Larger Head Circumference Research Articles

Multifaceted case management during pregnancy is associated with better child outcomes and less fetal alcohol syndrome

Background Pregnant women participated in multifaceted case management (MCM) to prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Methods Women recruited from antenatal clinics for a longitudinal child development study were screened for alcohol use. Forty-four pregnant women were defined as high-risk drinkers on the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) by an AUDIT score ≥8 and participated in 18 months of MCM to facilitate reduction or cessation of alcohol consumption. Forty-one women completed MCM. Fifty-five equally high-risk women who received standard antenatal care comprised the comparison/control group. Development in offspring was evaluated by a blinded interdisciplinary team of examiners through 5 years of age. Results At five years of age, more children (34%) of MCM participating women did not meet the criteria for FASD vs. non-MCM offspring (22%). Furthermore, a statistically significant (p = .01) lower proportion of MCM offspring (24%) was diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) compared to controls (49%). Children of MCM participants had significantly (p < .05) better physical outcomes: lower total dysmorphology scores, larger head circumferences, longer palpebral fissures, and higher midfacial measurements. Neurodevelopment results showed mixed outcomes. While Bayley developmental scores indicated that MCM offspring were performing significantly worse on most domains through 18 months, group scores equalized and were not significantly different on Kaufman Assessment Battery neurobehavioral measures by five years. Regression analyses indicated that offspring of women who received standard antenatal care were associated with significantly more negative outcomes than MCM offspring: a diagnosis of FAS (OR = 3.2; 95% CI: 1.093–9.081), microcephaly (OR = 5.3; 95% CI: 2.1–13.5), head circumference ≤10th centile (OR = 4.3; 95%CI: 1.8–10.4), and short palpebral fissures (OR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.0–5.8). Conclusion At age five, proportionally fewer children of MCM participants qualified for a diagnosis of FAS, and proportionally more had physical outcomes indicating better prenatal brain development. Neurobehavioral indicators were not significantly different from controls by age five. KEY MESSAGES Multifaceted Case Management (MCM) was designed and employed for 18 months during the prenatal and immediate postpartum period to successfully meet multiple needs of women who had proven to be very high risk for birthing children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Offspring of the women who participated in MCM were followed up through age five years and were found to have significantly better physical outcomes on multiple variables associated with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and FASD, such as larger head circumferences and fewer minor anomalies, than those children born to equally at-risk women not receiving MCM. Fewer children of women receiving MCM were diagnosed with FASD than the offspring of equally-at-risk controls, and significantly (p = .01) fewer MCM offspring had FAS, the most severe FASD diagnosis.

The Association between Infant Birth Weight, Head Circumference, and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether being small for gestational age (SGA) or large for gestational age (LGA) or having a small or large head circumference (HC) at birth is associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. This is a secondary analysis of a multicenter negative randomized trial of thyroxine therapy for subclinical hypothyroid disorders in pregnancy. The primary outcome was child intelligence quotient (IQ) at 5 years of age. Secondary outcomes included several neurodevelopmental measures. Associations between the outcomes in children with SGA (<10th percentile) or LGA (>90th percentile) birth weights, using ethnicity- and sex-specific population nomogram as well as nomograms from the National Fetal Growth (NFG) study, were compared with the referent of those with appropriate for gestational age (AGA) birth weight. Similar analyses were performed for HC. Using the population nomogram, 90 (8.2%) were SGA and 112 (10.2%) were LGA. SGA neonates were more likely to be born preterm to mothers who were younger, smoked, and were less likely to have less than a high school education, whereas LGA neonates were more likely to be born to mothers who were older and have higher body mass index, compared with AGA neonates. SGA at birth was associated with a decrease in the child IQ at 5 years of age by 3.34 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54-6.14) points, and an increase in odds of child with an IQ < 85 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.2). There was no association between SGA and other secondary outcomes, or between LGA and the primary or secondary outcomes. Using the NFG standards, SGA at birth remained associated with a decrease in the child IQ at 5 years of age by 3.14 (95% CI, 0.22-6.05) points and higher odds of an IQ < 85 (aOR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.3-4.1), but none of the other secondary outcomes. HC was not associated with the primary outcome, and there were no consistent associations of these standards with the secondary outcomes. In this cohort of pregnant individuals with hypothyroid disorders, SGA birth weight was associated with a decrease in child IQ and greater odds of child IQ < 85 at 5 years of age. Using a fetal growth standard did not appear to improve the detection of newborns at risk of adverse neurodevelopment.

