Maternal Heights Research Articles

Birthweight charts customised for maternal height optimises the classification of small and large-for-gestational age newborns.

To construct birthweight charts customised for maternal height and evaluate the effect of customization on SGA and LGA classification. Data were extracted (n = 21 350) from the MiCaS project in the Netherlands (2012-2020). We constructed the MiCaS-birthweight chart customised for maternal height using Hadlock's method. We defined seven 5-centimetre height categories from 153 to 157 cm until 183-187 cm and calculated SGA and LGA prevalences for each category, using MiCaS and current Dutch birthweight charts. The MiCaS-chart showed substantially higher birthweight values between identical percentiles with increasing maternal height. In the Dutch birthweight chart, not customised for maternal height, the prevalence of SGA (<p10) decreased with increasing maternal height category, from 19.7% in the lowest height category to 3.4% in the highest category (range 16.3%). Conversely, the prevalence of LGA (>p90) increased with increasing height category, from 1.4% in the lowest height category to 21.8% in the highest category (range 20.4%). In the MiCaS-birthweight chart, SGA and LGA prevalences were more constant across maternal heights, similar to overall prevalences (SGA range 3.3% and LGA range 1.7%). Compared to the current Dutch birthweight chart, the MiCaS-birthweight chart customised for maternal height shows a more even distribution of SGA and LGA prevalences across maternal heights.

Determination of Gestational Age using Crown-Rump Length and its Associated Maternal Correlates in Igbos Living in Nnewi: An Ultrasound Study.

Purpose: The objective was to determine the accuracy of gestational age measured by CRL in fetuses of black women and also to identify the maternal factors affecting this accuracy in determining the gestational age by CRL measurement in fetuses of black women.&#x0D; Methodology: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Life and Trinity Specialist hospitals both in Nnewi, South-East, Nigeria. The gestational ages of the fetuses by CRL were determined using Siemens 2D ultrasound scan within 14 weeks and the accuracy compared with the gestational ages obtained from the Last Menstrual Period (LMP). Factors affecting the accuracy of CRL in determining the gestational age in women like the maternal heights and ages were measured. The ultrasound scan was done by a consultant in the department of Obstetrics. Analysis was done using SPSS Package version [20]. Regression analysis was used to compare dependent ad independent variables. Paired t-test was carried out on gestation period by LMP and gestation period by CRL to know if the mean difference between the gestation period by LMP and gestation period by CRL is significant. Multiple correlation analysis was used to ascertain the degree of relationship between maternal weight and age and gestational age by LMP and CRL.&#x0D; Findings: The result showed that two hundred and sixty-­five women met the inclusion criteria but two were lost to follow up and two hundred and sixty-three were used finally for analysis. The accuracy of ultrasound scan in estimating the gestational age using CRL is within one week in majority of the cases. Maternal height, weight and age are poorly correlated to age of the fetus using the CRL. The fetuses of black women showed a marginal increase in length at gestational age below eight weeks but afterwards this difference is not pronounced. In conclusion, the accuracy of CRL in determining the gestational age is within one week in majority of cases. The maternal height and age are poorly correlated to the CRL of the fetus and thus to the gestational age.&#x0D; Unique Contributor to Theory, Policy and Practice: Ultrasound scan incorporated with growth chart for fetuses of white women can be equally used to ascertain the gestational ages of fetuses of black women with insignificant difference

The Indian Enigma revisited

This paper re-enters the contested discussion surrounding the Indian Enigma, the high prevalence of chronic undernutrition in India relative to sub-Saharan Africa. Jayachandran & Pande (JP) argue that the key to the Indian Enigma lies in the worse treatment of higher birth order children, particularly girls. Analyzing new data, and taking into account issues relating to robustness to model specification, weighting and existing critiques of JP., we find: (1) Parameter estimates are sensitive to sampling design and model specification; (2) The gap between the heights of pre-school African and Indian children is closing; (3) The gap does not appear to be driven by differential associations by birth order and child sex; (4) The remaining gap is associated with differences in maternal heights. If Indian women had the heights of their African counterparts, pre-school Indian children would be taller than pre-school African children; and (5) Once we account for survey design, sibling size and maternal height, the coefficient associated with being an Indian girl is no longer statistically significant.

Effect of maternal height on the risk of caesarean section in singleton births: evidence from a large-scale survey in India

ObjectiveThis study examines the association of maternal height with caesarean section (CS) in India. It is hypothesised that maternal height has no significant effect on the risk of undergoing caesarean...

