Newborn Head Circumference Research Articles

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 < 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.

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.

Growth Restriction in the Offspring of Mothers With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder, characterized by subfertility, increased risk of metabolic diseases, and pregnancy complications. Previous studies diverge regarding the association between maternal PCOS and newborn anthropometrics. To explore the association between maternal PCOS and newborn anthropometrics and the modifying effects of maternal body mass index, PCOS phenotype, and gestational diabetes. This cohort study followed up women from the first half of pregnancy to birth and combined data from 3 clinical trials of pregnant women with PCOS and a reference population consisting of participants in the Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort (MoBa) Study, with data from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. The recruitment period for the clinical trials was between October 1, 2000, and August 31, 2017, and for MoBa, between July 1, 1999, and December 31, 2008. Participants included women with singleton pregnancies and live-born children. Data were analyzed from January 1 to June 15, 2023. Maternal PCOS status. Newborn birth weight, birth length, and head circumference as continuous variables and z scores, and ponderal index (calculated as the birth weight in grams × 100 divided by the birth length in centimeters cubed), placenta weight, and ratio of birth weight to placenta weight (BWPW). The cohort included 390 pregnant women with PCOS (mean [SD] age, 29.6 [4.2] years) and 68 708 women in the reference group (mean [SD] age, 30.4 [4.5] years). Offspring in the PCOS group had lower birth weight, birth length, and head circumference than in the reference group offspring. The estimated mean differences in z scores were -0.26 (95% CI, -0.38 to -0.14) for birth weight, -0.19 (95% CI, -0.33 to -0.05) for birth length, and -0.13 (95% CI, -0.26 to -0.01) for head circumference. The PCOS group also had a lower ponderal index (-0.04 [95% CI, -0.07 to -0.004] g × 100/cm3) and placenta weight (-24 [95% CI, -43 to -5)] g), and higher BWPW ratio (0.4 [95% CI, 0.3 to 0.5]). The association between growth restriction and PCOS was more apparent when additionally adjusting for body mass index. Neither PCOS phenotype nor gestational diabetes diagnosis was associated with neonatal anthropometry in women with PCOS. In this cohort of mother-infant pairs, maternal PCOS status was associated with lower birth weight, shorter birth length, and smaller head circumference in the offspring. This growth restriction was more pronounced when adjusting for BMI, providing insight into the association between PCOS and body mass index. The study contributed to the understanding of how PCOS affects the offspring.

Interaction of maternal smoking and gestational diabetes mellitus on newborn head circumference and birthweight.

Maternal smoking during pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have opposite effects on fetal growth during pregnancy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the interaction of smoking during pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus on head circumference and birthweight of newborns. The study included all primiparous women with singleton pregnancies (n = 290 602) without previously diagnosed diabetes or hypertension in Finland between 2006 and 2018. The information on gestational diabetes mellitus, newborn birthweight and head circumference, and maternal smoking and backgrounds was derived from the Finnish Medical Birth Register. Linear regression models were used in the analyses. In total 8.0% of parturients quit smoking during the first trimester and 9.9% continued smoking thereafter. The prevalence of GDM was 8.9% (n = 25 948). Newborns of women who continued smoking had a smaller head circumference (b = -0.24, SE = 0.01, p < 0.0001) and birthweight (b = -0.28, SE = 0.01, p < 0.0001) compared to newborns of women who did not smoke. Head circumference and birthweight were greater in newborns of women with GDM (b = 0.09, SE = 0.01, p < 0.0001 and b = 0.16, SE = 0.01, p < 0.0001, respectively) compared to newborns of women without GDM. In the interaction analyses, head circumference (b = -0.13, SE = 0.01, p < 0.0001) was smaller and birthweight (b = -0.13, SE = 0.02, p < 0.0001) was lower in newborns of women with GDM who continued smoking compared to newborns of women without GDM who did not smoke. Although smoking and GDM have opposite effects on fetal growth, the negative effects of exposure to smoking are also seen in newborns of women with GDM. Compared to smoking after the first trimester of pregnancy, cessation of smoking during the first trimester was associated with greater head circumference and birthweight in newborns.

