Birth Weight Newborns Research Articles

Reproduction outcomes and prognostic significance of pregnancy after nasopharyngeal carcinoma treatment.

Many female patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) desire to reproduce after treatment. To evaluate the outcomes of subsequent pregnancy after NPC and explore the prognostic effects of pregnancy in women. Female patients with locoregional NPC were included, and their pregnancy status, newborn information, and obstetric information were collected. Pregnant patients after therapy were matched to non-pregnant patients for survival analysis and overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and locoregional relapse-free survival (LRFS) were assessed. Of 895 patients, 79 conceived after NPC treatment. Of these, 52 women successfully delivered, and the rest had abortions. No abnormalities were recorded in any of the newborns and the caesarean section rate was 30.1%. The median birth weight of newborns was 3.11 kg. Patients who delivered successfully were younger than those who had an abortion. Among the pregnancies, four cases of spontaneous abortion and two cases of ectopic pregnancy were recorded. No significant differences in OS, DFS, LRFS, or DMFS were observed between the 79 subsequently pregnant patients and 315 matched non-pregnant patients. Pregnancy after NPC treatment was not associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Abortion may not be a remedial choice post-treatment in patients with NPC.

Abnormal characteristics of inferior vena cava and abdominal aorta among neonates with early onset septic shock

BackgroundThe variety of shocks in neonates, if not recognized and treated immediately, is a major cause for fatality. The use of echocardiography may improve assessment and treatment, but its reference values across gestational age (GA) and birth weight (BW) are lacking. To address the information gap, this study aimed at correlating GA and BW of newborns with nonhemodynamic abnormalities, and at evaluating the usefulness of such reference values in neonates with early onset septic (EOS) -shock.MethodsA total of 200 normal newborns were enrolled as controls and subdivided into groups based on GA, BW, days of age, and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Echocardiography was used to document inferior vena cava diameter (IVC), inferior vena cava collapsibility index (IVC-CI), and inferior vena cava to abdominal aorta ratio (IVC/AO). In addition, 18 neonates with EOS shock were recruited and evaluated using echocardiography.ResultsAmong the control newborns, IVC and AO were significantly increased with GA and BW (P < 0.05) but IVC-CI and IVC/AO did not correlate with GA, BW, day of age, and PDA. Compared to the control group, the EOS-shock group had significantly decreased IVC and IVC/AO, and increased IVC-CI (P < 0.05). The cut-off values for indicating EOS-shock were > 34.15% for IVC-CI, < 47.58% for IVCmin/AO, and < 66.11% for IVCmax/AO.ConclusionsThe IVC-CI, IVCmin/AO, and IVCmax/AO indices are applicable to all neonates. Although the number of neonates with EOS-shock in our study is small, the cut-off values showed usefulness for diagnosis. Further research is needed to determine the application of the indices in a larger population and among other populations, especially for clinical application in treatment of shock among neonates.

Evaluation of the utility of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in pregnancy complicated by pre-eclampsia - single-center study. Preliminary analysis.

To evaluate relationship between sFlt-1/PlGF ratio, clinical characteristics and outcomes of pre-eclampsia. Retrospective analysis of 29 pregnant women with pre-eclampsia who had measured sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was conducted using electronic medical records from Obstetrics and Perinatology ward of University Hospital in Cracow. Women median age: 33.5 years, number of pregnancies: one 52%, two 15%, three 18%,more than three 15%, number of deliveries: one 59.3%, two 37%, three 3.7%, median body mass index during hospitalization: 29.4 kg/m². Chronic diseases apart from hypertension: 67% of women (diabetes 37%, hypothyroidism 26%, obesity 11%). Median newborns birth weight: 1640 g, median Apgar score at 5 minutes: 8, median umbilical cord blood pH: 7.32. Fetal growth restriction: 28.6% of cases. All deliveries were by c-section. Median gestational age at delivery: 32 weeks. sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was inversely correlated with gestational age at delivery (r = -0.42, p = 0.02). The median sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was higher in women with severe pre-eclampsia (n = 15) than in those with mild pre-eclampsia (n = 14) (211 vs. 57, p < 0.001). sFlt-1/PlGF ratio of > 85 had a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 71% for predicting severe pre-eclampsia. sFlt-1/PlGF ratio is useful in assessing the severity and prognosis of pre-eclampsia. sFlt-1/PlGF ratio should not be used as a sole criterion for making clinical decisions, but as an adjunct to other clinical and laboratory parameters.

