Health Status Of Newborns Research Articles

Complications of the Early Neonatal Period in Children from Mothers with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Changes in the course of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) at the present stage determine the emergence of a certain spectrum of completely new problems associated with the health status of newborns from mothers with GDM. The aim of the study was to investigate early neonatal complications in newborns from mothers with GDM. Methods and Results: The study included 404 pregnant women (gestational age of 37.0–41.0 weeks) with GDM. All patients with GDM were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 included 188 patients receiving insulin therapy; Group 2 included 216 patients receiving a well-balanced diet. The control group (Group 3) consisted of 68 pregnant women without disorders of carbohydrate metabolism. In Group 1, macrosomia occurred in 44(23.4%) newborns, in Group 2 - in 48(22.0%) newborns; in newborns from mothers of the control group, the frequency of macrosomia was only in 7.35% of newborns (P=0.01). Morpho-functional immaturity of newborns had the highest frequency of occurrence, despite the fact that all children were born on time; 80(42.6%) newborns from mothers of Group 1 and 77(35.6%) newborns from mothers of Group 2 had signs of morpho-functional immaturity. Conclusion: Diabetic fetopathy in newborns from mothers with GDM is manifested by morpho-functional immaturity of organs and systems developing in unfavorable hyperglycemic conditions.

FEATURES OF PREGNANCY AND DELIVERY IN ADOLESCENT WOMEN

Aim: to assess the risk of adverse consequences of adolescent pregnancy for mother and foetus in women from Lviv region. Material and methods. Complications of pregnancy and childbirth in adolescent women were studied retrospectively at the Lviv Regional Clinical Hospital. Results and discussion. 134 cases of adolescent childbirths for 2013 to 2017 were analyzed. The analysis of data on the course of pregnancy in adolescent women showed that the vast majority of them had complicated pregnancy and were at risk of preterm childbirth. A significant proportion of young women, 78 (58.2%), significantly more often required the therapy during pregnancy. Assessment of the health status of newborns showed that ¼ (24.6%) of young women gave birth to premature babies, and almost 1/3 of children, 51 (38.0%), from young mothers had a complicated early neonatal period. Within the spectrum of complications, the commonest diagnosis was "prematurity" in 33 (24.6%) children from young mothers. The pathological course of the early neonatal period in 51 (38.0%) children of the main group required transfer to other departments for further treatment. 82 (61.2%) children from this group were discharged home, while in the control group all 100 (100.0%) children were discharged from maternity home. Conclusions. The study has demonstrated that the risk factors for perinatal pathology in newborns from adolescent women included probably complicated pregnancy, risk of spontaneous abortion (17.9%), preterm birth (24.6%), and the childbirth of premature infants with impaired condition at birth, who needed treatment in other medical institutions (38.0%). Adolescent pregnant women are at risk for obstetric and perinatal complications.

Pregnancy, Childbirth and Puerperium Health Problems in Women Over 35 Years of Age

Background: Due to the choice of postponing motherhood, the average age of women giving birth in Poland has moved into older age groups. This study was conducted to assess pregnancy complications and birth outcomes in women of advanced maternal age (AMA, over 35 years of age) compared with women aged 35 years.
 Material and Methods: Data on births was obtained from two third-degree hospitals in Warsaw, Poland for the years 2017 – 2019. Maternal and perinatal outcomes for women of advanced maternal age (n = 3,766) were analyzed using Chi-square tests and the ANOVA Kruskal-Wallis test. Comparisons between the following age groups of women were conducted: age 35 (control group), 36 – 39, 40 – 44 and over 45 years of age. Results of the analysis are presented with unadjusted odds ratios, 95 percent confidence intervals and p-values.
 Results: The incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) was found to increase with age in the 36 – 39 (OR 1.76, CI 1.09 – 2.87), 40 – 44 (OR 2.72, CI 1.56 – 4.73) and in the over 45 (OR 6.34, CI 2.04 – 19.69) age groups. The risk of gestational diabetes was seen to increase in women aged 40 – 44 (OR 1.49, CI 1.13 – 1.97) and increases almost three times in women over the age of 45 (OR 2.88, CI 1.41 – 5.87). The frequency of births by Cesarean section was observed to increase by one quarter in the 36 – 39 age group (OR 1.26, CI 1.07 – 1.48), by half in the 40 – 44 age group (OR 1.5, CI 1.28 – 1.96) and almost three times in women over 45 (OR 2.88, CI 1.41 – 5.87). There was no statistical significance for the incidence of preterm delivery, induction of labor and postpartum anemia or the health status of newborns in the studied age groups.
 Conclusions: Maternal age of over 35 years old is an independent risk factor for higher rates of pregnancy and perinatal complications in the Polish population.