Effects of metformin on pregnancy outcome, metabolic profile, and sex hormone levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and their offspring: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundResearches of the efficacy and safety of metformin on long-term pregnancy outcomes remains conflicted. We performed an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to systematically investigate the effect of metformin treatment on pregnancy outcome, metabolic profile, and sex hormone characteristics in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and their offspring.MethodsThe PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to July 10, 2021 with the keywords “metformin”, “PCOS”, and “pregnancy”. Randomized controlled studies reported pregnant related outcomes after metformin intervention among PCOS women were included, while abstracts and reviews were excluded. Two authors independently identified trials, extracted data and assessed risk of bias with Cochrane Reviewer’s Handbook 5.0. Random effects models were used to evaluate the pooled risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of pregnancy outcome, metabolic profile, and sex hormone levels.ResultsEighteen studies were included. The majority of trials were in medium methodological quality. In terms of pregnancy complications among women with PCOS, metformin treatment was associated with a significantly reduced risk of preterm delivery (RR =0.37, 95% CI: 0.23–0.61), pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and preeclampsia (RR =0.45, 95% CI: 0.24–0.83) and macrosomia (RR =0.26, 95% CI: 0.11–0.64). In terms of offspring, metformin significantly associated with larger head circumference (MD =0.29, 95% CI: 0.13–0.45) and higher long-term body mass index (BMI) measures (MD =0.37, 95% CI: 0.17–0.56). In terms of metabolic profile and sex hormone characteristics, a significant decrease in homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR) scores was found in mothers (MD =−0.32, 95% CI: −0.63 to −0.02), whereas a significant increase of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels was detected in offspring (MD =0.33, 95% CI: 0.01–0.65).DiscussionAlthough the relative low quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and limited results made it difficult to draw a definite conclusion, our study showed that metformin treatment during pregnancy can reduce the risk of pregnancy complications but may have impacts on increasing SHBG levels and long-term BMI in offspring.

The impact of maternal smoking on embryonic morphological development: the Rotterdam Periconception Cohort.

STUDY QUESTIONIs periconceptional maternal smoking associated with embryonic morphological development in ongoing pregnancies?SUMMARY ANSWERSmoking during the periconceptional period is associated with a delayed embryonic morphological development which is not fully recuperated beyond the first trimester of pregnancy.WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADYSmoking during pregnancy decreases prenatal growth, increasing the risk of preterm birth, small for gestational age (GA) and childhood obesity.STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATIONBetween 2010 and 2018, 689 women with ongoing singleton pregnancies were periconceptionally enrolled in a prospective cohort study with follow-up until 1 year after delivery.PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODSBetween 7 + 0 and 10 + 3 weeks, GA serial three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound scans were performed. Embryonic morphological development as assessed by the Carnegie developmental stages was evaluated using Virtual Reality techniques. In the absence of fetal morphology classification methods beyond the embryonic period, fetal ultrasound measurements at around 20 weeks’ GA, and birth weight were used to assess fetal growth. Linear mixed models were used to evaluate the association between smoking and the Carnegie stages. Regarding first-trimester morphological development, we additionally stratified our findings for mode of conception. Multiple linear regression models were used to study the association between smoking, fetal growth and birth weight. To investigate to which extent delayed embryonic morphological development mediated the effect of smoking, contemporary mediation analysis was used. Adjustments were made for potential confounders and other covariates.MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCEA total of 689 singleton ongoing pregnancies were included and 1210 Carnegie stages were determined. Maternal periconceptional smoking represented by the number of cigarettes/day was associated with a slight non-significant delay of the Carnegie stages (βcigarettes/day = −0.058, 95% CI −0.122; 0.007, P = 0.080). Smoking of ≥10 cigarettes/day showed the strongest association (β≥10 cigarettes/day = −0.352, 95% CI −0.648; −0.057, P = 0.019), as reflected by a 0.9-day delay in reaching the final Carnegie stage. Stratification for mode of conception showed a stronger negative association between the number of cigarettes/day in the IVF/ICSI group (βcigarettes/day = −0.126, 95% CI −0.200; −0.051, P = 0.001) compared to naturally conceived pregnancies (βcigarettes/day = 0.009, 95% CI −0.093; 0.111, P = 0.867). In the IVF/ICSI group, periconceptional smoking of ≥10 cigarettes/day was associated with in a 1.6 day delay in reaching the final Carnegie stage (β≥10 cigarettes/day = −0.510, 95% CI −0.834; −0.186, P = 0.002). In the second trimester, periconceptional smoking was associated with a smaller femur length (βcigarettes/day = −0.077, 95% CI −0.147; −0.008, P = 0.029) and a larger head circumference (β1–9 cigarettes/day = 0.290, 95% CI 0.065; 0.514, P = 0.012). Smoking was associated with a lower birth weight, with a dose-response effect (βcigarettes/day = −0.150, 95% CI −0.233; −0.068, P < 0.001). Furthermore, using the unadjusted model, 40–60% of the association between smoking and fetal ultrasound parameters and 6.3% of the association between smoking and birth weight can be explained by a delayed embryonic morphology.LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTIONThe study population was recruited from a tertiary referral center. Smoking habits were explored using self-reported questionnaires and checked for consistency by trained researchers.WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGSThis study shows that the association of periconceptional maternal smoking and human morphological development can already be detected early in the first trimester of pregnancy using embryonic morphology as outcome. One of the key messages of this study is that the delay, or dysregulation, in embryonic morphology is associated with allometric growth reflected by smaller fetal measurements at 20 weeks gestation and lower weight at birth. The delay in embryonic morphology, measured in early pregnancy, cannot be recuperated during the pregnancy. The results of this study emphasize the importance of smoking intervention programs prior to conception. More research is warranted to assess the association between periconceptional smoking cessation and embryonic development.STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)The work was funded by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERN/A.