Factors Associated With Stunting Among Infants and Young Children Aged 7–29 Months in Post-conflict Northern Uganda

ObjectivesTo examine factors associated with stunting in Agago District, Uganda MethodsWe used cross-sectional data from a quantitative baseline survey of 870 households of the ONCE (One Nutrition in Complex Environments) project currently being conducted in Agago district of Uganda. Survey data used include infant anthropometry, infant feeding practices, 24-hour dietary recall, maternal heights, weights, education and household characteristics. Statistical methods include Pearson correlation coefficients, student T-tests, pair-wise mean comparisons with Bonferroni adjustment, and stepwise multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses controlled for clustering. Dependent variables include length-for-age z-score (LAZ, –6 to 6, continuous) and being stunted (binary). Independent variables include child age, child’s birth weight, diarrheal morbidity (past two weeks), maternal education, maternal height, household wealth index, and animal sourced foods consumption (ASF, categorical: no ASF (comparator), 1 ASF, >= 2 ASF). ASF is defined as consumption of dairy, animal flesh, fish of any kind, organ meat, insects, or eggs in previous 24 hours. ResultsInfants between 7 months and 2.5 years with complete data were included (N = 621), of whom 19.7% were classified as stunted. Mean LAZ was –1.05 (SD: 1.24). Most children did not consume any ASF in the past 24 hours (73.6%). ASF consumption was not associated with LAZ (1 kind of ASF: –0.0699, 95% CI: –0.329, 0.189) or stunting (1 kind of ASF OR: 1.186, 95% CI: 0.614, 2.292). Maternal height was associated with 7.8% decreased odds of being stunted (OR: 0.922, 95% CI: 0.878, 0.969); age was associated with 8.9% increased odds of being stunted (OR: 1.089, 95% CI: 1.011, 1.090); birth weight was associated with 54% decreased odds of being stunted (OR: 0.461, 95% CI: 0.296, 0.717). Infants with diarrhea were 96% more likely to be stunted than those without (OR: 1.956, 95% CI: 1.050, 3.642). ConclusionsFactors associated with stunting were maternal height, child age, birth weight and diarrheal morbidity. ASF consumption was not, possibly due to low levels and possibly low frequency of consumption. Mother’s nutritional status is likely to be an important predictor in this population. Funding SourcesFeed the Future Initiative, U.S. Agency for International Development.

Association between maternal height and mode of delivery in nulliparous Japanese women.

The primary aim of this study was to examine the association between maternal height and mode of delivery in nulliparous Japanese women. The secondary aim was to examine the association between maternal height and maternal and neonatal morbidities. This retrospective cohort study included women who gave birth at Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, a tertiary perinatal center in Japan, from January 2015 to December 2017. Nulliparous Japanese women with singleton gestation, who went into labor at term were included in the study. The primary outcome was mode of delivery, and the secondary outcomes were maternal and neonatal morbidities. The relationships between maternal height and the outcomes were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for potential confounders. Maternal height was categorized into five groups with 5-cm increments for the analysis. A total of 1593 women were analyzed in this study. Shorter women had higher rate of cesarean delivery (CD) than taller women. There were no significant differences in the rates of operative vaginal delivery, maternal morbidity and neonatal morbidity among the maternal-height groups. The adjusted odds ratios (95% confidential interval) of maternal heights of <150 cm, 150-154 cm, 160-164 cm and ≥165 cm for CD, compared with a maternal height of 155-159 cm, were 3.56 (1.79-7.09), 1.68 (1.06-2.64), 0.63 (0.40-1.00) and 0.57 (0.30-1.01), respectively. Shorter nulliparous Japanese women were more likely to undergo intrapartum CD. However, the rates of maternal and neonatal morbidities in shorter women were similar to those in taller women.

Tanner's Target Height Formula Underestimates Final Height in Asian Indians - A Cross-sectional Observational Study.