Programmed Labor in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus as a Reserve for Reducing the Frequency of Cesarean Section

The aim of this study was to investigate the perinatal outcomes of delivery by various methods in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods and Results: The study included 403 pregnant women (gestational age of 37.0–41.0 weeks) with GDM and 68 without disorders of carbohydrate metabolism, who gave birth from the second quarter of 2018 to the third quarter of 2020 in the maternity ward of the City Clinical Hospital No. 29 named after N.E. Bauman. All patients with GDM were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 included 187 patients receiving insulin therapy; Group 2 included 216 patients receiving a well-balanced diet. The main indicators of the health status of newborns in the early neonatal period were assessed taking into account the methods of delivery: programmed labor (PL), planned cesarean section (PCS), and spontaneous delivery. The 1-minute Apgar score in newborns from mothers of Groups 1 and 2 was higher at the PL, compared with PCS. The 5-minute Apgar score in newborns from mothers of Group 2 was also statistically significantly higher at the PL, compared with planned CS. The incidence of hypoglycemia in newborns from mothers of all groups was minimal at the PL, including a statistically significant low rate in newborns from mothers of Group 1. Symptoms of neonatal CNS depression were significantly more common in newborns born by abdominal delivery from mothers with GDM. Conclusion: PL in women with GDM reduces the incidence of the main complications of the early neonatal period: hypoglycemia and symptoms of neonatal CNS depression. PL may be considered more acceptable than abdominal delivery for women with GDM.

Association between prenatal phthalate exposure and anthropometric measures of newborns in a sample of Iranian population.

Phthalates or phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are a group of compounds which they can be entered into the human body through the various pathways. The aim of this study was to examine associations between prenatal phthalates exposure with anthropometric measures of neonates. Urine samples were obtained from 121 Iranian pregnant women at their first trimester of pregnancy, and the levels of monobutyl phthalate (MBP), mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP), mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), and mono (2-ethyl-5hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) metabolites were determined by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The correlations between the maternal urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites with anthropometric measures of neonates as well as with the socio-demographic factors of participants (maternal education, age, family income, pre-pregnancy body mass index), their lifestyle variables (smoking habit, food pattern, and physical activity), and use of cleaning products (cosmetic and household cleaning products) were investigated. MBzP, MBP, MEHP, and MEHHP were detected in 100% of the participants with the concentration ranged 120 to 860 μg/g creatinine. Significant correlations were observed between the urinary levels of maternal MBzP (adjusted β = 0.3 (0.001), p = 0.03) and MEHHP (adjusted β = 0.3 (0.001), p = 0.04) with the birth weight of female neonates. MBP (adjusted β = -0.3 (0.02), p = 0.04) and MBzP (adjusted β = -0.3 (0.001), p = 0.02) had negative associations with the head circumference in male and female newborns, respectively. Furthermore, plastic packaging for pickle and passive smoking during pregnancy were identified to be significantly associated with low birth weight (p value < 0.05). Iranian pregnant women had higher concentrations of urinary phthalates compared to the other countries. Based on the findings, the higher prenatal exposure to phthalates could adversely impact the health status of newborns.

