yielded a two-factor solution, with the first factor (IF1) composed of IL-8, IL-10, IL-13, IFN-ɣ, and TNF-α, and the second factor (IF2) containing IL-6 and CRP. When adjusted for race, education, BMI, smoking status, gestational age at time of blood draw, and study site, a one standard deviation (SD) increase in IF1 remained significantly associated with a decrease in standardized gestational age (β=-.13, 95% CI: -.21, -.05) and an increase in odds of preterm delivery (OR=1.46, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.88) (Table 3). A one SD increase in IF2 was similarly associated with a decrease in standardized gestational age at delivery (β=-.13, 95% CI: -.23, -.04) and an increase in odds of preterm delivery (OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.05). Neither IF1 nor IF2 was associated with measures of fetal growth. AIC identified that IL-6 was a slightly better fit for length of gestation compared to either composite measure, though all performed similarly. Independent of known sociodemographic risk factors, an elevated mid-pregnancy inflammatory profile was associated with a nearly 50% increase in odds of preterm delivery. The composite performed similarly to IL-6. These results suggest that maternal low-grade inflammation is a risk factor for preterm delivery, and that mid-pregnancy inflammatory biomarkers may be useful in predicting risk for preterm delivery.

Comparison Between Fetal Biometric Measurements (BPD, HC and FL) of Male and Female Fetuses in Population of Pakistan on Antenatal Ultrasound, A Multicentric Study

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the fetal biometric growth measurements (Head Circumference, Bi-Parietal Diameter, and Femur Length) between male and female fetuses on antenatal ultrasound in our population. Methodology: This was an observational study carried out in the Department of Radiology CMH Malir, Karachi and Ziauddin hospital, Karachi from July 2016 till July 2018 using non-probability sampling technique. A total of 510 pregnant women with second and third trimester were enrolled for the study. The biometric parameters of fetus i.e., Bi-Parietal Diameter, Head Circumference, and Femur Length were established through two-dimensional ultrasound. Chi-square and t tests were used to analyze differences in biometric parameters in both genders. Results: The study results showed significant differences in the Bi-Parietal Diameter and Head Circumference between male and female fetuses (p=0.006 and p=0.003, respectively). Mean Bi-Parietal Diameter in males was 71.47±13.70 and in females it was68.30±11.90cm, mean Head Circumference in males was 264.23±47.87and in females it was 252.03±44.91cm. It has also been observed that there was an insignificant difference in the femur length between male and female fetuses (p= 0.605). Mean femur length was 52.74±12.39 in males and 52.19±11.38 in females. Conclusion: This study concluded that male fetuses have considerably larger bi-parietal diameter and head circumference as compared to female fetuses however, no variation in femur length is observed in both genders. Keywords: Fetal Gender, Bi-Parietal Diameter, Head Circumference, Femur Length.

Distinction between the effects of parental and fetal genomes on fetal growth.

Birth weight is a common measure of fetal growth that is associated with a range of health outcomes. It is directly affected by the fetal genome and indirectly by the maternal genome. We performed genome-wide association studies on birth weight in the genomes of the child and parents and further analyzed birth length and ponderal index, yielding a total of 243 fetal growth variants. We clustered those variants based on the effects of transmitted and nontransmitted alleles on birth weight. Out of 141 clustered variants, 22 were consistent with parent-of-origin-specific effects. We further used haplotype-specific polygenic risk scores to directly test the relationship between adult traits and birth weight. Our results indicate that the maternal genome contributes to increased birth weight through blood-glucose-raising alleles while blood-pressure-raising alleles reduce birth weight largely through the fetal genome.

Associations of paternal and maternal per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances exposure with cord serum reproductive hormones, placental steroidogenic enzyme and birth weight