A retrospective analysis on maternal and neonatal outcomes in pSS/AITD pregnancies

The combined impact of concurrent primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) and autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) on pregnancy outcomes remains underreported. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 115 pregnant patients diagnosed with pSS and delivering at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from January 2009 to July 2023. The effects of AITD on maternal and neonatal outcomes were examined and compared to a control group without AITD. In the group with pSS and AITD, the pregnancy loss rate was significantly higher than in the non-AITD group (P = 0.015), primarily reflected in the increased rate of neonatal death (P = 0.029). The proportion of term births and vaginal deliveries in the AITD group was notably reduced compared to the non-AITD group (54% vs. 81.5%; 16.0% vs. 41.5%; P = 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively). No significant differences were observed in other maternal pregnancy outcomes, including induced abortion, spontaneous abortion, therapeutic abortion, and premature delivery (P > 0.05). The average birth weight of newborns in the pSS with AITD group was significantly lower than in the pSS without AITD group (2587.70 ± 720.50 g vs. 2812.54 ± 495.30 g, P < 0.001). Additionally, the rate of low-birth-weight infants in the pSS with AITD group was higher than in the pSS without AITD group (39.0% vs. 19.7%, P = 0.032). However, no significant differences were found between the two groups in the rates of fetal death, neonatal live birth, and fetal distress (P > 0.05). These results emphasize the importance of monitoring and managing thyroid health during pregnancy to optimize maternal and neonatal outcomes. Further exploration is essential to unravel the precise mechanisms through which AITD impacts fetal growth and to identify potential interventions to mitigate these effects.

Impact of sperm DNA fragmentation index on assisted reproductive outcomes: a retrospective analysis.

The role of sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) in fertility remains controversial. Herein, we analyzed its association with semen parameters, embryonic development, and pregnancy outcomes after in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Additionally, we assessed whether DFI had a potential impact on long-term maternal and neonatal complications. A total of 5,271 women who underwent IVF treatment for the first time between October 1, 2020, and July 31, 2023, were included from an academic fertility center. Participants were categorized into three groups based on sperm DFI: DFI < 15%, 15 ≤ DFI < 30%, and DFI ≥ 30%. We collected data on patient demographics, semen parameters, embryonic development, clinical outcomes, maternal and infant complications. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to control for potential confounders. The DFI value was negatively correlated with semen quality in males. High DFI affected the blastocyst formation rate (56.44%, 55.32%, 53.72%, respectively; P=0.045) and the rate of transferable embryos (3.97 ± 2.71, 3.90 ± 2.7, 3.38 ± 2.4, respectively; P<0.001); however, no significant difference in pregnancy outcomes was observed among the three groups. Elevated DFI did not contribute to clinically relevant adverse maternal events during pregnancy, but it was associated with an increased risk of low birth weight (3.9%, 6.6%, 10.1%, respectively; P=0.006) in newborns. Sperm DFI could influence embryonic development, with a higher risk of low birthweight infants in the high DFI group. However, it does not appear to affect clinical outcomes or other perinatal complications. The role of DFI as a predictive factor in assisted reproduction, especially regarding offspring outcomes, requires further investigation with larger sample sizes.

Prevalence of adolescent pregnancy and evaluation of pregnancy outcomes: a retrospective study.