Comparative analysis of women aged over 35 after in vitro fertilisation and natural fertilisation: a case control study

Background: Postponing motherhood is a worldwide trend. As a woman ages, the ability to get pregnant naturally decreases. The postponement of motherhood is related to the increased availability of assisted reproductive technology, which is associated with a higher incidence of maternal health problems. Aim of the study: To compare the health problems encountered during pregnancy, childbirth and early postpartum, and to examine the health status of the newborn, in women over 35 years of age who received in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or conceived naturally. Material and methods: A retrospective comparative case-control study was carried out based on the analysis of medical records from women who gave birth after 35 years of age. The study was conducted in two hospitals of the third level of reference in Warsaw, Poland. A group of women who gave birth after IVF (n=240) was compared with a control group who gave birth following natural fertilisation (n=240). Results: Women after IVF were statistically more likely to be obese (5% vs 0.2%, p=0.001), to have received infertility treatment (18% vs 1%, p=0.000) before pregnancy, and to experience cholestasis during pregnancy (4% vs. 1%, p=0.019). There was a higher incidence of multiple pregnancies [twins (10% vs 1%, p=0.0001) and triplets (0.5%, p=0.0001)], and deliveries by caesarean section (61% vs 51%, p=0.027) in women from the IVF group. The groups did not differ with respect to preterm delivery, duration of pregnancy, or 1st, 2nd and 3rd periods of labour. Mothers in the IVF group had a statistically longer perinatal hospital stay (7±8 vs 5±4 days, p=0.001). Conclusions: Women over 35 years of age after IVF have a higher rate of caesarean sections and multiple pregnancies. Obesity before pregnancy and cholestasis during pregnancy are also more common in this group. There is no difference between the health status of newborns from mothers after in vitro or natural fertilisation.

Модификация метаболических нарушений в патогенезе спонтанных преждевременных родов

Objective. To determine the levels of interleukins, neopterin, S100β protein in amniotic fluid and cord blood, show their role in the pathogenesis of preterm birth and perinatal injury of the central nervous system (CNS) in newborns. Patients and methods. The study included 77 women randomly selected by simple randomization. A single-center, singlestage, controlled, randomized trial was conducted, which included 77 women comprising two groups: the main group – 33 patients with spontaneous preterm birth (35–37 weeks) and the control group – 44 women with the physiological course of pregnancy and childbirth (38–40 weeks). All newborns were also examined. The levels of interleukins IL-33 and IL-4, as well as neopterin and S100β protein were determined in amniotic fluid and cord blood by a solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results. It was found that the increased production of interleukins and neurospecific proteins under study have a negative effect on the body of the pregnant woman and the fetus, which leads to serious pregnancy complications such as premature birth and perinatal CNS injury. Conclusion. The identified patterns provide a basis for the development of schemes for predicting preterm birth, which will improve perinatal outcomes and the health status of newborns. Key words: S100β protein, interleukins, neopterin, amniotic fluid, spontaneous preterm birth

RELATIONSHIP OF LABOR TYPES WITH STATUS

Background: Every woman wants her labor to run smoothly and can give birth to a baby perfectly. Labor can proceed normally, but it is not uncommon for the labor process to experience obstacles and must be done through surgery.&#x0D; Objective: to find out the relationship between the type of labor and the health status of newborns in the city of Bukittinggi.&#x0D; Methods: analytical survey research with crossectional design. With a sample of 120 respondents. Time of study in June-August. The test used is the Chi-Square test with a 95% confidence level.&#x0D; Results: Statistical test results showed that there was a relationship between apgar score (p = 0.003 and OR = 3.237), respiratory conditions (p = 0.010 and OR = 2,800), meconium aspiration (p = 0,0005 and OR = 10,846), trauma to infants (p = 0,0005 and OR = 9,942), admission to care (p = 0,002 and OR = 3,667) and IMD (p = 0,0005 and OR = 24,750) to the type of labor. While infectious diseases did not have a relationship to the type of labor (p = 0.583).&#x0D; Conclusion: there is a correlation between apgar score, respiratory condition, meconium aspiration, admission to care and IMD with the type of labor. And there is no relationship between infection in newborns to the health status of newborns.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Types of Labor, Health Status, Newborns.

