Maternal-infant Dyads Research Articles

Antenatal Risk of Coarctation for Newborns at Hartford Hospital (ARCH) Pathway: A Predictor of Postnatal Management Strategy.

The diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta (CoA) prior to birth can be challenging due to the physiologic changes during postnatal transition. Prenatal risk stratification can standardize postnatal management and improve outcome. CT Children's Fetal Cardiology created the Antenatal Risk of CoA in Hartford (ARCH) clinical pathway defining four distinct postnatal order sets based on degree of suspicion for ductal dependency on fetal evaluation: low, low-moderate, moderate-high, and high risk. This study aims to evaluate safety and efficacy of the ARCH pathway in neonates with suspected CoA. This study was a single-center, retrospective chart review evaluating maternal-infant dyads with findings concerning for CoA between July 2004 and July 2021, before and after ARCH pathway implementation. Neonates were evaluated for the presence or absence of critical CoA and postnatal clinical data were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using chi square and Fisher's exact test. There were 108 maternal-infant dyads studied, comprising 53 non-pathway patients and 55 ARCH pathway participants. Thirty-three neonates had critical CoA, comprising 23 non-pathway and 10 ARCH pathway subjects.Patients categorized in the high-risk group were highly associated with critical CoA (P = 0.003). Non-pathway neonates with CoA demonstrated higher likelihood of hospital transfer compared to ARCH pathway neonates (56.5% vs. 10.0%, P = 0.021).NICU admission, prostaglandin administration, and intubation were not significantly different between before and after ARCH implementation (P < 0.05). More echocardiograms were performed in ARCH pathway neonates without CoA than their non-pathway counterparts (1.586 vs. 2.133, P = 0.049). The ARCH pathway is a safe, reliable prenatal risk stratification system to help guide management of patients with critical CoA. These results identify effective targets of modification to the pathway to reduce resource utilization without compromising safety.

Predicting newborn birth outcomes with prenatal maternal health features and correlates in the United States: a machine learning approach using archival data

BackgroundNewborns are shaped by prenatal maternal experiences. These include a pregnant person’s physical health, prior pregnancy experiences, emotion regulation, and socially determined health markers. We used a series of machine learning models to predict markers of fetal growth and development—specifically, newborn birthweight and head circumference (HC).MethodsWe used a pre-registered archival data analytic approach. These data consisted of maternal and newborn characteristics of 594 maternal-infant dyads in the western U.S. Participants also completed a measure of emotion dysregulation. In total, there were 22 predictors of newborn HC and birthweight. We used regularized regression for predictor selection and linear prediction, followed by nonlinear models if linear models were overfit.ResultsHC was predicted best with a linear model (ridge regression). Newborn sex (male), number of living children, and maternal BMI predicted a larger HC, whereas maternal preeclampsia, number of prior preterm births, and race/ethnicity (Latina) predicted a smaller HC. Birthweight was predicted best with a nonlinear model (support vector machine). Occupational prestige (a marker similar to socioeconomic status) predicted higher birthweight, maternal race/ethnicity (non-White and non-Latina) predicted lower birthweight, and the number of living children, prior preterm births, and difficulty with emotional clarity had nonlinear effects.ConclusionsHC and birthweight were predicted by a variety of variables associated with prenatal stressful experiences, spanning medical, psychological, and social markers of health and stress. These findings may highlight the importance of viewing prenatal maternal health across multiple dimensions. Findings also suggest that assessing difficulties with emotional clarity during standard obstetric care (in the U.S.) may help identify risk for adverse newborn outcomes.

Differentially methylated regions interrogated for metastable epialleles associate with offspring adiposity.