Частота рецидивов ретинопатии недоношенных после введения ингибиторов ангиогенеза (афлиберцепта) в зависимости от массы тела ребенка

Purpose. To study the effectiveness of treatment and the causes of reactivation of retinopathy (ROP) in premature children after aflibercept injection. Material and methods. This study was conducted at the V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky Scientific and Practical Center for Specialized Medical Care in Children from September 2021 to February 2023. The study included 122 premature infants (244 eyes) with ROP who received intravitreal administration of aflibercept. Patients were divided into two groups: the main group (reactivation group) consisted of children who received two or more intravitreal injections of VEGF inhibitors (aflibercept) and the control group consisted of children who received a single intravitreal injection of VEGF inhibitor (aflibercept) with a positive effect. In addition, 3 subgroups were identified depending on birth weight: 37 children had a birth weight of less than 900 g (1st subgroup), 41 children weighed from 900 to 1200 g (2nd subgroup), and 44 children weighed more than 1200 g (3rd subgroup). All patients were monitored for reactivation of ROP after intravitreal injection of aflibercept. Results. Since 2010, we have been using angiogenesis inhibitors in the treatment of ROP. The effectiveness of one dose of aflibercept (0,5 mg/0,0125 ml) is 84,84%. Repeated injections are easily tolerated by patients and increase the effectiveness of treatment to 99,76%. The work is devoted to the analysis of reactivation of ROP after one injection of aflibercept and the study of the reasons for repeated injections. 37/244 eyes (15,16%) showed reactivation of ROP after one injection. Factors influencing the reactivation of retinopathy of prematurity after intravitreal injection of aflibercept include: gestational age, postconceptual age at the 1st injection, birth weight, weight at the 1st injection, birth height, newborn head circumference, head circumference at the 1st injection, newborn chest circumference, history of blood transfusions, body mass index (BMI) at the 1st injection, nuchal cord complications. A large dependence of the reactivation rate on the child’s weight was noted. The birth weight subgroup of less than 900 g had a recurrence rate of 28,38%, followed by the average birth weight subgroup (12,20%) and the subgroup weighing more than 1200 g (6,82%). The reactivation time in the three subgroups of patients was 9,82±5,76, 10,20±3,27 and 12,33±9,24 weeks, respectively. The time of reactivation was also determined by the child’s weight. Reactivation occurred earlier in children with lower weight: in three subgroups of patients, 9.82±5.76, 10.20±3.27 and 12.33±9.24 weeks, respectively. Conclusion. Based on our research, the frequency of reactivation of ROP depends on the weight of the premature baby. A change in weight, even by 100 grams, changes the course of ROP. The lower the birth weight is, the higher the reactivation rate of ROP becomes. Reactivation of ROP occurs 4 times more often (in every 3–4 children) in children with very low birth weight (less than 900 g). The frequency of reactivation is also determined by the weight of the child during the first injection of an angiogenesis inhibitor. Weight also determines the time of reactivation, occurring in children weighing less than 900 or 9–10 weeks after the first injection. If there are risk factors, it is advisable to: carry out simultaneous injections in both eyes, which will increase the dose of aflibercept in total, carefully monitor them in the first 2 months with examination of the fundus, or increase the dose of the drug. Effectiveness can be enhanced by ingesting synergists or impact of physiotherapy. Key words: recurrence, reactivation, retinopathy of prematurity, risk factor, birth weight, intravitreal injection, aflibercept, vascular endothelial growth factor

Analyzing the impact of phthalate and DINCH exposure on fetal growth in a cohort with repeated urine collection