Second Tier Molecular Genetic Testing in Newborn Screening for Pompe Disease: Landscape and Challenges.

Pompe disease (PD) is screened by a two tier newborn screening (NBS) algorithm, the first tier of which is an enzymatic assay performed on newborn dried blood spots (DBS). As first tier enzymatic screening tests have false positive results, an immediate second tier test on the same sample is critical in resolving newborn health status. Two methodologies have been proposed for second tier testing: (a) measurement of enzymatic activities such as of Creatine/Creatinine over alpha-glucosidase ratio, and (b) DNA sequencing (a molecular genetics approach), such as targeted next generation sequencing. (tNGS). In this review, we discuss the tNGS approach, as well as the challenges in providing second tier screening and follow-up care. While tNGS can predict genotype-phenotype effects when known, these advantages may be diminished when the variants are novel, of unknown significance or not discoverable by current test methodologies. Due to the fact that criticisms of screening algorithms that utilize tNGS are based on perceived complexities, including variant detection and interpretation, we clarify the actual limitations and present the rationale that supports optimizing a molecular genetic testing approach with tNGS. Second tier tNGS can benefit clinical decision-making through the use of the initial NBS DBS punch and rapid turn-around time methodology for tNGS, that includes copy number variant analysis, variant effect prediction, and variant ‘cut-off’ tools for the reduction of false positive results. The availability of DNA sequence data will contribute to the improved understanding of genotype-phenotype associations and application of treatment. The ultimate goal of second tier testing should enable the earliest possible diagnosis for the earliest initiation of the most effective clinical interventions in infants with PD.

Maternal and Early Postnatal Diet Supplemented with Conjugated Linoleic Acid Isomers Affect Lipid Profile in Hearts of Offspring Rats with Mammary Tumors.

Simple SummaryProper feeding during pregnancy and breastfeeding plays an important role in ensuring the health of offspring in childhood as well as in adulthood. The idea of the “developmental origin of health and disease” (DOHaD) assumes that stimuli acting during fetal life cause long-term developmental and physiological changes in the main organs and influence the risk of many diseases. Our research, connected with DOHaD, made an attempt to evaluate the impact of the diet modification of mothers through the addition of conjugated linoleic acid isomers (CLA) on the lipid profile, fatty acid profile and the oxidative stress in the hearts of offspring with breast cancer. Earlier studies utilizing CLA in DOHaD concerned their impact on reducing the incidence of cancer. Considering reports on the co-occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in oncological patients as a result of tumor development and also after chemotherapy and radiotherapy, further research is needed to assess the potential protective effect of CLA isomers in CVD. For this purpose, the content of selected CVD biomarkers was determined using modern analytical techniques. Our research has tried to explain the physiological role of CLA and its mechanism of action in the context of maintaining good health and in the prevention of non-communicable diseases.Linking the early life environment with later health status is known as “developmental programming”. This study aimed to assess whether the introduction of conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) into the maternal diet affects the content fatty acids (FAs), conjugated FAs (CFAs), cholesterol, oxysterols, malondialdehyde (MDA) and tocopherols in the hearts of their female offspring treated with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene and if offspring supplementation enhanced the effect of maternal supplementation. FA, cholesterol and oxysterol contents were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, while contents of CFAs and MDA were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with photodiode detection. The supplementation of mothers with CLAs significantly decreased the amount of atherogenic saturated FAs and enhanced the level of eicosapentaenoic FA in the hearts of offspring. Continuous progeny supplementation decreased the content of arachidonic acid in hearts. Supplementation of the maternal diet with CLAs and its continuation during the postnatal period increased the ratio of hypo to hypercholesterolemic FAs. Significantly fewer oxysterols were detected in the hearts of progeny of dams fed with CLAs as compared to the offspring of mothers receiving safflower oil. Both fetal and postnatal CLA intake significantly reduced 7β-hydroxycholesterol accumulation. It can be concluded that CLA supplementation during the fetal and postnatal period may be an effective method of maintaining the cardiac health status of newborns.