Aim: Assess if cord blood differentially methylated regions (DMRs) representing human metastable epialleles (MEs) associate with offspring adiposity in 588 maternal-infant dyads from the Colorado Health Start Study.Materials & methods: DNA methylation was assessed via the Illumina 450K array (~439,500 CpG sites). Offspring adiposity was obtained via air displacement plethysmography. Linear regression modeled the association of DMRs potentially representing MEs with adiposity.Results & conclusion: We identified two potential MEs, ZFP57, which associated with infant adiposity change and B4GALNT4, which associated with infancy and childhood adiposity change. Nine DMRs annotating to genes that annotated to MEs associated with change in offspring adiposity (false discovery rate<0.05). Methylation of approximately 80% of DMRs identified associated with decreased change in adiposity.

Pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity moderates the association between prenatal maternal depressive symptoms and infant cord blood omega-3 levels

BackgroundEmpirical evidence has demonstrated associations between pre-pregnancy obesity and perinatal maternal depressive symptoms. Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid derived from dietary sources that is critical for fetal brain development. Pre-pregnancy obesity is associated with higher omega-3 intake, but a weaker association between dietary intake and respective maternal and cord blood omega-3 levels. Further, lower intake of omega-3 during pregnancy has been linked to higher depressive symptoms. Yet, prior studies have not examined the interactive effects of pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity (OWOB) and prenatal maternal mental health symptoms on infant cord blood omega-3 levels.MethodsParticipants included 394 maternal-infant dyads from the NIH Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) - Safe Passage Study in South Dakota. A pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) > 25 was used to dichotomize participants as OWOB (54%) vs. non-OWOB (46%). Prenatal maternal depressive symptoms were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and prenatal maternal anxiety symptoms were measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). We implemented linear regression models to examine the interaction term between pre-pregnancy BMI category and prenatal maternal mental health symptoms on cord blood omega-3 levels. Secondary analyses were stratified by pre-pregnancy BMI category.ResultsWe observed a significant interaction between pre-pregnancy BMI category and prenatal maternal depressive symptoms with cord blood omega-3 (F(4,379) = 6.21, p < .0001, adj. R2 = 0.05). Stratified models revealed an association between prenatal maternal depressive symptoms with lower cord blood omega-3 levels only among individuals with pre-pregnancy OWOB (β = -0.06, 95% CI = -0.11, -0.02; F (2,208) = 4.00, p < .05, adj R2 = 0.03). No associations were observed among non-OWOB participants.ConclusionsFindings suggest maternal-placental transfer of omega-3 may represent one pathway by which maternal metabolic and mental health impacts infant development.

Well controlled maternal inflammatory bowel disease does not increase the risk of abnormal neurocognitive outcome screening in offspring

BackgroundExposure to maternal inflammation is associated with an increased risk of neurocognitive and developmental disorders in offspring. Early diagnosis and intervention improves childhood motor and cognitive functioning. Neonatal cerebral MRI and remote app-based generalised movement assessments (GMAs) are both predictive of adverse neurocognitive outcomes but have only been used in infants at significantly increased risk for these outcomes, rather than following in utero exposure to maternal inflammatory disorders. MethodsPregnant women with inflammatory bowel disease were assessed clinically and biochemically in each trimester of pregnancy in this single centre prospective study. Neonatal cerebral MRIs were performed at 6–12 weeks post-corrected term. Two GMA videos were filmed using the ‘BabyMoves’ app from 12 to 16 weeks of age. MRIs and GMAs were assessed by a blinded highly qualified practitioner using validated scoring systems. Results40/53 of invited maternal-infant dyads were recruited. C-reactive protein was elevated antenatally in less than 13%. 5/37 neonatal MRIs had incidental or obstetric trauma related gross anatomical abnormalities, with none abnormal on validated gross abnormality scoring. 3/35 GMAs were abnormal, with one GMA abnormality being clinically significant. Of those with abnormal GMAs, 2/3 were in exposed to severely active IBD in-utero. ConclusionNeonatal cerebral MRI and GMA for neurocognitive screening is feasible in the setting of maternal inflammatory bowel disease, where the risk of cerebral palsy is poorly defined and thus burdensome screening interventions are less appealing to parents. Larger studies are required to stratify adverse neurocognitive outcome risk in infants born to women with maternal inflammatory disorders, but these data are reassuring for women with IBD in remission antenatally.