BackgroundMaternal per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure has been associated with placental function and fetal growth measures. However, few studies have simultaneously investigated paternal and maternal exposure effects. ObjectivesWe evaluated the associations of paternal or maternal PFAS levels with placental function and fetal growth measures. MethodsWe studied six PFAS measured in matched parental serums collected within 3 days before delivery in a birth cohort from LaiZhouWan, China. Outcomes evaluated include cord serum estradiol (n = 351), testosterone (n = 349), placental P450aromatase (n = 125), and birth weight (n = 369). Multiple linear regression was applied to estimate the associations for these outcomes according to paternal or maternal PFAS level after adjusting for socio-demographic confounders. Co-adjustment analysis of both paternal and maternal PFAS in the same model was performed. ResultsMaternal and paternal PFAS levels were correlated (Spearman's r = 0.23–0.45). Maternal PFAS were associated with increased estradiol (e.g., PFOA: β = 0.03, 95%CI: 0.00, 0.07), testosterone (e.g., PFUA: β = 0.14, 95%CI: 0.00, 0.27), and P450aromatase (e.g., PFOA: β = 0.13, 95%CI: 0.04, 0.22). Maternal PFAS were also associated with a lower mean of birth weight but the estimated 95% CI included the null. Paternal PFAS were not associated with any of the outcomes evaluated. ConclusionsSeveral maternal PFAS were associated with fetal steroid hormones and placental enzymes. Despite a correlation of PFAS level within the couples, no association was found for paternal PFAS exposure on these outcomes. The findings suggest the intrauterine PFAS exposure effect on fetal endocrine hormones and growth is unlikely to be confounded by exposure sources or familial factors shared within the couples.

Extracellular vesicle microRNA in early versus late pregnancy with birth outcomes in the MADRES study

ABSTRACT Circulating miRNA may contribute to the development of adverse birth outcomes. However, few studies have investigated extracellular vesicle (EV) miRNA, which play important roles in intercellular communication, or compared miRNA at multiple time points in pregnancy. In the current study, 800 miRNA were profiled for EVs from maternal plasma collected in early (median: 12.5 weeks) and late (median: 31.8 weeks) pregnancy from 156 participants in the MADRES Study, a health disparity pregnancy cohort. Associations between miRNA and birth weight, birth weight for gestational age (GA), and GA at birth were examined using covariate-adjusted robust linear regression. Differences by infant sex and maternal BMI were also investigated. Late pregnancy measures of 13 miRNA were associated with GA at birth (PFDR<0.050). Negative associations were observed for eight miRNA (miR-4454+ miR-7975, miR-4516, let-7b-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-29b-3p, miR-15a-5p, miR-15b-5p, miR-19b-3p) and positive associations for five miRNA (miR-212-3p, miR-584-5p, miR-608, miR-210-3p, miR-188-5p). Predicted target genes were enriched (PFDR<0.050) in pathways involved in organogenesis and placental development. An additional miRNA (miR-107), measured in late pregnancy, was positively associated with GA at birth in infants born to obese women (PFDR for BMI interaction = 0.011). In primary analyses, the associations between early pregnancy miRNA and birth outcomes were not statistically significant (PFDR≥0.05). However, sex-specific associations were observed for early pregnancy measures of 37 miRNA and GA at birth (PFDR for interactions<0.050). None of the miRNA were associated with fetal growth measures (PFDR≥0.050). Our findings suggest that EV miRNA in both early and late pregnancy may influence gestational duration.

Maternal bisphenol urine concentrations, fetal growth and adverse birth outcomes: A population-based prospective cohort

BackgroundExposure to bisphenols may affect fetal growth and development. The trimester-specific effects of bisphenols on repeated measures of fetal growth remain unknown. Our objective was to assess the associations of maternal bisphenol urine concentrations with fetal growth measures and birth outcomes and identify potential critical exposure periods.MethodsIn a population-based prospective cohort study among 1379 pregnant women, we measured maternal bisphenol A, S and F urine concentrations in the first, second and third trimester. Fetal head circumference, length and weight were measured in the second and third trimester by ultrasound and at birth.ResultsAn interquartile range increase in maternal pregnancy-averaged bisphenol S concentrations was associated with larger fetal head circumference (difference 0.18 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.01 to 0.34) standard deviation scores (SDS), p-value< 0.05) across pregnancy. When focusing on specific critical exposure periods, any detection of first trimester bisphenol S was associated with larger second and third trimester fetal head circumference (difference 0.15 (95% CI 0.05 to 0.26) and 0.12 (95% CI 0.02 to 0.23) SDS, respectively) and fetal weight (difference 0.12 (95% CI 0.02 to 0.22) and 0.16 (95% CI 0.06 to 0.26) SDS, respectively). The other bisphenols were not consistently associated with fetal growth outcomes. Any detection of bisphenol S and bisphenol F in first trimester was also associated with a lower risk of being born small size for gestational age (Odds Ratio 0.56 (95% CI 0.38 to 0.74) and 0.55 (95% CI 0.36 to 0.85), respectively). Bisphenols were not associated with risk of preterm birth.ConclusionsHigher maternal bisphenol S urine concentrations, especially in the first trimester, seem to be related with larger fetal head circumference, higher weight and a lower risk of being small size for gestational age at birth.