Survey of Neonates in Pomerania (SNiP): Study design and cohort update

The health status of newborns is a major concern for parents and medical personnel. Recent studies have provided increasing evidence that factors from the foetal and perinatal periods of life influence health later in life. The "Follow-up of the Survey of Neonates in Pomerania" (SNiP-I-Follow-up) is the first follow-up of the population-based birth cohort study, SNiP-I, established in north-east Germany. The primary aim of SNiP-I-Follow-up study was the collection of longitudinal data on children and adolescents. The associations will be analysed between risk factors in pregnancy and the perinatal period and health status in infancy and later childhood. The population-based cohort study SNiP-I was conducted in Pomerania in north-east Germany between February 2002 and November 2008. All mothers from the SNiP-I birth cohort were recontacted when their children were from 9 to 15years of age. The SNiP-I-Follow-up study was carried out between December 2016 and August 2017 and is a questionnaire-based survey. Physical development, health status, and social behaviour (school and leisure behaviour) of children were analysed using a questionnaire comprising medical, epidemiological, and socio-economic data, associated health care risk factors, and life circumstances of newborns, children, and their parents. Out of 5725 children invited to participate in the SNiP-I-Follow-up study between December 2016 and August 2017, 29% (n=1665) children participated in the SNiP-I-Follow-up study, providing data on 1665 mothers-child dyads. Responders had higher socio-economic status, especially in relation to maternal education status. As a longitudinal birth cohort from rural Germany, the SNiP cohort will be a resource to address urgent research needs and contribute to overall population health.

Determination of free apocarotenoids and apocarotenoid esters in human colostrum.

The presence of carotenoids in human colostrum has been reported in the literature, and xanthophyll esters in human colostrum were recently detected for the first time. However, no published studies have reported whether apocarotenoids, which are metabolites derived from carotenoid enzymatic or nonenzymatic oxidative cleavage, are present in human colostrum. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to search for the possible occurrence of apocarotenoids, including apocarotenoid esters, in human colostrum for the first time by applying an online supercritical fluid extraction-supercritical fluid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry methodology. Recent evidence related to apocarotenoid transcriptional activity has suggested that they may have beneficial health properties superior to those of their parent carotenoids. Three different apocarotenoids, namely apo-8'-β-carotenal, apo-8'-lycopenal, and β-citraurin, were identified in intact human colostrum samples, with average concentrations of 85nmolL-1, 54.6nmolL-1, and 75.4nmolL-1, respectively. The overall detection of 16 different free apocarotenoids and 10 different apocarotenoid fatty acid esters in human colostrum was achieved here for the first time. Their occurrence in human colostrum certainly has implications for newborn health status, since colostrum is the only form of food for the newborn during the very first days of life. Graphical abstract.

The health of children born to mothers who have had a threat of abortion

The risk of preterm labor is one of the leading complications of gestation which determines the high level of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Receptor for advanced glycation end product RAGE is considered to be an important participant of congenital and adaptive immunity and it can regulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. TNFa is a leading pro-inflammatory cytokine, it is produced in response to endotoxin. TGFß1 is the main mediator providing anti-inflammatory effect.Purpose. To identify the features of the health status of newborns after the threat of termination of pregnancy in 22–27 weeks, the content of sRAGE and cytokines in women at risk of preterm labor depending on perinatal pathology in children.Materials and methods. We examined 120 pregnant women at 22–27 weeks of gestation, they were divided into 2 groups: the main group (80 women at risk of preterm labor) and the control group (40 women with uncomplicated pregnancy). We determined the content of sRAGE, TGFβ1 и TNFα cytokines, and antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis и Ureaplasma urealyticum, simple herpes virus, cytomegalovirus, the virus of Epstein–Barr in the venous blood serum by ELISA.Results. The threat of preterm labor at 22–27 weeks increases the risk of perinatal hypoxic lesions of the CNS in newborn 1,5 times (relative risk (RR) 1.43; 95% confidence interval – CI 1.14–1.78). A premature birth, after the threat of preterm labor at 22–27 weeks, increases the risk of perinatal damage to the CNS more than five times (RR 5.13; 95% CI 2.47–10,69), and the risk of intrauterine infection is increased four times (RR 4.08; 95% CI 2.54–6.54). Low content of sRAGE in patients with threat of premature labor at 22–27 weeks is a predictor of development of perinatal hypoxic lesions of the CNS.Conclusion. Low content of sRAGE in the blood serum of patients at risk of premature labor at 22–27 weeks is a predictor of development of perinatal hypoxic lesions of the CNS. A decreased concentration of TGFβ1 cytokine in the blood of women at risk of premature birth is associated with intrauterine infection in newborns.