Lactation Initiation During COVID-19 at a Single Military Hospital.

Human milk is associated with positive short- and long-term health outcomes. Women's choice to breastfeed is influenced by personal, social, health, and economic factors. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted health care delivery, non-emergent health care services, and family lifestyles, primarily in the early months of 2020. The aim of this study was to determine if breastfeeding initiation rates differed during a global pandemic among women in the military health care system. This was a cross-sectional chart review study. We compiled all birthing event health records from March to August in 2019 and 2020 from a single military medical center. Of the 2,737 maternal-infant dyads available, 1,463 met complete inclusion criteria and were analyzed to determine associations between delivery year, maternal and infant characteristics, and initial feeding methods. Institutional research approvals were obtained from the university and medical center institutional review boards. There was no significant association between breastfeeding initiation rates and delivery year (X2(1) = 2.898, P = .089). Some maternal and infant characteristics significantly associated with the feeding method in the logistic regression model and differed by delivery year. Black women were 1.9 times less likely to initiate breastfeeding compared to White women; this disparity became more pronounced in 2020. Multiparous mothers, those who gave birth via cesarean section, and those at earlier gestational ages (32-37 weeks) were less likely to initiate breastfeeding. Models differed by delivery year, with only Black race and cesarean birth significantly impacting the overall model in 2020. Maternal age, military status, military rank, marital status, birth complications, and infant gender were not associated with the feeding method. Overall breastfeeding initiation rates did not differ during the COVID-19 pandemic when rates in 2020 were compared to those in the year prior. Race, birth method, parity, and gestational age were associated with breastfeeding initiation rates in women cared for at military centers.

Prenatal Maternal Psychological Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Newborn Brain Development

Elevated maternal psychological distress during pregnancy is associated with altered fetal brain development. During the COVID-19 pandemic, prenatal maternal psychological distress more than doubled. To examine the association of the pandemic and rising maternal psychological distress with brain growth in newborns using quantitative 3-dimensional volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This prospective cross-sectional study recruited mother-infant dyads at Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, during the COVID-19 pandemic (June 1, 2020, to June 30, 2022) into a longitudinal infant brain development study and compared them with an existing normative healthy cohort (recruited March 1, 2014, to December 31, 2019). Exclusion criteria included multiple gestation pregnancy, known or suspected congenital infection, documented chromosomal abnormalities, or any maternal contraindication to MRI, as well as prenatal COVID-19 exposure. Infants with structural brain abnormalities or a postnatal confirmation of a genetic syndrome were excluded. Psychological distress during COVID-19 pandemic. Prenatal maternal mental health was evaluated using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Perceived Stress Scale. Neonates underwent nonsedated brain MRI. An ordinary least squares linear regression model was used to measure the differences in regional brain volumes of neonates born before vs during the pandemic with and without exposure to elevated prenatal maternal psychological distress after adjustment for neonatal sex and gestational age at MRI and maternal age and educational level. A total of 159 mother-infant dyads were included in the analysis: 103 before and 56 during the pandemic (median gestational age of infants, 39.6 [IQR, 38.4-40.4] weeks; median maternal age, 34.5 [IQR, 31.0-37.0] years). Eighty-three infants (52.2%) were female. Among the mothers, 130 (81.8%) had a college degree and 87 (54.7%) had a graduate degree. Forty-four mothers (27.7%) identified as Asian, Hispanic, or multiracial; 27 (17.0%), as Black; and 88 (55.3%), as White. Scores on anxiety and stress measures were significantly increased in the pandemic cohort. Infants of mothers with elevated maternal distress showed median reductions in white matter (-0.36 [95% CI, -0.61 to -0.11] cm3; Q < .001), right hippocampal (-0.35 [95% CI, -0.65 to -0.06] cm3; Q = .04), and left amygdala (-0.49 [95% CI, -0.84 to -0.13] cm3; Q = .03) volumes compared with infants of mothers with low distress levels. After adjusting for the cohort effect of the pandemic, elevated trait anxiety remained significantly associated with decreased left amygdalar volumes (-0.71 [95% CI, -1.12 to -0.29]; Q < .001). In this cross-sectional study of maternal-infant dyads prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic, regional neonatal brain volumes were associated with elevated maternal psychological distress.