Introduction:Target height (TH) calculation by Tanner's formula has been shown to be inaccurate in many countries However, there is no published data on the accuracy of TH calculation by Tanner's formula in Indians. Hence, this study was conducted to assess whether Tanner's TH formula is an accurate tool to predict final height in Asian Indian population and to identify new TH formulae or models to better fit Indian population.Material and Methods:This is a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study conducted in a tertiary care hospital from South India. A total of 396 questionnaires were randomly distributed to undergraduate medical students who were instructed beforehand to get their heights and heights of their parents and siblings between the age of 18 to 24 years of age measured by a nearby pediatrician. From 396 questionnaires, data of 481 young adults and their parents were obtained. Target height was calculated by Tanner's formula and compared with attained height.Results:The study comprised of 197 males and 284 females. Sons and daughters were 2.34 ± 7.19 cm and 1.58 ± 5.68 cm taller than TH. Son's height had best correlation with TH (r = 0.408), whereas daughter's height had best correlation with maternal height (r = 0.560). Both males (0.263 vs 0.365) and females (0.319 vs 0.560) had relatively weaker correlation with paternal heights than maternal heights. Target height explained 29.7% and 16.7% of variance in daughter's and son's height, respectively. Using the parental heights as variables, multiple regression yielded 50.03 + 0.172 (father's height) +0.510 (mother's height) and 74.09 + 0.236 (father's height) +0.377 (mother's height) as the best models to predict daughter's and son's height, respectively.Conclusion:Our study suggests that Tanner's TH formula underestimates final attainable height in Asian Indians.

Biopsychosocial Factors Associated with Child Growth at Ngembal Kulon Community Health Center, Kudus

Background: The first five years of life is widely acknowledged as a sensitive period for child growth. Any interruption exposing during this period may cause problems in child growth. Various internal and external factors can affect child growth. This study aimed to analyze the effects of biopsychosocial factors associated with child growth with life course perspective. Subjects and Method: This was an observational analytic study with cross-sectional design. It was conducted at Ngembal Kulon community health center, Kudus, Central Java, from December 2016 to February 2017. A total sample of 160 children aged 1 to 5 years old and their mothers were selected for this study by purposive sampling. The dependent variable was child growth as measured by weight for age (WAZ) and height for age (HAZ). The independent variables were birth weight, body length at birth, maternal height, number of children, and family income. The data was collected by a set of questionnaire. Child and maternal heights were measured by microtoise. Data on birthweight and body length at birth were obtained from maternal and child health book. Multiple linear regression was used for data analysis. Results: Child growth (WAZ) was associated with family income (b= 0.36; 95% CI= 0.22 to 0.49; p<0.001), birthweight (b= 0.42; 95% CI= 0.25 to 0.58; p<0.001), and number of children (b= -0.25; 95% CI= -0.42 to -0.08; p=0.004). Child growth (HAZ) was associated with family income (b= 0.26; 95% CI= 0.12 to 0.39; p<0.001), body length at birth (b=0.21; 95% CI= 0.12 to 0.30; p<0.001), and maternal height (b= 0.43; 95% CI= 0.27 to 0.58; p<0.001). Conclusion: Child growth (WAZ) is associated with family income, birthweight, and number of children. Child growth (HAZ) is associated with family income, body length at birth, and maternal height. Life course influences were demonstrated in this study. Keywords: child growth, WAZ, HAZ, birthweight, body length at birth, number of children, maternal height, family income Co rrespondence :Â Th. Catur Wulan Setyaningrum. Academy of Midwifery Mardi Rahayu, Kudus. Email: theresia.akmr@yahoo.com. Mobile: 085641897987. Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health (2017), 2(2): 130-140 https://doi.org/10.26911/jepublichealth.2017.02.02.04

Shorter mothers have shorter pregnancies

Methods Subjects were a control cohort of 294 children of New Zealand European ethnicity, high socioeconomic status, naturally conceived, born appropriate-for-gestational-age of singleton pregnancies at 37–41 weeks of gestation. Gestational age was determined by ultrasound scans performed <20 weeks. Maternal and paternal heights were measured using a Harpenden stadiometer. Associations with maternal height were assessed using linear regression mixed models, accounting for infant’s gender, birth order, maternal age, and paternal height, with family number added as a random factor.

Association between body mass index of mother and anthropometry of newborn

Introduction: Maternal body dimensions are the first determinants of neonatal biometrics, especially their birth weight and length. Mother’s nutritional status is also known to be a key indicator of infant’s body dimensions and its early growth features. Birth weight and length are clearly based on mother’s nutritional and anthropometric factors hence the present study was done to find the association between BMI of mother and anthropometry of newborn among all the delivered women in tertiary care hospital Aim: To study association between BMI of mothers and anthropometry in newborn. To know the other factors responsible for anthropometry of newborn. Methodology: 216 delivered women were taken consent by predesigned questionnaire information was collected regarding the socio-demographical data and the anthropometry of newborn and mother was recorded. Statistical analysis was done by using percentage and analysis of variance. Results: Our study showed association between maternal BMI and weight with neonatal parameters except mid arm circumference. There was no association between maternal heights with any of the neonatal parameters. Conclusion: In our study we found the association between Maternal BMI and Anthropometry of Newborn, Maternal Weight and Anthropometry of Newborn, But no association was found between Maternal height and Anthropometry of Newborn, so, by carrying out some intervention during pregnancy to improve nutrition of the mother which has better effect on the Anthropometry of newborn.