According to the World Health Organization, adolescent pregnancy is defined as pregnancies of women aged 19 and below. The study aims to analyze the rates of adolescent pregnancies and maternal and fetal outcomes among births within the hospital and compare them with adult pregnancies. The study is conducted retrospectively in one of Turkey's socio-economically underdeveloped provinces. The study comprises 16,985 women: 1719 adolescents and 15,266 adults who gave birth in the hospital between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2023. All data were recorded in the SPSS 28.0 program, and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Chi-Square test, ANOVA, and Independent Simple T-test were applied to analyze the data. In the study, the adolescent pregnancy rate is found to be 10,1%. The mean maternal age (p = 0.000), gravida (p = 0.000), parity (p = 0.000), and number of abortions (p = 0.002) are significantly higher in the adult group. No difference is found between the groups in terms of gestational age (p = 0.067). Newborn birth weight was significantly higher in the adult group (p = 0.000). Cesarean section rates are higher in the adult group (p = 0.001). No difference is found in terms of stillbirth rates. No difference is found between the groups in terms of pre-eclampsia (p = 0.792). No difference is found between the groups in terms of preterm birth (p = 0.664). In conclusion, it came out that, according to the results of the study, the rates of premature birth, pre-eclampsia, and stillbirth in adolescents and the first and fifth-minute Apgar scores are similar to adults. However, newborn birth weights are lower in the babies of adolescent pregnant women. In addition, cesarean section rates are higher in the adult group.

Associations of maternal age and body mass index with birth weight: a generalized additive model

Background: Abnormal birth weight is a major factor in infant mortality, birth defects, and increased risk of various adult diseases. Epidemiological studies on how maternal age and body mass index affect newborn birth weight are still limited. Our study aimed to explore these relationships to better understand their impact on birth weight. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2019. The study included a total of 2,110 participants. Data were collected using a multistage sampling technique to select the study participants. Inclusion criteria required complete and valid data on maternal age, maternal body mass index, and newborn birth weight. Linear regression and generalized additive models were employed for the analysis. A pvalue &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. All statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS and R software. Results: The average birth weight, low birth weight, and macrosomia were 3,280 g, 1,920 g, and 4,880 g, respectively. In the adjusted models, a one-year increase in maternal age was associated with a 6.375 g increase in newborn birth weight. Maternal body mass index was positively associated with birth weight (β=0.323, P &lt; 0.001) and negatively associated with macrosomia (β=-0.041, P &lt; 0.05). The generalized additive model also revealed an approximately linear relationship between maternal age and body mass index, as well as between maternal age and birth weight. Conclusion: These findings confirm that maternal age and body mass index are positively and linearly related to newborn birth weight. Additionally, maternal body mass index directly influences the likelihood of macrosomia. This study recommends closely monitoring maternal age and BMI during pregnancy to reduce adverse outcomes and improve maternal health.

Is there an association between the serum zonulin concentration and the occurrence of PPROM?

Aims: The aim is to evaluate the association between intestinal permeability, as assessed by zonulin levels, and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Methods: A prospective case-control study was conducted involving 44 pregnant women: 22 with PPROM and 22 matched controls. High-risk pregnancies (gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, multiple pregnancies), chronic diseases, and smoking were exclusion criteria. Demographic and clinical data were collected from medical records. Venous and umbilical cord blood samples were obtained post-delivery, centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 min, and stored at -80°C. Results: No significant differences were found between the PPROM and control groups regarding age, body-mass index, gravidity, previous abortions, history of preterm rupture of membrane (PROM), or PPROM. Maternal and cord blood zonulin levels were comparable between groups (p&gt;0.05). In the PPROM group, maternal and fetal cord zonulin levels correlated positively with newborn birthweight (r=0.607, p=0.003; r=0.617, p=0.002, respectively). A strong positive correlation was observed between maternal serum and fetal cord blood zonulin levels (r=0.837, p

WeChat mini-program, a preliminary applied study of the gestational blood glucose management model for pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus

BackgroundThe mHealth has been increasing in pregnancy. However, the WeChat mini-program based gestational glucose management model for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during pregnancy has not been established. Methods56 GDM pregnant women were selected. The control group received routine pregnancy health care, and the experimental group received WeChat mini-program GDM women’s blood glucose management model, Intervention from diagnosis of GDM to delivery. PBG, self-management ability, maternal and infant outcomes, satisfaction and so on were collected, with an additional mHealth app usability questionnaire collected by the experimental group. ResultsThe WeChat mini-program GDM women’s blood glucose management model reduced PBG, the birth weight of newborns and the incidence of other complications(P < 0.05). The model also improved self-management ability and satisfaction of GDM pregnant women(P < 0.01). The mHealth app usability questionnaire score tends to be close to 1, which indicates that the WeChat mini-program has usability. ConclusionThe WeChat mini-program blood glucose management model reduces PBG and improves the self-management ability, which verifies the feasibility and effectiveness of the blood glucose management model relying on the WeChat mini-program.