Biochemical markers and effectivity of the preventive therapy of the fetal distress and preterm delivery in pregnant women with polyhydramnios

Polyhydramnios in pregnant women are one of the most frequent pathologies in obstetrics, which is caused by an increase in the use of ultrasound screening of pregnant women and ranges from 1–3 to 8%. The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in blood biochemical parameters, biophysical profile of the fetus and the health status of newborns in pregnant women with polyhydramnios during the prophylactic therapy of this pathology and to estimate the frequency of polyhydramnios occurrence under the influence of preventive therapy in pregnant women at risk of polyhydramnios. We examined 120 pregnant women at gestational age from 20 to 38 weeks between the ages of 20 and 39 years: 1 group consisted of 30 healthy pregnant women, 2 group — 90 pregnant women with chronic polyhydramnios, which was divided into two subgroups: 40 pregnant women without fetal distress in 1 subgroup and 50 pregnant women with fetal distress in 2 subgroups. 1 subgroup of pregnant women received prophylactic Magnerot, Tivortin, Larnamine, Lymphomyosot and vitamin D3. The 2nd subgroup of pregnant women received traditional treatment according to the clinical protocol of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine №900 dated December 27, 2006, №782 dated December 29, 2005. Prenatal diagnosis was carried out by the method of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay: the metabolite level of vitamin D-25 OH(D) was determined, anti-inflammatory cytokines IL–10, IL–6, vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF, malonic aldehyde, carbonyl groups of proteins, superoxide dismutase, serum protein content. Conducted ultrasound examination of the fetus and dopplerometry of uterine-placental vessels, cardiotocography of the fetus, evaluated the biophysical profile of the fetus. The significance of the difference between the compared groups was determined using Student's t test. In pregnant women with chronic polyhydramnios, a decrease in endogenous glutathione antioxidant reserves, a decrease in the activity of the superoxide dismutase antioxidant enzyme, an increase in the activity of the pro-oxidant enzyme xanthine oxidase and the presence of cytokine imbalance have been found. It is shown that among all biochemical changes in the body of pregnant women with chronic polyhydramnios, vitamin D deficiency, inflammation and disturbance of angiogenesis play the most important role in the development of fetal distress. Pregnant women at high risk of polyhydramnios who received the proposed preventive therapy for fetal distress, improved fetoplacental blood flow, decreased the percentage of placental dysfunction by 1.8 times, fetal distress — by 1.5 times, premature birth — by 2 times, decreased asphyxia in newborns 1.7 times, the rate of perinatal morbidity in newborns decreased 1.9 times, compared with the group of pregnant women receiving traditional therapy. Thus, the positive effect of preventive therapy of pathology of pregnant women with polyhydramnios was confirmed clinically and biochemically.

Can fetal abdominal visceral adipose tissue and subcutaneous fat thickness be used for correct estimation of fetal weight? A preliminary study