Surgical Result and Identification of FGFR2 Variants Using Whole-Exome Sequencing in a Chinese Family With Crouzon Syndrome.

Crouzon syndrome is considered as one of the most common craniosynostosis syndromes with a prevalence of 1 in 65,000 individuals, and has a close relationship with variants in fibroblast growth factor receptor 2. Here the authors described a Crouzon syndrome case, which was asked for surgery treatment for the symptom of multisuture craniosynostosis. Mild midfacial retrusion, larger head circumference, proptosis, pseudo-prognathism, and dental malposition could also be found obviously. Then fronto-orbital advancement and cranial cavity expansion were performed to the child. After whole-exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing, gene variants in the exons 2 and 3 of FGFR2 were detected. And protein tyrosine 105 replaced by cysteine in the extracellular region of FGFR2 was also detected. After operation, she presented a satisfactory anterior plagiocephaly and scaphocephaly correction, and the result was satisfied by surgeons and her parents. Variants detected using WES have further research prospect.

Birth Characteristics Among Children Diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and Tuberous Sclerosis

To evaluate whether children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and tuberous sclerosis have different birth characteristics compared with the general population. We identified all individuals born in Sweden between 1973 and 2014 from the nationwide Medical Birth Register for whom information on both biological parents was available (n=4 242 122). Individuals with NF1 and individuals with tuberous sclerosis were identified using data from Swedish population-based health data registers. Using logistic regression models, we assessed the associations between these 2 neurocutaneous syndromes and birth characteristics in a cohort that included 1804 subjects with NF1 and 450 with tuberous sclerosis. Children with NF1 and tuberous sclerosis were significantly more likely to be born preterm and via cesarean delivery. In addition, children with NF1 were also more likely to be born with other birth characteristics, such as short length, a large head circumference, and a low Apgar score. Moreover, children with NF1 had an increased odds of being born with a high birth weight or large for gestational age (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.42-1.82 and OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.60-2.06, respectively). Children with NF1 and tuberous sclerosis differ from the general population in terms of several birth characteristics, with the strongest associations observed for high birth weight and large for gestational age in individuals with NF1.

Head Circumference within the Normal Range and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Preterm Infants.