Exploring the Influence of PCBs Exposure on Neonatal Birth Outcomes and Neurobehavioral Development after 20 years of prohibition.

Despite polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been banned in Taiwan for two decades, epidemiological studies indicated that prenatal PCBs exposure may still affect newborns and their birth outcomes. The study aimed to investigate the association between PCB concentrations in umbilical cord blood and infants' birth outcomes and neurodevelopment. We recruited 100 pairs of mothers and infants, residing in Changhua and Yunlin countries in Taiwan from 2014-2016. Maternal questionnaire surveys conducted to collect demographic data, and the Chinese version of the Neonatal Neurobehavioral Assessment Scale was used to assess the development of their neurological behavior in newborns within one to two weeks after birth. Additionally, the Infant Temperament Questionnaire was used to evaluate newborns' responses to stimuli. The measured levels of 23 PCBs congeners were analyzed using gas chromatography-electron capture negative ionization quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-NICI-qMS). Multiple regression explored correlations between prenatal PCBs exposure and neonatal birth outcomes, neurobehavioral, and temperament. Additionally, we used the Weighted Quantile Sum (WQS) regression model analysis to identify the major contributing congener. The results revealed that 9 PCB congeners were commonly found in the study participants, specifically PCB138, PCB153, PCB180, PCB156, PCB170, PCB177, PCB187, PCB194, and PCB201. The top three PCBs congeners by levels were PCB138, PCB153, and PCB180 (17.28±16.84, 11.50±15.12, 8.09±14.10 pg/g wet weight, respectively). The decrease in birth weight and head circumference in newborns were each associated with 7 different PCB congeners, with 6 of them being correlated with both, including PCB153, PCB156, PCB177, PCB180, PCB187, and PCB194. Specifically, PCB153 was associated with delayed neurobehavioral development in newborns. Exposure to PCB153, PCB177, and PCB180 influenced the temperament development of newborns. The WQS results indicated that PCB156 and PCB177 were the major contributors to decreased birth weight and head circumference. In conclusion, despite the prohibition of PCB usage, prenatal exposure to PCBs may still affect neonatal health. It is recommended that Taiwan should monitor local newborns' long-term PCB exposure and track potential adverse health effects in their future development.

Maternal factors affecting foetal outcome in rural area of district Amritsar, Punjab

Background: Birth weight not only indicates health of mother, nutrition and quality of life but also a pivotal factor in determining growth, survival and development of children. The key aspect influencing birth weight is maternal factors. Stress during pregnancy also affects a child's growth and development. So the present study was planned to assess the maternal factors affecting foetal outcomes. The level of stress among antenatal women was also determined in the study. Methods: A prospective observational type of study was conducted from January to March, 2022. All the registered antenatal women were followed till outcome of pregnancy. Information was collected on predesigned and pretested proforma. Data analysis was done using SPSS version- 23. Results: A total of 114 antenatal were registered in rural field practice area under Department of Community Medicine, SGRDIMSAR, Amritsar. There were 108 singleton live births and 6 miscarriages among registered antenatal women. Almost half (47.2%) of subjects got their pregnancy registered before 12 weeks. Recommended more than minimum 4 antenatal visits were conducted in almost half (49.1%) of women. Three fourth (75.9%) women in first trimester of pregnancy were suffering from moderate stress while 24.1% women were suffering from low stress. Conclusions: In the present study maternal factors found to be significantly associated with birth weight of newborn were maternal age at first child, timing of 1st Antenatal visits, weight gain during pregnancy, number of Td (Tetanus diptheria) doses taken and consumption of IFA tablets. Perceived stress score (PSS) was also found to be significantly associated with birth weight of newborn.