Placental pathology and fetal growth outcomes in pregnancies complicated by maternal obesity.

The rising prevalence of maternal obesity presents a significant health concern because of the possible implications for obstetric complications and neonatal outcomes. Understanding the impact of obesity on placental structure and function as well as fetal growth and infant outcomes is important to improve the care of these potentially high-risk pregnancies. This study aimed to determine the effect of elevated maternal BMI on histopathologic patterns of placental injury and its consequences on fetal growth. Data were collected from an ongoing cohort of maternal-infant dyads in the UCSD Obstetric Registry spanning 2011-2020. Maternal characteristics, including BMI, hypertensive disease and diabetes, placental gross and histopathology, and infant characteristics, including sex and birthweight, were recorded and analyzed. ANOVA and chi-square tests were used in initial analyses, followed by log-binomial and linear regression models adjusted for relevant confounders to determine associations between maternal BMI, specific patterns of placental injury, and infant birthweight percentiles. Among 1366 maternal-infant dyads, placentas from mothers with overweight and obesity were heavier and demonstrated higher adjusted relative risks of chronic villitis (CV), decidual vasculopathy, intervillous thrombosis, and normoblastemia. Placental efficiency, determined by fetal-placental weight ratio, was decreased with increasing BMI. Maternal obesity was associated with higher rates of preterm birth and higher birthweight percentiles. Multiple placental lesions, including maternal (MVM) and fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM), exhibited significant effects on birthweight percentiles; however, only MVM showed a differential effect based on maternal obesity. Presence of obesity in pregnancy is associated with increased rates of placental patterns of injury, decreased placental efficiency, and increased birthweight percentiles. While placental lesions, such as CV, have the potential to negatively impact fetal growth, the resulting birthweight percentiles demonstrate a more complex relationship between maternal obesity and fetal growth, that likely involves placental and fetal adaptation to the altered in utero environment.

The concentration of maternal sacubitril/valsartan transferred into human milk is negligible.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a common cause of heart failure (HF) in the peripartum. Some medications are considered safe while breastfeeding. However, sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto), while efficacious, is not recommended in breastfeeding women due to concerns about adverse infant development, and no published data suggest otherwise. This study aimed to assess the transfer of sacubitril/valsartan into human milk and evaluate the infant's risk of drug exposure. The InfantRisk Human Milk Biorepository released samples and corresponding health information from five breastfeeding maternal-infant dyads exposed to sacubitril/valsartan. Sacubitril, valsartan, and LBQ657 (sacubitril active metabolite) concentrations were determined using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) from timed samples 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 h following medication administration at steady state conditions. Valsartan levels were below the detection limit of 0.19 ng/mL in all milk samples. Sacubitril was measurable in all milk samples of the five participants, peaking 1 h after drug administration at a mean concentration of 1.52 ng/mL for a total infant dose of 0.00049 mg/kg/12 h and a relative infant dose (RID) calculated at 0.01%. The maximum concentration of its active metabolite LBQ657 in the milk samples was observed 4 h after medication administration and declined over the remaining 12-h dosing interval, for an average concentration of 9.5 ng/mL. The total infant dose was 0.00071 mg/kg/12 h, and the RID was 0.22%. Two mothers reported continuing to breastfeed while taking sacubitril/valsartan; both mothers stated observing no negative effects in their breastfed infants. The transfer of sacubitril/valsartan into human milk is minimal. These concentrations are unlikely to pose a significant risk to breastfeeding infants, with a combined calculated RID of <0.25%, which is far lower than the industry safety standards (RID <10%).