We sought to determine if variation in head circumference (HC) within the range of normal (5th-10th and 90th-95th percentile) is associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcomes (NDO), which defined as mild or moderate delay by Bayley II psychometrics (BSID-II). This is a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial assessing the benefits of magnesium for the prevention of cerebral palsy. Fetuses with a normal HC at birth defined as within 5th to 95th percentile were included. NDO were assessed at age 2 with BSID-II. Moderate delay was defined as a score <70 and mild delay as <85. HC was classified as small normal (5th-10th percentile), normal (10th-90th percentile), and large normal (90th-95th percentile). Logistic regression models adjusted for confounding. Linear regression models estimated the impact for every 1 cm of change in HC. Of 1,236 included infants, 111 (8%) had small normal HC; 1,058 (85%) had normal HC; and 67 (5%) had large normal HC. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. There was no association with changes in HC within the range of normal and developmental indices. When considered as a continuous variable, every 1 cm increase in HC was also not associated with a significant change in developmental indices. Within the normal range (5th-95th percentile), changes in HC did not correlate with changes in NDO at 2 years as measured by Bayley II scales. · It is unknown if variations in normal HC are associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcomes.. · Alterations in HC within the range of normal (5th-95th percentile) are not associated with adverse NDO.. · When considered as a continuous variable, a 1 cm increase in HC is not associated with adverse NDO.. · Changes in HC within the range of normal do not appear to be a pathologic change altering NDO..

Iodine monitoring models contribute to avoid adverse birth outcomes related more than adequate iodine intake

BackgroundIodine plays an important role in pregnancy. How to maintain adequate iodine intake amongst pregnant women in each trimester of pregnancy to prevent adverse birth outcomes in central China is a challenge for clinical practice.Methods870 pregnant women and their infants were enrolled in the study. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was measured using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Maternal and newborn information were obtained during follow-up. Multinomial logistic regression models were established.ResultsMedian UIC of pregnant women was 172 ± 135 μg/L which is currently considered to be sufficient. Multivitamin supplements containing iodine, iodized salt intake and frequent milk intake were significantly associated with higher UIC. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that multivitamin supplements containing iodine and milk consumption were risk factors for more than adequate iodine (UIC ≥ 250 μg/L). Iodine-rich diet was significantly related to heavier birthweight, larger head circumference and longer femur length of the newborns while more than adequate iodine intake (UIC ≥ 250 μg/L) was a risk factor for macrosomia. Logistic regression models based on potential risk factors involving iodine containing supplements and iodine-rich diet were established to predict and screen pregnant women with high risk of more than adequate iodine intake among local pregnant women in different trimesters and guide them to supplement iodine reasonably to prevent the risk.ConclusionsMultivitamin supplements containing iodine and milk consumption were risk factors for maternal UIC ≥ 250 μg/L which was a risk factor for macrosomia. Iodine monitoring models were established to provide guidance for pregnant women to reduce the risk of more than adequate iodine intake, thereby contributing to reduce the risk of having a macrosomia.

The factors affecting the physical development of neonates in pregnant women with or without gestational diabetes mellitus.

ObjectivesTo explore the factors affecting neonatal physical development in pregnant women with or without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).MethodsThe subjects were selected from the pregnant woman giving birth in 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, from November 2015 to May 2016. The age, occupation, education level, gestational age, body weight before pregnancy, body weight at delivery, body height, delivery pattern, GDM status of pregnant women and neonatal gender, birth weight (BW), chest circumference (CC), head circumference (HC) and birth length (BL) were collected through medical records and questionnaires. The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed and studied.ResultsThe significant differences were found between women with GDM and without GDM in following neonatal variables (P<0.05): BW, CC, and HC. GDM status increased the incidence of macrosomia (OR = 2.241, 95% CI: 1.406–3.573), large CC (OR = 2.470, 95% CI: 1.687–3.6153). Gestational weight gain (GWG) above IOM guideline was risk factor for macrosomia (OR = 1.763, 95% CI:1.098–2.833), large HC (OR = 1,584, 95% CI: 1.093–2.296) and large CC (OR = 1.707, 95% CI:1.163–2.506). Underweight was risk factor for short BL (OR = 2.543, 95% CI:1.161–5.571) and small CC (OR = 1.901, 95% CI:1.064–3.394). Female neonate was prone to appear short BL(OR = 2.831, 95% CI: 1.478–5.422) and small HC (OR = 2.750, 95% CI: 1.413–5.350), and not likely to macrosomia (OR = 0.538, 95% CI: 0.343–0.843), longer BL (OR = 0.584, 95% CI: 0.401–0.850), large HC (OR = 0.501, 95% CI: 0.352–0.713), and (OR = 0.640, 95% CI: 0.446–0.917). For women with GDM, gestational age was an risk factor of neonatal BW (low BW: OR = 0.207, 95% CI: 0.085–0.503; macrosomia: OR = 1.637, 95% CI: 1.177–2.276), BL (short BL: OR = 0.376, 95% CI: 0.241–0.585; long BL: OR = 1.422, 95% CI: 1.054–1.919), HC (small HC: OR = 0.343, 95% CI: 0.202–0.583; large HC: OR = 1.399, 95% CI: 1.063–1.842) and CC (small CC: OR = 0.524, 95% CI: 0.374–0.733; large CC: OR = 1.485, 95% CI: 1.138–1.936).ConclusionsIn our study, gestational age, GDM status, neonatal gender, GWG and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) are associated the abnormal physical development of neonates. In women with GDM, gestational age was correlate with neonatal abnormal physical developments.