Hypocalcemia and Anemia in Pregnancy: A Hospital Based Study in Jumla, Nepal

Background Hypocalcemia is a condition where the serum calcium is below the optimum level. Calcium supplements demand increases in pregnancy. Some complications of pregnancy may be associated with lower serum calcium level e.g. pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, low birth weight, preterm delivery, and neonatal death. Iron deficiency in pregnant women is a cause of anemia and predisposes women to urinary tract infections, low birth weight of newborns and a higher risk of premature birth. Methods This is an observational, descriptive, prospective study which was done after the IRC approval. Blood samples were obtained from the pregnant women in their routine antenatal check-up and serum total calcium and hemoglobin were estimated by O – Cresolphthalein Complexone (OCPC) method and Cyanmethemoglobin method respectively. Initially the data were recorded in MS-Excel 2007 and analyzed by SPSS16. Level of significance was defined at p&lt;0.05 at 95% confidence interval. Results There were 280 participants in this study with age varying from 19 to 40 and the median age was 24 years. 68.2% of it had hypocalcemia and 11.8% had anemia. Conclusions Hypocalcemia and anemia alone or together is a severe condition during pregnancy. Enhancing dietary calcium and iron intake together with knowledge and awareness during pregnancy could mitigate the high prevalence of hypocalcemia and anemia, thereby improving maternal and fetal outcomes.

Maternal Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Status in Pregnancy and Newborn Body Composition.

A number of clinical studies have shown a positive association between the maternal n-3 PUFA status during pregnancy and fetal and newborn development and health. Despite this well-documented role of n-3 PUFAs in pregnancy, data on maternal the LC-PUFAs status during pregnancy in the Indonesian population, to our knowledge, are not yet available. This study reports on the LC-PUFA dietary intake among pregnant women in a suburban population of Bogor City, West Java, Indonesia. It also explores the associations of maternal LC-PUFA intake with maternal blood, cord blood, and breast milk LC-PUFA levels and the associations of the latter with infant body composition. A total of 142 pregnant women and 104 newborn infants were included in this study. The dietary intake of energy, macronutrients, and selected LC-PUFAs (LA, ALA, EPA, and DHA) was assessed by 2 × 24 h food recall and FFQ. LC-PUFA levels were measured in maternal blood, cord blood, and breast milk. Newborn body composition was determined by anthropometric measures. The study found that the inadequate intake of energy, protein, and carbohydrates was highly prevalent among pregnant women subjects. The intake of the most important n-3 PUFAs (ALA, EPA, and DHA) was far below the recommended values. Maternal dietary DHA intakes were negatively associated with birth weight and infant fat mass at birth, and dietary intake of total fat and n-6 LA were associated with increased fat accumulation in newborns at specific body sites. Moreover, positive correlations were identified between the EPA in maternal blood and infant % fat mass, and between the DHA in cord blood and newborn birth weight. Further longitudinal studies, including clinical and biomolecular analyses, are suggested to be conducted to monitor maternal and child health and nutrition in Indonesia and develop well-attuned intervention strategies.

Umbilical Cord Zinc Levels and Neonatal Anthropometric Measures: A Cross-Sectional Study in Iran

Background: Zinc (Zn) is one of the trace elements in the body that, despite its low level, plays important roles in molecular and cellular activities. A few investigations have assessed the correlations between cord blood Zn levels and neonatal anthropometric measures; however, the results are conflicting. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationships between the Zn level in the umbilical cord blood and the birth weight, height, and head circumference of term newborns. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on full-term newborns in Tehran, Iran, in 2021. Neonates’ Zn levels in umbilical cord blood were evaluated. Data related to perinatal and neonatal variables such as the number of pregnancies (gravida), birth height, weight, and head circumference were recorded, and their relationships with umbilical cord Zn levels were assessed. P-values &lt; 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: One hundred mothers with a mean age of 30.792 ± 5.908 years and a parity of 2.693 ± 1.181 were included. Of all the newborns, 68% were boys, and 2% had low birth weight. The mean level of cord blood Zn was 107.703 ± 27.843 µg/dL. Evaluating the correlations between cord blood Zn levels and maternal and neonatal qualitative variables, data analysis showed no relationships between Zn levels and neonatal sex (P = 0.70), low birth weight (P = 0.87), and maternal underlying disease (P = 0.49). Data analysis regarding correlations between quantitative variables also showed no significant correlations between cord blood Zn levels and birth weight (P = 0.466), height (P = 0.466), and head circumference (P = 0.925). Conclusions: Although adequate Zn levels were observed in all neonates, these levels did not significantly influence neonatal anthropometric measures or immediate health indicators. Further studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to provide more comparative data, particularly in relation to long-term growth outcomes.