Risk and protective factors associated with child welfare involvement among maternal-infant dyads affected by prenatal substance use

A 5-year retrospective cohort study (n = 4,178) was conducted to identify trends and outcomes associated with child welfare-involved maternal-infant dyads affected by perinatal substance use in Colorado. Two linked data sources were used: (1) vital records birth and death certificate data on live births between 2013 and 2019 and (2) child welfare data from the Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System. Data integration and de-identification work was accomplished by the Linked Information Network of Colorado and authorized by state legislation. Two tools were available for identity resolution: (1) the Senzing identity resolution application and (2) SQL queries. Binary logistic regression was used to explore how a birthing person’s demographic characteristics, use of prenatal care, Special Nutrition Program for Woman, Infants, and Children (WIC) enrollment during pregnancy, health of birthing person during pregnancy and delivery, and the newborn’s health at the time of birth related to child welfare removal within the first 60 days. Factors associated with an increased risk of infant removal includeless than adequate prenatal care, lower household income, low participation in WIC, andgreater medical fragility of the newborn. For infants removed from the home, the rate of placement with relatives while in foster care decreased by 15 % (2016–2019). This is a concern as placing children with relatives is shown to promote healthy child development. Findings bring into focus opportunities for prevention, treatment, and support of maternal-infant dyads affected by substance use during the perinatal period and offers insight into early entry points for preventing the need for family separation by child welfare.

Prevalence and duration of SARS-CoV-2 fecal shedding in breastfeeding dyads following maternal COVID-19 diagnosis.

There is a paucity of data on the presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in feces of lactating women with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and their breastfed infants as well as associations between fecal shedding and symptomatology. We examined whether and to what extent SARS-CoV-2 is detectable in the feces of lactating women and their breastfed infants following maternal COVID-19 diagnosis. This was a longitudinal study carried out from April 2020 to December 2021 involving 57 breastfeeding maternal-infant dyads: 33 dyads were enrolled within 7d of maternal COVID-19 diagnosis, and 24 healthy dyads served as controls. Maternal/infant fecal samples were collected by participants, and surveys were administered via telephone over an 8-wk period. Feces were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Signs/symptoms related to ears, eyes, nose, and throat (EENT); general fatigue/malaise; and cardiopulmonary signs/symptoms were commonly reported among mothers with COVID-19. In infants of mothers with COVID-19, EENT, immunologic, and cardiopulmonary signs/symptoms were most common, but prevalence did not differ from that of infants of control mothers. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in feces of 7 (25%) women with COVID-19 and 10 (30%) of their infants. Duration of fecal shedding ranged from 1-4 wk for both mothers and infants. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was sparsely detected in feces of healthy dyads, with only one mother's and two infants' fecal samples testing positive. There was no relationship between frequencies of maternal and infant SARS-CoV-2 fecal shedding (P=0.36), although presence of maternal or infant fever was related to increased likelihood (7-9 times greater, P≤0.04) of fecal shedding in infants of mothers with COVID-19.

Impact of Antenatal SARS-CoV-2 Exposure on SARS-CoV-2 Neutralization Potency.

A pregnancy booster dose significantly reduces the risk and severity of COVID-19, and it is widely recommended. A prospective cohort study was conducted to compare the transplacental passage of maternal antibodies from vaccination or infection during three trimesters against both the vaccine-targeted Wuhan strain and the Omicron strain of SARS-CoV-2. Maternal-infant dyads from vaccinated mothers were collected between 6 June 2022 and 20 September 2022. We analyzed 38 maternal-infant dyads from mothers who had been infected with COVID-19 and 37 from mothers without any previous infection. Pregnant women who received their last COVID-19 vaccine dose in the third trimester exhibited the highest anti-spike protein antibody levels and neutralizing potency against both the Wuhan strain and Omicron BA.2 variant in their maternal and cord plasma. Both second- and third-trimester vaccination could lead to a higher level of neutralization against the Wuhan and Omicron strains. COVID-19 infection had a negative effect on the transplacental transfer ratio of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. A booster dose during the second or third trimester is encouraged for the maximum transplacental transfer of humoral protection against COVID-19 for infants.