Influence of molecular classes and growth hormone treatment on growth and dysmorphology in Prader-Willi syndrome: A multicenter study.

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex genetic disorder with three molecular classes but clinical ascertainment is based on distinctive features. The prevalence of dysmorphic features was studied in 355 PWS participants (61% deletion, 36% maternal disomy [UPD], and 3% imprinting defects) from the National Institute of Health PWS Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network. The effect of growth hormone (GH) treatment on growth and dysmorphic features was compared. Among participants, upslanting palpebral fissures were seen in 23%; strabismus in 42%; abnormal dentition in 32%; small hands in 63% and small feet in 70%; hypopigmentation in 30%; striae in 32% and skin picking in 26%. Compared to those with UPD, participants with deletions were found to be heavier (p = 0.002), had smaller head circumference (HC) (p = 0.009), higher incidence of a flat occiput (p = 0.005); low-anterior hairline (p = 0.04); abnormal dentition (p = 0.009); abdominal striae (p = 0.045), nail abnormalities (p = 0.050), and fair-haired (p < 0.001). Participants in both genetic groups receiving GH were taller (p = 0.005), had larger HCs (p = 0.005), and longer hands (p = 0.049). This study suggested that PWS genetic subtypes and GH treatment can influence growth and dysmorphic features that may impact clinical diagnosis of PWS, such as stature, head shape and appearance of the eyes, nose, and genitalia.

Pregnancy weight gain may affect perinatal outcomes, quality of life during pregnancy, and child-bearing expenses: an observational cohort study.

We aimed to examine the effect of gestational weight gain (GWG) on perinatal outcomes, quality of life (QoL) during pregnancy, and medical costs of childbirth. The observational cohort comprised 2210 pregnant women who were classified into three groups based on their pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and GWG in relation to the 2020 Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations. The data were collected on perinatal outcomes, urinary incontinence (UI) during pregnancy, changes in sexual function, and medical costs of hospitalization for delivery. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were employed to explore those associations. Only 42.1% of women met the 2020 IOM guidelines. After adjustments for potential confounding factors, women with above-normal GWG had adverse pregnancy outcomes, including a large fetal head circumference and macrosomia, and women with below-normal GWG were more likely to deliver low-birthweight fetuses preterm than women with normal GWG. Only 16.8% of women reported sexual activity during pregnancy. There were not significant differences in sexual activity and satisfaction, or QoL among the three GWG groups. Child-bearing expenses were higher for women with above-normal GWG than for women with normal GWG. Although the child-bearing expenses were higher for the above-normal GWG, the proportion of women with expenses above the median increased according to pre-pregnancy BMI. Our results show that inappropriate GWG is associated with a greater risk of adverse perinatal outcomes and increased medical expenses for delivery. Healthcare providers are advised to counsel women to maintain their GWG following the 2020 IOM recommendations throughout pregnancy.

Effect of Co-twin Fetal Sex on Fetal Anthropometry and Birth Time in Twin Pregnancies.

This study of twin deliveries aimed to examine the effect of fetal sex and fetal sex of the co-twin on fetal anthropometry and length of gestation. Pregnancies were grouped as male/male, male/female, and female/female. Birth weight, head circumference, body length and delivery time of newborns were compared between unlike-sex and like-sex twin pregnancies. A total of 1028 pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. Of these pregnancies, 32.6% (n = 335) were male/male, 33.4% (n = 343) were male/female, and 34.0% (n = 350) were female/female. The discordant (male/female) newborns had a higher total birth weight than concordant twins (P = 0.015). Compared with male newborns from male/female twin pregnancies, male newborns from male/male pregnancies were found to be 129 grams heavier, 0.7 cm longer, and had a 0.4 cm larger head circumference (P<0.001, P=0.023, and P = 0.039, respectively). Pregnancies with male/female fetuses had statistically significantly longer gestations than pregnancies with male/male and female/female fetuses (P = 0.003 and P = 0.004, respectively). The shortest mean gestation was observed in the male/male group. Male/male pregnancies had a 1.53 times higher risk of preterm delivery than male/female pregnancies and a 1.51 times higher risk than female/female pregnancies (OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.07-2.19 and OR 1.51; 95% CI 1.06-2.16, respectively). This study suggests that, in twin pregnancies, birth weight, head circumference, and body length are affected by the sex of the co-twin. Male sex is associated with shorter gestation and male/male twin pregnancies are at higher risk for preterm labour.