Trajectory of breastfeeding among Chinese women and risk prediction models based on machine learning: a cohort study.

Breastfeeding is the optimal source of nutrition for infants and young children, essential for their healthy growth and development. However, a gap in cohort studies tracking breastfeeding up to six months postpartum may lead caregivers to miss critical intervention opportunities. This study conducted a three-wave prospective cohort analysis to examine maternal breastfeeding trajectories within the first six months postpartum and to develop risk prediction models for each period using advanced machine learning algorithms. Conducted at a leading Maternal and Children's hospital in China from October 2021 to June 2022, data were gathered via self-administered surveys and electronic health records. Of the 3307 women recruited, 3175 completed the surveys, yielding a 96% effective response rate. Breastfeeding(BF) rates were observed at 100%, 96%,93% and 83% at discharge, 42day, 3month and 6month postpartum, respectively. Exclusively breastfeeding(EBF) rates were recorded at 91%, 64%,72% and 58% for the same intervals. Among the five machine learning methods employed, Random Forest (RF) demonstrated superior accuracy in predicting breastfeeding patterns, with classification accuracies of 0.629 and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.8122 at 42days, 0.925 and an AUC of 0.9800 at 3months, and 0.836 and an AUC of 0.9463 at 6months postpartum, respectively. Key predictive factors for breastfeeding at 42days postpartum included the newborn's birth weight and the mother's pre-delivery and prenatal weights. Predictors for feeding type at 3months and 6months postpartum included early feeding types and the scores from the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-short Form (BSES-SF) at 6months. The predictive model based on follow-up data showed strong performance. Breastfeeding rates slightly declined from discharge to 6months postpartum. The breastfeeding context in this region is comparatively optimistic both within China and internationally. Factors such as newborn's birth weight, gestational age, maternal weight management before and during pregnancy, early support and breastfeeding success, breastfeeding knowledge and self-efficacy are intricately linked to long-term breastfeeding outcomes. This study highlights critical, modifiable risk factors for early breastfeeding stages, providing valuable insights for enhancing breastfeeding intervention programs and informed decision-making.

Evaluation of Pregnancy Risks in Women with Subchorionic Hematoma Using Machine Learning Models.

BACKGROUND Subchorionic hematoma (SCH) can lead to blood accumulation and potentially affect pregnancy outcomes. Despite being a relatively common finding in early pregnancy, the effects of SCH on pregnancy outcomes such as miscarriage, stillbirth, and preterm birth remain debated. This study aims to address these gaps by systematically evaluating the influence of SCH-related clinical factors on pregnancy outcomes using robust analytical techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS Data from SCH and non-SCH pregnant women were collected and split into training and test datasets. Machine learning classifiers and regression models were used to assess the impact of clinical indices on outcomes such as delivery type, NICU transfer, gestational age, and birth weight. Results were evaluated using ROC and calibration plots. RESULTS (1) SCH women had a significantly higher risk of stillbirth or miscarriage than non-SCH women (P<0.001). Logistic regression and XGB models showed AUCs of 0.858 and 0.916, respectively. Key factors affecting delivery outcomes included the first positive HCG level, hematoma duration, CA125 level, gestational sac diameter, fibrinogen level, and spouse age. (2) 12.7% of successfully delivered SCH newborns required NICU transfer, but clinical indices did not predict NICU need (AUC 0.589 and 0.629). (3) Successfully delivered SCH women had longer gestational ages than those with miscarriage/stillbirth (38.8 vs 10.1 weeks), but indices did not predict preterm/full-term birth (AUCs 0.449 and 0.503). (4) Birth weight was significantly affected by live birth times and gestational age (P<0.05), though the adjusted R-square was 0.226. CONCLUSIONS (1) SCH increases miscarriage or stillbirth risk. (2) the first positive HCG level, the hematoma duration, serum CA125 level, the gestational sac maximum diameter, fibrinogen, and the spouse age highly impacted the delivery outcome. (3) SCH indices do not affect NICU transfer or birth weight. (4) Miscarriage/stillbirth mainly occurs in the first trimester; passing this stage often leads to successful delivery. (5) The birth weight of full-term newborns is significantly higher than that of preterm infants. The clinical indices of SCH pregnant women have no impact on the birth weight of the newborn.

COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on the Birth Weight of Children Born in a Brazilian Metropolis.

To assess the birth weight of newborns whose mothers gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study based on data collected from medical records and through postnatal interviews to assess maternal and neonatal health outcomes (n = 470) during the pandemic. All participants were assisted in three Brazilian public hospitals in 2020. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to assess factors associated with birth weight. Low and insufficient birth weight reached 9.8% and 25.7% prevalence, respectively. COVID-19 symptoms were reported by 8% of participants. Low birth weight was more often observed in premature children (OR: 70.9; 95% CI: 16.4-305.8) delivered by cesarean sections (OR: 7.70; 95% CI: 2.33-25.4). Insufficient weight was more frequent in premature children (OR: 5.59; 95% CI: 1.53-20.4) and children whose mothers did not exercise during pregnancy (OR: 2.85; 95% CI: 1.38-5.89). Women presenting higher gestational weight gain had a lower chance of delivering babies with insufficient weight (OR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.90-0.99). Inadequate birth weight was associated with prematurity, delivery type, lower gestational weight gain, and maternal physical inactivity during the pandemic. According to the results, it is necessary to have adequate prenatal care and promote a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy.

Relationship between gestational body mass index, blood pressure variability, and postpartum depression in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia.

Pre-eclampsia has long been proven to be an independent risk factor for postpartum depression (PPD). Excessive increase in body mass index (BMI) during pregnancy is an important factor inducing pre-eclampsia. Increased blood pressure is the main symptom of patients with pre-eclampsia. However, whether there is a correlation between BMI and blood pressure variability during pregnancy and PPD occurrence in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia remains unclear. To investigate the relationship between BMI, blood pressure variability, and PPD in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia. Using a cross-sectional survey research, 201 pregnant women with pre-eclampsia who were treated and delivered in Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital from May 2016 to June 2024 were selected as this study's subjects. At 42 days after delivery, the subjects were re-examined in the hospital's outpatient department. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to evaluate whether PPD symptoms, divided the subjects into two groups: The PPD and non-PPD groups. We analyzed clinical data, changes in BMI during pregnancy, and blood pressure variability in the two groups. The Pearson method was used to test the correlation between BMI increase, blood pressure variability during pregnancy, and EPDS score in patients with pre-eclampsia. Logistic regression analysis was performed to explore whether increased BMI and blood pressure variability during pregnancy are influencing factors for PPD occurrence in patients with pre-eclampsia. Of the 201 pre-eclamptic women who underwent an outpatient review 42 days after delivery, 37 had PPD symptoms based on the EPDS scale evaluation, resulting in an incidence rate of 18.41% (37/201). The differences between the PPD and non-PPD groups in terms of age, educational level, place of residence, reproductive history, gestational age, mode of delivery, newborn gender, and newborn birth weight were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The gestational BMI increase, 24-hour systolic blood pressure (SBP) variability, and 24-hour diastolic blood pressure (DBP) variability in the PPD group were significantly higher than those in the non-PPD group; the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Pearson correlation analysis showed that BMI increase, SBP variability, and DBP variability during pregnancy correlated positively with the EPDS score of pregnant women with pre-eclampsia (r = 0.349, 0.336, and 0.241; P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that a high increase in BMI during pregnancy [odds ratio (OR) = 4.614, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.749-12.170, P = 0.002], large variability in 24-hour SBP (OR = 2.910, 95%CI: 1.322-6.404, P = 0.008), and large variability in 24-hour DBP (OR = 2.347, 95%CI: 1.138-4.831, P = 0.021) were factors affecting PPD occurrence in patients with pre-eclampsia. Increased BMI and blood pressure variability during pregnancy can increase the risk of PPD in patients with pre-eclampsia. Strengthening pregnancy guidance and controlling fluctuations in BMI and blood pressure variability during pregnancy within a reasonable range can help reduce the risk of PPD in patients with pre-eclampsia.