The association between antenatal corticosteroids exposure and postnatal growth in infants born between 23 and 29 weeks of gestation.

To assess the association between antenatal corticosteroids exposure and postnatal growth in infants born at 23-29 weeks' gestation. This retrospective study used data from the Pediatrix Clinical Data Warehouse. Maternal-infant dyads from 2018 to 2020 were included. Inverse propensity weighting (IPW) was applied to balance pre-treatment confounders. Primary outcomes included postnatal weight, length, and head circumference growth trajectory percentiles. The unadjusted cohort consisted of 11,912 dyads. After IPW adjustment, there were 23,231 dyads. Exposed infants showed higher postnatal trajectory percentiles for weight (by 3.4%), length (by 1.8%), and head circumference (by 2.5%) when compared to non-exposed infants. The positive association between antenatal corticosteroids and postnatal growth was only observed in infants not exposed to preeclampsia/eclampsia/HELLP syndrome or without fetal growth restriction. Antenatal corticosteroids exposure is associated with better postnatal growth. The study is limited by its retrospective nature.

Effectiveness of Influenza Vaccination During Pregnancy Against Laboratory-Confirmed Seasonal Influenza Among Infants Under 6 Months of Age in Ontario, Canada.

Randomized trials conducted in low- and middle-income settings demonstrated efficacy of influenza vaccination during pregnancy against influenza infection among infants <6 months of age. However, vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimates from settings with different population characteristics and influenza seasonality remain limited. We conducted a test-negative study in Ontario, Canada. All influenza virus tests among infants <6 months from 2010 to 2019 were identified and linked with health databases to ascertain information on maternal-infant dyads. VE was estimated from the odds ratio for influenza vaccination during pregnancy among cases versus controls, computed using logistic regression with adjustment for potential confounders. Among 23 806 infants tested for influenza, 1783 (7.5%) were positive and 1708 (7.2%) were born to mothers vaccinated against influenza during pregnancy. VE against laboratory-confirmed infant influenza infection was 64% (95% confidence interval [CI], 50%-74%). VE was similar by trimester of vaccination (first/second, 66% [95% CI, 40%-80%]; third, 63% [95% CI, 46%-74%]), infant age at testing (0 to <2 months, 63% [95% CI, 46%-75%]; 2 to <6 months, 64% [95% CI, 36%-79%]), and gestational age at birth (≥37 weeks, 64% [95% CI, 50%-75%]; < 37 weeks, 61% [95% CI, 4%-86%]). VE against influenza hospitalization was 67% (95% CI, 50%-78%). Influenza vaccination during pregnancy offers effective protection to infants <6 months, for whom vaccines are not currently available.

Abstract 13374: The Intersection of Prenatal Clinical and Demographic Factors in Predicting Fetal Brain Volume and Neurodevelopmental Outcome in Single Ventricle CHD