The role of sonographic head circumference in the occurrence of subgaleal hemorrhage following vacuum delivery

Objective Subgaleal hemorrhage (SGH) is a severe neonatal morbidity that is associated with vacuum-assisted delivery (VAD). Large sonographic head circumference (sHC) was previously associated with complicated VAD. Nevertheless, the association of large sHC with SGH formation following VAD is underreported. We aim to evaluate the role of sonographic head circumference (sHC) with SGH formation following attempted VAD. Methods A retrospective case-control study. Cases comprised singleton pregnancies for whom attempted VAD resulted in SGH with an sHC measured within 2 weeks from delivery. Controls were VAD deliveries which not resulted in SGH, with an sHC measured within 2 weeks from delivery. We matched controls in a 1:1 ratio by gestational age, parity and year of delivery. Results Overall, 118 women were included in the SGH study group and were matched to 118 controls. Baseline maternal and fetal characteristics were similar between the groups except for higher neonatal birth weight in the SGH group (median 3422 vs. 3195 grams, p = .001). sHC did not vary between groups (median 336 mm in SGH groups vs. 333, p = .08). Rate of sHC >90th and >95th percentile did not significantly differ between the groups (13.6% vs. 8.5%, 6.8% vs. 3.4%, p = .21, p = .37, for SGH vs. controls, respectively). In multivariate regression analysis, sHC was not found to be independently associated with SGH – aOR (95% CI) 1.004 (0.97–1.03). Receiver operating characteristic curves of sHC for SGH formation underlined an area under the curve of 0.58 (95% CI) (0.51–0.65). Conclusions sHC is not associated with SGH formation following VAD

Associations Between Fetal Growth Trajectories and the Development of Myopia by 20 Years of Age.

PurposeTo evaluate the contribution of genetic and early life environmental factors, as reflected by fetal anthropometric growth trajectories, toward the development of myopia during childhood and adolescence.MethodsThis analysis included 498 singleton Caucasian participants from the Raine Study, a pregnancy cohort study based in Western Australia. Serial fetal biometric measurements of these participants were collected via ultrasound scans performed at 18, 24, 28, 34, and 38 weeks’ gestation. At a 20-year follow-up, the participants underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, including cycloplegic autorefraction and ocular biometry measurements. Using a group-based trajectory modeling approach, we identified groups of participants with similar growth trajectories based on measurements of fetal head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference, femur length (FL), and estimated fetal weight (EFW). Differences between trajectory groups with respect to prevalence of myopia, axial length (AL), and corneal radius of curvature measured at the 20-year follow-up were evaluated via logistic regression and analysis of variance.ResultsPrevalence of myopia was highest among participants with consistently short or consistently long FLs (P = 0.04). There was also a trend toward increased prevalence with larger HC in late gestation, although not at a statistically significant level. Trajectory groups reflecting faster HC, FL, or EFW growth correlated with significantly flatter corneas (P = 0.03, P = 0.04, and P = 0.01, respectively) and a general, but not statistically significant, increase in AL.ConclusionsEnvironmental or genetic factors influencing intrauterine skeletal growth may concurrently affect ocular development, with effects persisting into adulthood.

Effect of Galohgor Cookies Intake by Postpartum Mother on Newborn’s Growth

Background: Malnutrition is one of serious public health problems that still need treatment priority. Besides the problem of over-nutrition continues to increase, the problem of under-nutrition has not been resolved properly. Utilization of local food such as galohgor can be an alternative to meet the nutritional needs. Objectives: The present study was aimed to analyze the effect of galohgor cookies intake by postpartum mothers on the newborn’s growth. Methods: The design was quasi-experimental design. There were two groups including the control group (CG) (n = 9) and the intervention group (GG) (n = 9). Postpartum mothers aged 20-35 years (parity between 2 and 5) with normal delivery and had no medical indication were involved in this study. A total of four pieces of cookie (~ 4 g of galohgor powder) were consumed daily from the 1st day until the 40th day after delivery. Anthropometric data (height, body weight, and head circumference) were obtained on day 0, 14 and 40 after delivery. Meanwhile, human milk samples were taken on day 14 and 40 to analyze the levels of human milk insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). Results: The newborns in the GG had significantly heavier weight and larger head circumference than CG on day 14 and 40 after delivery (p &lt;0.05). IGF-I could be maintained by consuming galohgor during postpartum period. However, this study found no differences in body length of both control and intervention group (p&gt; 0.05). Conclusions: Intake of galohgor cookies by postpartum mothers might support the newborn’s growth.