Vitamin D Status in Roma Mothers and Newborns: Socioeconomic Factors and Impact on Neonatal Outcome.

The Roma are a socioeconomically disadvantaged, marginalized community with reduced access to education, social services, and healthcare. Despite the known health risks they are exposed to, we have limited data about a wide range of health outcomes in this population, including vitamin D deficiency. The aim of this study was to investigate prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its impact on the anthropometric outcomes of newborns in a group of Roma mothers and their infants in Romania. In total, 131 Roma women and 131 newborns were included in the study. Vitamin D levels in both mothers and newborns, as well as the birth weight, length, and head circumference of newborns, were recorded at birth. We also assessed socioeconomic factors, including education, employment status, income, and living conditions, as well as factors that influence vitamin D status, including sun exposure, use of sunscreen, fish consumption, and skin type. All mothers and almost all newborns had vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency, with 25-hydroxivitamin D levels below 30 ng/mL. Maternal vitamin D status was significantly correlated with neonatal vitamin D levels (p < 0.01) but not with anthropometric outcomes such as birth weight (p = 0.57), birth length (p = 0.53), or head circumference (p = 0.96). Most study participants had a low socioeconomic status, reporting severe deficiencies in education, employment status, household income, and living conditions. Vitamin D deficiency is a significant public health issue among Roma women and their newborns, which may be compounded by the socioeconomic challenges of this vulnerable population.

Effects of AZFc (b2/b4, b1/b3, b2/b3, and gr/gr) deletions and primary duplications on the outcomes of the first intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment cycle: A single-center retrospective cohort study.

Current advances in high-throughput sequencing technology enable the precise identification of Y chromosome microdeletion and primary duplication in infertile couples, but the mechanism and clinical significance of these mutations in assisted reproductive techniques remain unclear. To investigate the effects of AZFc (b2/b4, b1/b3, b2/b3, and gr/gr) deletions and primary duplications on the outcomes of the first intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment cycle. Y chromosome microdeletions and primary duplications in infertile men were detected using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. A total of 813 patients undergoing their first ICSI treatment were divided into six groups: b2/b4 deletion group (n=28), three partial AZFc subdeletion groups (b1/b3, n=13; b2/b3, n=72; gr/gr, n=71), primary AZFc duplication group (n=54), and control group with a normal Y chromosome (n=575). The multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess and compare the embryologic and cumulative reproductive outcomes of ICSI treatment across these groups. Compared with the control group, the b2/b4 deletion group showed a poor ICSI embryologic outcome after ICSI treatment, with a significantly lower fertilization rate per oocytes retrieval (72.22% vs.79.89%; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45-0.88, p<0.01) and 2 pronuclear (2PN) fertilization rate (66.37% vs. 74.80%; adjusted OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.47-0.89, p<0.01) either before or after adjustment for confounding factors. Nevertheless, three partial AZFc deletion groups showed no effect on the ICSI fertilization rate after ICSI treatment. The primary AZFc duplication group had a significantly lower clinical pregnancy rate per transferred embryo (56.25% vs. 65.97%; adjusted OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.41-0.99, p<0.05), and the semen characteristics varied from azoospermia to normozoospermia. In addition, all indicators related to embryo quality, clinical pregnancy, and live birth outcomes in the primary duplication group were inferior to those in the control group. This study indicates that b2/b4 deletion has a negative effect on ICSI outcomes, particularly the fertilization rates. Partial AZFc deletions have no significant effect on the fertilization rate after ICSI treatment. Primary AZFc duplication can lead to varying seminal phenotypes and has a negative effect on ICSI embryologic and pregnancy outcomes, particularly showing a significant association with low birth weight in newborns after ICSI treatment.