BackgroundMost previous studies investigating the associations between prenatal exposure to phthalates and fetal growth relied on measurements of phthalate metabolites at a single time point. They also focused on weight at birth without assessing growth over pregnancy, preventing the identification of potential periods of fetal vulnerability. We examined the associations between pregnancy urinary phthalate metabolites and fetal growth outcomes measured twice during pregnancy and at birth. MethodsFor 484 pregnant women, we assessed 13 phthalate and two 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid, diisononyl ester (DINCH) metabolite concentrations from two within-subject weekly pools of up to 21 urine samples (median of 18 and 34 gestational weeks, respectively). Fetal biparietal diameter, femur length, head and abdominal circumferences were measured during two routine pregnancy follow-up ultrasonographies (median 22 and 32 gestational weeks, respectively) and estimated fetal weight (EFW) was calculated. Newborn weight, length, and head circumference were measured at birth. Associations between phthalate/DINCH metabolite and growth parameters were investigated using adjusted linear regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression models. ResultsDetection rates were above 99 % for all phthalate/DINCH metabolites. While no association was observed with birth measurements, mono-iso-butyl phthalate (MiBP) and mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) were positively associated with most fetal growth parameters measured at the second trimester. Specifically, MiBP was positively associated with biparietal diameter, head and abdominal circumferences, while MnBP was positively associated with EFW, head and abdominal circumferences, with stronger associations among males. Pregnancy MnBP was positively associated with biparietal diameter and femur length at third trimester. Mixture of phthalate/DINCH metabolites was positively associated with EFW at second trimester. ConclusionsIn this pregnancy cohort using repeated urine samples to assess exposure, MiBP and MnBP were associated with increased fetal growth parameters. Further investigation on the effects of phthalates on child health would be relevant for expanding current knowledge on their long-term effects.

Investigating the Relationship Between COVID-19 Stress in Pregnant Women and Mode of Delivery, APGAR Score, and Anthropometric Indices of Newborns

Background The COVID-19 pandemic led to a wave of anxiety and stress in all segments of society, especially among pregnant women. Stress poses a significant health concern for pregnant women, potentially impacting maternal and fetal well-being. Aim This study aims to explore the relationship between COVID-19 stress in pregnant women and the mode of delivery, APGAR score, and anthropometric indices of newborns. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021, employing a survey method on 195 pregnant women who sought delivery at 22 Bahman Hospital in Khaf. Data collection involved the use of the standard COVID Stress Scale (CSS). SPSS-22 software was utilized for the analysis, employing Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression tests at a significance level of 0.05. Results Pregnant women who underwent cesarean sections exhibited significantly higher levels of COVID-19-related stress compared to those who had natural deliveries (p&lt;0.001). A significant negative correlation was observed between the APGAR scores in the first and fifth minutes and the anthropometric indices (weight, length, and head circumference) of newborns concerning COVID-19 stress (p&lt;0.001). Moreover, maternal stress emerged as a predictor for the type of delivery, APGAR scores, length, and head circumference of newborns (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion The study underscores the adverse impact of COVID-19 stress on maternal pregnancy outcomes, particularly leading to elevated cesarean section rates. The substantial influence of this stress on the APGAR score and anthropometric indices of newborns highlights the significance of implementing screening, counseling, and stress reduction education for pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Association of Altered Ratio of Maternal Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 during Pregnancy with Newborn Birth Weight, Head Circumference, and Chest Circumference

Objective This study evaluated the effect of an altered ratio of maternal RBC folate (MRF) to serum vitamin B12 (MB12) on pregnancy and newborn outcomes. Methods Blood samples were collected from pregnant women and the umbilical cord at the time of delivery. Estimations of RBC folate and serum vitamin B12 from maternal and cord blood samples and total homocysteine (HCY) were performed. Maternal and newborn anthropometric parameters like placental weight (PW), head circumference (HC), chest circumference (CC), and body weight (BW) were measured in offsprings after birth. We stratified the pregnant women into six groups (a) vitamin B12 normal and folic acid normal (BNFN)-control group, (b) vitamin B12 normal and folic acid elevated (BNFE), (c) vitamin B12 normal and folic acid deficient (BNFD), (d) vitamin B12 deficient and folic acid normal (BDFN), (e) vitamin B12 deficient and folic acid elevated (BDFE) and (f) vitamin B12 deficient and folic acid deficient (BDFD) based on their levels of RBC folate (MRF) and vitamin B12 (MB12). The expression of the one-carbon metabolism genes (methionine synthase (MS), glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT), and cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) was also studied in placental tissue by using real-time PCR. Results Cord blood RBC folate was significantly reduced in groups BDFE and BDFD as compared to the control group (BNFN). The cord blood vitamin B12 levels were also reduced in the BDFE group as compared to the BDFD. All the newborn parameters viz. PW, HC, CC, and BW, were reduced in the altered MRF/MB12 ratio (low & high vs. normal ratio). Total HCY was significantly elevated in the groups with (BDFE & BDFN) an imbalance of maternal RBC folate and serum vitamin B12 as compared to the control group. Downregulation of one-carbon metabolism genes like MS (p < 0.001), GNMT (p < 0.05), and CBS (p < 0.01) in placental tissue was observed in the high MRF/MB12 ratio group as compared to the normal ratio group. A strong positive correlation was also observed between MRF, MB12, and newborn parameters. Conclusions The altered ratio of folate to vitamin B12 in the maternal blood is associated with adverse growth and development of the newborn.