Синдром Жубера як причина холестазу в дітей

Literature review and a case report of Joubert syndrome in a preschool child are presented. This syndrome is accompanied by chronic intrahepatic cholestasis, characteristic facial dysmorphia, congenital malformations of the urinary system, eyes pathology, confirmed by a molecular genetic test of TMEM67 gene mutations. Diagnostic aspects of this pathology have been reviewed. The clinical case description. Boy K was admitted to the pediatric hepatology department with respiratory and renal failure, decompensated acidosis. On admission, complaints included shortness of breath, severe itching, pale and dry skin, poor appetite and delayed physical development. On examination, dysembryogenic stigmas: large head circumference, elongated face, protruding forehead, high rounded eyebrows, deeply set eyes, hypertelorism, antimongoloid incision of the eyes, low auricles. The skin was pale, dry with the scratch marks on the arms and legs flexor surfaces. Ankles, wrists skin lichenification, bruising and hyperpigmentation was observed. Moderate palmar erythema, spider veins on the abdomen, watch-glass nails were present. The abdomen was enlarged due to hepatosplenomegaly. A clinical and paraclinical examination was conducted, the patient was consulted by related specialists. Based on the obtained data and molecular genetic examination, the diagnosis was made. Conclusion. Joubert's syndrome may have a clinical presentation similar to that in cholestatic liver disease with typical clinical and laboratory symptoms. The molecular genetic testing is an important workup component in children with liver pathology combined with damage to other organs and systems. Successful treatment is possible providing a multidisciplinary approach used. The study was conducted by the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The research protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the abovementioned institution. Informed consent of the child's parents was obtained for the research. The authors declare no conflict of interest. Keywords: Joubert syndrome, cholestasis, children.

Impact of prepregnancy body mass index on pregnancy outcomes, incidence of urinary incontinence and quality of life during pregnancy - An observational cohort study

BackgroundTo evaluate the effects of prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) on pregnancy outcomes, prevalence of urinary incontinence, and quality of life. MethodsThe observational cohort included 2210 pregnant women who were divided into 4 groups according to their prepregnancy BMI: underweight (<18.5), normal weight (18.5–24.9), overweight (25–29.9), and obese (≥30). Data were analyzed for pregnancy outcomes, prevalence of urinary incontinence during pregnancy, scores of the Short Form 12 health survey (SF-12) and changes in sexual function. ResultsCompared with normal weight, overweight and obesity were associated with advanced maternal age, low education level, multiparity, preterm delivery, cesarean section, gestational weight gain above the Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, macrosomia and large fetal head circumference. After adjusting for confounding factors, women with overweight and obesity were more likely to have adverse maternal outcomes (gestational weight gain above the IOM guidelines, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes) and fetal outcomes (large fetal head circumference and macrosomia) compared to normal weight women. Overweight and obese women (BMI ≥ 25) were more likely to have urinary incontinence than normal weight and underweight women. There were no significant differences in SF-12 scores among the 4 BMI groups, but more than 90% of pregnant women had reduced or no sexual activities regardless of BMI. ConclusionsMaternal prepregnancy overweight and obesity are associated with greater risks of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, macrosomia and urinary incontinence. Health care providers should inform women to start their pregnancy at a BMI in the normal weight category.