Maternal and grandmaternal obesity and environmental factors as determinants of daughter's obesity

Obesity may be the consequence of various environmental or genetic factors, which may be highly correlated with each other. We aimed to examine whether grandmaternal and maternal obesity and environmental risk factors are related to obesity in daughters. Daughters (n = 182) recruited from female students, their mothers (n = 147) and their grandmothers (n = 67) were included in this study. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the association between the daughter's obesity and maternal, grandmaternal, and environmental factors. Maternal heights of 161-175cm (OD: 8.48, 95% CI: 3.61-19.93) and 156-160 cm (2.37, 1.14-4.91) showed positive associations with a higher height of daughter, compared to those of 149-155 cm. Mothers receiving a university or a higher education had a significant OR (3.82, 1.27-11.50) for a higher height of daughter compared to those having a low education (elementary school). Mother having the heaviest weight at current time (59-80 kg, 3.78, 1.73-8.28) and the heaviest weight at 20 years of age (51-65 kg, 3.17, 1.53-6.55) had significant associations with a higher height of daughters, compared to those having the lightest weight at the same times. There was no association between the height, weight, and BMI of daughters and the characteristics and education of her grandmothers. In conclusion, although genetic factors appear to influence the daughter's height more than environmental factors, the daughter's weight appears to be more strongly associated with individual factors than the genetic factors.

Infant Stunting Is Associated With Short Maternal Stature

The objectives were to determine the range of maternal height associated with growth velocity of older infants and the magnitude of this association in an indigent population. Maternal height and infant length-for-age z scores (LAZ) were positively correlated at both 6 (n = 412, r = 0.324) and 12 (n = 388, r = 0.335) months (P < 0.0001) and for maternal heights from 131 to 164 cm. Maternal height is independently associated with infant LAZ and stunting (LAZ <-2) at both 6 and 12 months (P < 0.001) and with linear growth velocity from 6 to 12 months (P = 0.0023).

Final height in elite male artistic gymnasts

Elite male artistic gymnasts (AG) are exposed to high levels of physical and psychological stress during adolescence and experience a significant late maturation in both linear growth and pubertal development. The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of intensive physical training on the adult final height in elite male AG. This study is unique in character, as all variables were measured on the field of competition. The study was prospective and longitudinal; however, the current analysis of data is cross-sectional. Data from 86 elite male AG were obtained during the gymnastics competitions of European and World Championships. Clinical evaluation included height and weight measurements, as well as assessment of pubic hair and genital development according to Tanner's stages of pubertal development. The laboratory investigation included determination of skeletal maturation. All athletes completed a questionnaire that included questions on personal (onset and intensity of training, number of competitions per year) and family data (paternal and maternal heights). Male AG were below the 50th percentile for both final height and weight. Elite male AG had final height standard deviation score (SDS) lower than their genetic predisposition. Final height SDS was correlated positively with target height SDS (r = 0.430, p < 0.001) and weight SDS (r = 0.477, p < 0.001) and negatively to the intensity of training (r = -0.252, p = 0.022). The main factors influencing final height, by multiple regression analysis were weight SDS (p < 0.001) and target height SDS (p = 0.003). In elite maleAG, final height falls short of genetic predisposition, still well within normal limits. Considering medical and psychological risks in general, and based on the results of this research project, the International Federation of Gymnastics has increased the age limit for participants in international gymnastics competitions by 1 year.