Background: Fetuses with single ventricle (SV) CHD have small total brain volumes (TBV) which has been linked to neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI). Evidence suggests a prenatal origin of NDI for CHD. Our primary aim was to use machine learning methods to identify prenatal variables that predict fetal brain growth and in turn early NDI. Methods: This is a multi-center prospective cohort study of maternal-infant dyads with a fetal diagnosis of SV who underwent fetal brain MRI and in-depth prenatal clinical and sociodemographic data collection (self reported race/ethnicity, income, education, area deprivation index, maternal health, genetics, placental health). Infants had ND testing at 12-30 months with Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development. Machine learning models used recursive partitioning to predict 1) gestational-age (GA) and sex-adjusted fetal TBV and 2) ND outcome while including fetal TBV in the models. Results: A total of 67 maternal-infant dyads were enrolled with a mean GA of 33.4 weeks (SD=3.4) at fetal MRI and male predominance (57%); 48 infants had follow-up at median age of 23.5 months (SD=6.3). Key predictors of fetal brain volume were race/ethnicity, maternal age, and cardiac anatomy (Figure 1A). For NDI, fetal brain volume was the strongest predictor of motor outcomes but was not associated with other domains (Figure 1D). Cardiac anatomy was the strongest predictor of cognitive outcome (Figure 1B), while race/ethnicity was the strongest predictor of language (Figure 1C). Cardiac anatomy, maternal age, and cerebral and placental hemodynamics (e.g., middle cerebral or umbilical artery pulsatility) each predicted multiple domains of neurodevelopment. Conclusions: In regression tree modeling, sociodemographic variables are the strongest predictors of fetal TBV, which in turn predicts motor outcome. Prenatal factors predicting NDI across all domains span sociodemographic, cardiac, and placental characteristics.

Prevalence and Predictors of Early Intervention Referral Among Substance-Exposed Newborns.

Substance-exposed newborns (SENs) are at risk for developmental delay(s). Early intervention (EI) access, key to addressing these risks, is inequitable. Objectives were to: 1. determine prevalence of EI referral in the Colorado Hospitals Substance-Exposed Newborn Quality Improvement Collaborative; and 2. evaluate predictors of referral. Within participating Colorado Hospitals Substance-Exposed Newborn hospitals, maternal-infant dyads with exposure to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), illicit/prescription opioids, and/or nonopioid substances were included on the basis of electronic medical record documentation. χ2, Fisher's exact, and analysis of variance tests evaluated differences in maternal/infant characteristics by referral. Multivariable Poisson regression models assessed the independent association of characteristics with referral. Among 1222 dyads, 504 (41%) SENs received EI referral. Infants born to mothers with non-MOUD (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 2.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.67-2.76) and polysubstance (aRR 1.58, 95% CI 1.26-1.97) exposure were less likely to receive referral compared with infants born to mothers with MOUD exposure. Those with private (aRR 1.26, 95% CI 1.03-1.55) or self-pay/no insurance (aRR 12.32, 95% CI 10.87-13.96) were less likely to receive referral compared with infants with public insurance. Less than half of identified SENs received EI referral, with variation by substance exposure and maternal insurance status. Systems to ensure equitable access to services are crucial.

The Mother-Child Dyad Adipokine Pattern: A Review of Current Knowledge.

An important role in the network of interconnections between the mother and child is played by adipokines, which are adipose tissue hormones engaged in the regulation of metabolism. Alternations of maternal adipokines translate to the worsening of maternal insulin resistance as well as metabolic stress, altered placenta functions, and fetal development, which finally contribute to long-term metabolic unfavorable conditions. This paper is the first to summarize the current state of knowledge concerning the concentrations of individual adipokines in different biological fluids of maternal and cord plasma, newborn/infant plasma, milk, and the placenta, where it highlights the impact of adverse perinatal risk factors, including gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm delivery, and maternal obesity on the adipokine patterns in maternal-infant dyads. The importance of adipokine measurement and relationships in biological fluids during pregnancy and lactation is crucial for public health in the area of prevention of most diet-related metabolic diseases. The review highlights the huge knowledge gap in the field of hormones participating in the energy homeostasis and metabolic pathways during perinatal and postnatal periods in the mother-child dyad. An in-depth characterization is needed to confirm if the adverse outcomes of early developmental programming might be modulated via maternal lifestyle intervention.

Disparities in Maternal-Infant Drug Testing, Social Work Assessment, and Custody at 5 Hospitals.