The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of a new formula for the calculation of an estimated fetal weight (EFW) and to evaluate value of fetal visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and abdominal subcutaneous fat (SF) thickness on the prediction of birth weight. In this prospective study, fetal biometry, EFW, fetal VAT and SF thickness were measured in low-risk 37–41 gestational weeks pregnant women by ultrasonography. The linear regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between birth weight and obstetric measurements. It was found that the most important factors in the prediction of a birth weight were the abdominal circumference (AC), SF and VAT. The new formula for EFW was EFW = − 2748 . 622 + 13 . 811 * AC + 56 . 795 * SF + 17 . 913 * VAT According to the Hadlock 3 and the new formula, 92% and 95% of all fetal weight estimations were within 10% of actual birth weight, respectively. Measurement of VAT and SF thickness in prediction of fetal weight could reduce a weight estimation error. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? An accurate prediction of fetal weight during gestation provides useful information for assessing the fetal and newborn health status. As the detection of growth abnormalities is vital, there is a need for a reliable method of assessing birth weight during labour. Unfortunately, although different methods are available, a simple, quick and reliable method of assessing birth weight is still in debate. Fetal visceral adipose (VAT) tissue measurement is a new method which could be used for the correct estimation of fetal weight. Like adults, the VAT and subcutaneous fat tissue (SF) thickness could be correlated with the weight and body-mass index. What do the results of this study add? It was found that SF and VAT are important factors in the prediction of birth weight, like the abdominal circumference (AC). What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The measurement of VAT and SF thickness in prediction of fetal weight could reduce a weight estimation error.

Состояние репродуктивного здоровья мужчин персонала Курской АЭС

Purpose: To assess the reproductive health of male staff in the main departments of the Kursk nuclear power plant (NPP).&#x0D; Material and methods: The fertility and health of newborns were investigated. Data on marital status of 626 men of the staff and data about 813 newborns in families of male staff were analyzed. In the control group the data on the health status of newborns and pregnant groups of the population of Kurchatov city was used. Sources of information on doses to the personnel were the forms of a single system for monitoring and recording individual doses of radiation № 1-DOS “Information on the doses to persons in the conditions of normal operation of technogenic sources of ionizing radiation”.&#x0D; Results: Total occupational doses to the end of the main reproductive period (20–40 years) did not exceed 210 mSv, which is significantly below the threshold for temporary sterility during long-term irradiation (400 mSv/year, ICRP). Cases of infertile marriages in the families of the men of the staff (0.17 %) are below the estimation of the frequency of male infertility in Russia (1–2 %). &#x0D; Infant health in families of male staff and in the control group had no differences. The frequency of birth of health children was 65.3 % in families of male staff and 66.0 % for the control group. Frequency of birth of children with malformations was 35.7±6.5 per 1,000 live births and statistically (p = 0.84) did not differ from the frequency in the control group (37.4±5.3 per 1,000 live births) and was below the level adopted by the ICRP to calculate the radiation genetic risk (60 per 1,000 live births). There were no differences influenced by mother factors (age, diseases and complications during pregnancy) on fetal development and newborn health in families of the staff and control group. &#x0D; According to the calculations, the total occupational doses to men before the conception of children for more than 98 % of cases did not exceed 100 mSv, i.e. it was below the doses (&gt;100 mSv), for which the genetic effects were observed in the number of epidemiological studies. However, it should be noted that 25.6 % of childbirth were in families, where men were older than 30 years, i.e. at the age, which is not subject to the additional job restrictions under the planned increased exposure.&#x0D; Conclusions: The impact of occupational exposure on the reproductive health status of men staff of the Kursk NPP was not identified.

Maternal dietary consumption of legumes, vegetables and fruit during pregnancy, does it protect against small for gestational age?

BackgroundDifferent diets during pregnancy might have an impact on the health, reflected in the birthweight of newborns. The consumption of fruits and vegetables during pregnancy and the relationship with newborn health status have been studied by several authors. However, these studies have shown inconsistent results. Purpose: We assessed whether certain foods were related to the risk of small for gestational age (SGA).MethodsA matched by age (± 2 years) and hospital 1:1 case-control study of 518 pairs of pregnant Spanish women in five hospitals was conducted. The cases were women with an SGA newborn at delivery (neonates weighting less than the 10th percentile, adjusted for gestational age at delivery and sex, were diagnosed as SGA). The control group comprised women giving birth to babies adequate for gestational age (AGA). Mothers who gave birth to babies large for gestational age (LGA) were excluded. Data were gathered concerning demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, toxic habits and diet. A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) comprising 137 items was completed by all participants. The intake of vegetables, legumes and fruits was categorized in quintiles (Q1–Q5). Crude values and and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using conditional logistic regression. The variables for adjustment were as follows: preeclampsia, education, smoking, weight gain per week during pregnancy, fish intake and previous preterm/low birthweight newborns.ResultsTotal pulse intake showed an inverse association with the risk of SGA (trend p = 0.02). Women with an intake of fruits above 420 g/day (Q5), compared with women in Q1 (≤ 121 g/day) showed a decreased risk of SGA (AOR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.40–0.98). The total consumption of vegetables was not associated with the risk of SGA. The intake of selenium was assessed: a protective association was observed for Q3–5; a daily intake above 60 μg was associated with a lower risk of SGA (AOR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.22–0.69).ConclusionsFruits, pulses and selenium reduce the risk of SGA in Spanish women.