The lifespan of men and the shape of their placental surface at birth

Background Tall men generally lead longer lives than short men. Within the Helsinki Birth Cohort, however, there is a group of boys among whom being tall when they entered school was associated with reduced lifespan. These boys had birthweights and maternal heights above the median for the cohort; but they tended to be lighter at birth than their mother’s body mass index (weight/height 2) in pregnancy predicted. We suggested that, while they had grown rapidly in utero, their growth had faltered at some point; and their tallness at age seven was the result of a resumption during infancy of their rapid growth trajectory. We here examine the size and shape of their placentas at birth to gain further insight into their path of fetal growth. Methods We examined all cause mortality in the 1217 men who had birthweights and maternal heights above the median for the cohort. Their birth measurements included placental weight and the length and breadth of the placental surface. Results Shorter length of the placental surface was associated with increased mortality ( p = 0.002). There was no similar trend with the breadth. Mortality rose as the difference between the length and breadth decreased, that is as the surface became rounder. The hazard ratio was 1.10 (1.03–1.18, p = 0.007) for every cm decrease in the difference. Among men with a round placental surface (length-breadth difference 2 cm or less) increased mortality was associated with lower birthweight ( p = 0.03 or 0.005 allowing for mother’s body mass index) and shorter gestation, but not with lower head circumference or length. Conclusion Reduced lifespan among men is associated with a particular path of early growth. After rapid growth in early gestation, associated with tall maternal stature, soft tissue growth falters in mid-gestation. Rapid growth resumes in late gestation and continues through infancy.

Testing the association between psychosocial job strain and adverse birth outcomes - design and methods

BackgroundA number of studies have examined the effects of prenatal exposure to stress on birth outcomes but few have specifically focused on psychosocial job strain. In the present protocol, we aim to examine if work characterised by high demands and low control, during pregnancy, is associated with the risk of giving birth to a child born preterm or small for gestational age.Methods and designWe will use the Danish National Birth Cohort where 100.000 children are included at baseline. In the present study 49,340 pregnancies will be included. Multinomial logistic regression will be applied to estimate odds ratios for the outcomes: preterm; full term but small for gestational age; full term but large for gestational age, as a function of job-strain (high strain, active and passive versus low strain). In the analysis we control for maternal age, Body Mass Index, parity, exercise, smoking, alcohol use, coffee consumption, type of work (manual versus non-manual), maternal serious disease and parents' heights as well as gestational age at interview.DiscussionThe prospective nature of the design and the high number of participants strengthen the study. The large statistical power allows for interpretable results regardless of whether or not the hypotheses are confirmed. This is, however, not a controlled study since all kinds of 'natural' interventions takes place throughout pregnancy (e.g. work absence, medical treatment and job-redesign). The analysis will be performed from a public health perspective. From this perspective, we are not primarily interested in the effect of job strain per se but if there is residual effect of job strain after naturally occurring preventive measures have been taken.

P0678 FINAL ADULT HEIGHT OF CHILDHOOD ONSET CROHN???S DISEASE: MEAN HEIGHT DEFICIT IS 3???4CM, BUT 25% DO NOT REACH THEIR GENETICALLY DETERMINED HEIGHT RANGE

Introduction: Growth failure is an important feature of paediatric onset Crohn’s disease (CD) but there are few data regarding final adult height, in particular height deficit has rarely been described with respect to mid-parental height. The aim of this study was to determine final adult height and to examine the factors that might influence growth. Methods: We retrospectively identified 77 cases diagnosed before age 16 yrs who had achieved final adult height [defined as height > 22 yrs, or documented growth velocity <1cm/year] and in whom parental heights (Hts) were also known. No case had any other growth-inhibiting conditions. Hts were converted into standard deviation scores (SDS). Univariate analysis was undertaken of factors postulated to affect Ht: length of delay from onset of symptoms to diagnosis, pre/post pubertal onset of symptoms, site of disease activity, sex, systemic steroid therapy, and mid-parental Ht SDS. Positive factors were entered into regression models. Results: M 53%, F 47%. Median age at diagnosis 12.0 yrs after a median 1.0 yr delay. 29% had jejunal involvement. 74% had 1 or more courses of systemic steroids during follow up. Mean paternal and maternal heights were both 0.0 SDS. Mean Ht SDS of the cases were −0.7 at diagnosis improving to −0.4 at final adult height [p = 0.024]. Although the mean deficit at final adult height was 3.4cm from mid-parental height [95% CI -1.8 to -5.0cm], this included 25% with a deficit of >8cm [that is less that genetic potential]. In the regression models Ht SDS at diagnosis was negatively correlated with length of delay and positively correlated with parental SDS [R2 0.55]. Final adult height SDS was also related to parental height SDS, but the most important factors were presence of jejunal disease and height SDS at diagnosis [R2 0.64]. All these factors remained significant if length of delay was added to the model. Conclusion: This is largest group of children followed up to final adult height. The presenting features of this group, such as age, sex, height SDS and percentage with jejunal involvement are very similar to those currently reported across the British Isles [1]. The mean adult height deficit was 3–4cm, but this figure hides the 25% of cases who did not attain an adult height within the genetic range, as determined by their mid-parental height. Delay in diagnosis was related both to loss of height at diagnosis and to impaired potential for ‘catch up’. Jejunal disease predisposed to growth impairment following diagnosis. Both earlier diagnosis and improved management of cases with jejunal disease might lead to improved final adult height.