To evaluate for disparities in peripartum toxicology testing among maternal-infant dyads across a hospital network and subsequent child protective services (CPS) involvement. Retrospective chart review of 59,425 deliveries at 5 hospitals in Massachusetts between 2016 and 2020. We evaluated associations between maternal characteristics, toxicology testing, and child welfare involvement with disproportionality risk ratios and hierarchical logistical regression. Toxicology testing was performed on 1959 (3.3%) dyads. Younger individuals and individuals of color were more likely to be tested for cannabis use or maternal medical complications compared to white non-Hispanic individuals. Among those without a substance use disorder, age <25 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.43-3.26), race and ethnicity (non-Hispanic Black (aOR 1.80; 95% CI, 1.52-2.13), Hispanic (aOR 1.23; 95% CI, 1.05-1.45), mixed race/other (aOR 1.40; 95% CI, 1.04, 1.87), unavailable race (aOR 1.92; 95% CI, 1.32-2.79), and public insurance (Medicaid [aOR 2.61; 95% CI, 2.27-3.00], Medicare [aOR 13.76; 95% CI, 9.99-18.91]) had increased odds of toxicology testing compared to older, white non-Hispanic, and privately insured individuals. The disproportionality ratios in testing were greater than 1.0 for individuals under 25 years old (3.8), Hispanic individuals (1.6), non-Hispanic Black individuals (1.8), individuals of other race (1.2), unavailable race (1.8), and individuals with public insurance (Medicaid 2.6; Medicare 10.6). Among dyads tested, race and ethnicity was not associated with CPS involvement. Peripartum toxicology testing is disproportionately performed on non-white, younger, and poorer individuals and their infants, with cannabis use and medical complications prompting testing more often for patients of color than for white non-Hispanic individuals.

Maternal stress and early childhood BMI among US children from the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program.

We aimed to understand the association between maternal stress in the first year of life and childhood body mass index (BMI) from 2 to 4 years of age in a large, prospective United States-based consortium of cohorts. We used data from the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes program. The main exposure was maternal stress in the first year of life measured with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The main outcome was the first childhood BMI percentile after age 2 until age 4 years. We used an adjusted linear mixed effects model to examine associations between BMI and PSS quartile. The mean BMI percentile in children was 59.8 (SD 30) measured at 3.0 years (SD 1) on average. In both crude models and models adjusted for maternal BMI, age, race, ethnicity, infant birthweight, and health insurance status, no linear associations were observed between maternal stress and child BMI. Among 1694 maternal-infant dyads, we found no statistically significant relationships between maternal perceived stress in the first year of life and child BMI after 2 through 4 years. Although existing literature suggests relationships between parental stress and childhood BMI, we found no linear associations between maternal stress in the first year of life and childhood BMI at 2-4 years of age among participants in ECHO cohorts. Higher maternal stress was significantly associated with Hispanic ethnicity, Black race, and public health insurance. Our analysis of a large, nationally representative sample challenges assumptions that maternal stress in the first year of life, as measured by a widely used scale, is associated with offspring BMI.

Examining transactional associations between maternal internalizing symptoms, infant negative emotionality, and infant respiratory sinus arrhythmia

The current study examined transactional associations between maternal internalizing symptoms, infant negative emotionality, and infant resting respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). We used data from the Longitudinal Attention and Temperament Study (N = 217) to examine the associations between maternal internalizing symptoms, infant negative emotionality, and infant resting RSA from 4-months to 18-months using a random-intercepts cross-lagged panel model. We found that mothers with higher average internalizing symptoms have infants with higher levels of resting RSA. However, there were no stable, between-individual differences in infant negative emotionality across time. Additionally, we found significant negative within-dyad cross-lagged associations from maternal internalizing symptoms to subsequent measures of infant negative emotionality, as well as a significant negative cross-lagged association from maternal internalizing symptoms to child resting RSA after 12-months of age. Lastly, we find evidence for infant-directed effects of negative emotionality and resting RSA to maternal internalizing symptoms. Results highlight the complex, bidirectional associations in maternal-infant dyads during the first two years of life, and the importance of considering the co-development of infant reactivity and regulatory processes in the context of maternal internalizing symptoms.