HEALTH STATUS OF CHILDREN BORN BY WOMEN WITH ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an important multidisciplinary problem, especially in obstetrics. The assessment of the health status of children born by mothers with APS is no less significant. Based on the analysis and the systematization of literature from 1987 to 2017, the modern aspects of pathogenesis and diagnostic criteria are presented; both immediate and long-term consequences of mothers’ APS influence on their offspring are considered. APS during pregnancy can lead to an increase in the incidence of pregnancy and passive transmission of antibodies to the fetus, which increases the risk of prematurity, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), thrombocytopenia. Antiphospholipid antibodies can influence the nervous system during the embryonic period. Circulation of antibodies in newborns is rarely able to lead to thrombosis, usually against the background of an infectious process and/or hereditary thrombophilia. The health status of newborns, born by mothers with APS, depends on the gestational age, the level of physical development, the interest of brain structures. Further, a long-term follow-up is needed to assess the health status of children in different age periods.

Pregnancy outcomes features in patients with different severity of asthma

Purpose of the study. The study of the peculiarities and outcomes of pregnancy and neonatal status in patients with bronchial asthma (BA).&#x0D; Materials and methods. Studied the course of pregnancy and delivery 1800 women suffering from BA. Patients were conducted and surveyed throughout the period of gestation simultaneously with pulmonologist and obstetrician; thus it was formed a complex of treatment and preventive measures, made recommendations for the primary prevention of allergic diseases of unborn child.&#x0D; Results. The increase in pregnancy complications in patients with asthma is directly related to the lack of control of the disease, especially in the first trimester of gestation. The lack of ade quate treatment of asthma increases the risk of different pregnancy complications, which has a direct effect on the health status of newborns.&#x0D; Conclusion. Even severe asthma, is not a contraindication to pregnancy. The main condition for the safety pregnancy and delivery is the timely appointment of a set of preventive and therapeutic measures for control of the disease that not only improve the quality of life of women during gestation, but also improve health status of newborns.

An evaluation of the knowledge of pediatric nurses about the oral health status of newborns and pediatric oral health care

Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the knowledge of pediatric nurses about the oral health care of newborns and children.Methods: Seventy-one pediatric nurses working in newborn and pediatric units were recruited to the study. After receiving approval from the source and ethical committee, the survey questions were derived from the source of National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center (OHRC) in Georgetown University and then translated into Turkish. The survey consists of demographic questions and 7 different categories of 48 questions related with oral health status of newborns and pediatric oral health care. The correct and wrong answers were recorded as “1” and “0” point for each question respectively. Total correct answers were calculated between 0-48 for each participant. The descriptive analysis and multiple linear regression model was used for statistical evaluations (p &lt; .05).Results: The average of correct answers was found as 17.72 ± 6.5. According to the multiple linear regression model, all categories including the nurses’ knowledge (p &lt; .001), educational status (p = .019), years of professional experience (p = .001) and their previous education on oral health care (p = .013) showed significant effects on the total amount of correct answers.Conclusions: The knowledge of the nurses regarding the oral health status of newborns and pediatric oral health care was found relatively low. The nurses’ low educational status, years of professional experience, and inadequate previous education on oral health care may be considered as risk factors for their lack of knowledge.