Maternal height as a risk factor for Caesarean section due to failure to progress in labour.

We examined for a regional sample of the New Zealand population, the relationship between maternal height and an increased risk of emergency Caesarean section due to arrested labour, to identify a height below which the risk of Caesarean section increases markedly and to quantify the risk of a Caesarean section for a range of maternal heights. The data of nulliparous singleton pregnancies over the period 1994-1998 was sorted into 2 study groups, one resulting in emergency Caesarean section for arrested labour and the other a group of women who had normal vaginal delivery requiring no intervention. The means and standard deviations of these 2 groups were found and 99% confidence intervals calculated. They were analysed for statistical difference and then a logistical regression calculation tried to identify a height at which the risk of a Caesarean section increased suddenly. There were 81 women in the Caesarean section group and 997 in the normal vaginal delivery group. Mean heights and confidence intervals were 161.0 cm (158.9-163.1) and 164.6 cm (164.0-165.2) respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between these means (p<0.001) but logistic regression analysis showed that risk of Caesarean section increased gradually with decreasing height, and even then did not reach more than 30% risk until a height of less than 140 cm. Low maternal height was associated with increased risk of Caesarean section due to labour arrest. Because the likelihood of having a normal vaginal delivery was still very good (>80 %) at modest degrees of short stature, this risk factor alone is unlikely to affect management. However the combination of other risk factors with maternal height may be of clinical use.

Comparative Heights of Mothers and Fathers Whose Children Are Short

This study was designed to investigate and compare the heights of mothers and fathers whose children had various forms of short stature. The heights of parents of a total of 341 children were grouped by their children's diagnoses into three groups: group 1, genetic short stature; group 2, a constitutional delay of growth; and group 3, normal "short" stature (children in the fifth to 25th percentile). Analysis indicated that the data were gaussian in distribution and that no significant skewing or kurtosis was noted in any group for either maternal or paternal heights. The mean height of mothers in group 1 (mean +/- SD, 157.7 +/- 6.8 cm) was less than (F = 14.36) the mean height of mothers in either group 2 (mean +/- SD, 161.1 +/- 6.9 cm) or group 3 (mean +/- SD, 162.5 +/- 6.6 cm). In contrast, the mean heights of fathers were not significantly different (F = 2.13) among the three groups (mean +/- SD, 173.3 +/- 7.5, 173.8 +/- 8.3, and 176.0 +/- 9.6 cm). Thus, a significant shift to greater shortness in mothers' heights than in fathers' heights for the parents of children with genetic short stature was noted. Such a differential shortness was not detected in the parents of children with a constitutional delay of growth.

Parental Heights of Children with Idiopathic Growth Hormone Deficiency: Analysis from the Kabi International Growth Study

ABSTRACTInternational Board, Kabi International Growth Study (Kabi, Stockholm, Sweden). Parental heights of children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency: analysis from the Kabi International Growth Study. Acta Paediatr Scand [Suppl] 356: 178, 1989.In an international study of children treated with growth hormone (GH), parental heights of 554 children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) and of 248 children with secondary or‘organic’growth hormone deficiency (OGHD) were ascertained. The maternal height SDS of IGHD children was ‐0.41 ± 1.26 (mean ± SD) and the maternal height SDS of OGHD children was 0.03 ± 1.11 (p &lt; 0.006). Paternal height SDS of IGHD children was ‐0.19 ± 1.08, and paternal height SDS of OGHD children was 0.15 ± 1.08 (p &lt; 0.006). Adverse deliveries were associated with significantly shorter mothers (p= 0.04) and a greater discrepancy between paternal and maternal heights (p &lt; 0.006).

Maternal smoking, birth weight, infant death, and the self-selection problem

Several aspects of the relationship between maternal smoking and birth weights of infants are discussed. No satisfactory explanation for Yerushalmy's results has been given other than that low birth weight appears to relate more to the smoker than to the smoking. Recent studies by Silverman support this position. The possibility that nicotine may induce a physiologic response that serves to alleviate bioenergetic deficiency in some individuals should not be overlooked. In this view, both smoking and low birth weight are symptoms of deficient maternal bioenergetic systems.