Fetal brain biometry in isolated mega cisterna magna: MRI and US study

Objective To characterize the biometric parameters in ultrasound and brain MRI of fetuses with isolated mega cisterna magna (MCM). Methods Cross-sectional historical cohort study conducted at a single tertiary medical center between 2011 and 2018. All fetuses underwent US and brain MRI scans. Matching analysis was performed according to gender and gestational age. Results The study included a total of 103 fetuses; 44 fetuses with isolated MCM in the study group, and a control group of 59 fetuses with normal CNS. The study group had larger biparietal diameter (BPD) (86 vs. 79.8 mm, p = .001) and head circumference (HC) (318 vs. 292 mm, p < .001) on ultrasound. On MRI, study group had larger occipitofrontal diameter (OFD) (99 vs. 92 mm, p < .001) and BPD (77 vs. 72 mm, p < .001). Male fetuses’ prevalence was higher in the study group (77.3% vs. 47.5%). After matching 20 fetuses from each group, the study group had larger HC (310.1 versus 300.7 mm, p = .029) and OFD (113.4 versus 108.3 mm, p = .009) on ultrasound, and larger OFD (97.4 versus 94.6, p = .013) on brain MRI. Conclusions Isolated MCM may be related to other large fetal CNS biometric measurements in both ultrasound and MRI and might be influenced by fetal gender.

Sedentary behaviour and physical activity across pregnancy and birth outcomes.

Shorter gestation or smaller birth size are indicators of a suboptimal fetal environment and negatively impact short- and long-term offspring health. Understanding how modifiable maternal behaviours, such as moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) or sedentary behaviour (SED), improve fetal outcomes could inform strategies to improve health across the lifespan. The objective of this study was to examine the association of MVPA and SED across pregnancy trimesters on gestational age at delivery and newborn anthropometrics. The MoM Health Study measured SED (thigh-mounted activPAL3 micro) and MVPA (waist-worn Actigraph GTX3) in each trimester of pregnancy. Birth outcomes (gestational age at delivery, birthweight, birth length, and head circumference) were abstracted from medical records and used to calculate ponderal index (grams*100/cm3 ) and size-for-gestational age percentiles. Associations of group-based trajectories and trimester-specific SED and MVPA with birth outcomes were analysed using regression models. Low, medium, and high trajectory groups were generated SED and MVPA in 103 and 99 pregnant women, respectively. High vs low SED trajectory was associated with earlier gestational age at delivery (β -1.03weeks, 95% CI -2.01, -0.06), larger head circumference (β 0.83cm, 95% CI 0.24, 1.63), longer birth length (β 1.37cm, 95% CI 0.09, 2.64), and lower ponderal index (β -0.24g*100/cm3 , 95% CI -0.42, -0.06), after adjustment for demographics, pre-pregnancy BMI, and (for newborn anthropometric outcomes) gestational age. The association of high SED with lower ponderal index was the most robust across progressively adjusted models (β -0.25g*100/cm3 , 95% CI -0.44, -0.07). SED trajectory was not associated with birthweight or size-for-gestational age. High vs low MVPA trajectory was only associated with smaller head circumference (β -0.86cm, 95% CI -1.70, -0.02). Higher SED during pregnancy may result in shorter gestation and inhibited fetal growth. Further research evaluating the effect of reducing SED during pregnancy on birth outcomes is warranted.

Influence of newborn head circumference and birth weight on the delivery mode of primipara: what is more important?

Objectives Aim of the study was to analyze the impact of head circumference (HC) and birth weight (BW) on the delivery mode and delivery outcomes. Methods Study population consisted of pregnancy, delivery and newborn data from 1,762 women, who delivered between 2004 and 2016at University Hospital of Zurich (UHZ). Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for mode of delivery. Newborns were sorted into four groups according HC or BW. To evaluate the association between HC and delivery outcome, a descriptive analysis was performed. In addition reference charts of newborn HC at term were constructed. Results OR for instrumental delivery (ID) was 2.37 (CI 95%, 1.63-3.46), for C-Section (CS) 3.74 (CI 95%, 1.49-9.37) when HC>36cm. OR for ID was 1.59 (CI 95%, 1.02-2.50), for CS 3.18 (CI 95% 1.08-9.350) when BW was>4,000g. OR for ID was 2.15 (95% CI, 1.69-2.73), for CS 1.93 (95% CI, 0.89-4.18) when HC≥36cm and BW<4000g. OR for ID was 2.23 (95% CI, 1.35-3.67), for CS 4.39 (95% CI, 1.48-12.99) when HC≥36cm and BW≥4,000g. HC≥36cm was defined as large in our study. Mothers with higher age and body mass index delivered babies with larger HC (p<0.05). Blood loss and duration of expulsion period and BW was associated with larger HC (p<0.05). Conclusions The rate of ID and CS increased in case of a larger HC and greater BW. However, the main prognostic factor for ID was size of HC:≥36cm, but not macrosomia.