Greenspace and Land Cover Diversity During Pregnancy in a Rural Region, and Associations With Birth Outcomes.

Beneficial effects on health outcomes have been observed from exposure to spaces with substantial green vegetation ("greenspace"). This includes studies of greenspace exposure on birth outcomes; however, these have been conducted largely in urban regions. We characterized residential exposure to greenspace and land cover diversity during pregnancy in rural northern New England, USA, investigating whether variation in greenspace or diversity related to newborn outcomes. Five landscape variables (greenspace land cover, land cover diversity, impervious surface area, tree canopy cover, and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) were aggregated within six circular zones of radii from 100 to 3,000m around residential addresses, and distance to conservation land was measured, providing a total of 31 greenspace and diversity metrics. Four birth outcomes along with potentially confounding variables were obtained from 1,440 participants in the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study. Higher greenspace land cover up to 3,000m was associated with larger newborn head circumference, while impervious surface area (non-greenspace) had the opposite association. Further, birth length was positively associated with land cover diversity. These findings support beneficial health impacts of greenspace exposure observed in urban regions for certain health outcomes, such as newborn head circumference and length but not others such as birthweight and gestational age. Further our results indicate that larger radius buffer zones may be needed to characterize the rural landscape. Vegetation indices may not be interchangeable with other greenspace metrics such as land cover and impervious surface area in rural landscapes.

The Childhood Opportunity Index's Association with Adverse Pregnancy and Newborn Outcomes in Nulliparous Persons.

The objective of the study was to determine if using a novel measure of social determinants of health, the Childhood Opportunity Index (COI), at the time of delivery was associated with development of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO) in nulliparous pregnant persons. Data were extracted from the 779 participants from a single nuMoM2b (Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: monitoring mothers-to-be) study site, a prospective cohort study designed to identify contributors to APOs. Residential address information at delivery was linked to the location's COI. The overall composite and component scores in education, health and environmental, and socioeconomic indices were recorded. APOs of interest included preterm birth, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, small for gestational age at birth, stillbirth, and gestational diabetes. Participant characteristics were compared by COI category and the association of COI with APOs was analyzed by logistic regression, controlling for age and self-reported race/ethnicity. The overall COI distribution was very low (45%), low (17%), moderate (10%), high (15%), and very high (13%). A total of 329 (43.5%) participants experienced at least one APO. Overall COI was associated with developing an APO (p = 0.02). Each component score was also associated with developing APOs and with race/ethnicity (p < 0.05). Compared with higher COI categories, an overall low or very low categorized location was independently associated with developing an APO (odds ratio: 1.636, 95% confidence interval: 1.16-2.31). Adjusting for gestational age at birth, those in lower COI areas had newborns with lower birth weight, birth length, and head circumference (estimate [95% confidence interval] birth weight: -0.0005 g [-0.0008 to -0.0001]; length: -0.065 cm [-0.124 to -0.0091]; head circumference: -0.123 cm [-0.208 to -0.045]). COI was not associated with other newborn outcomes. COI, a marker for social determinants of health, is independently associated with APOs. The COI may be a tool for risk stratification for pregnant people to help with APO-reducing strategies. · The COI is a neighborhood-level marker for social determinants of health.. · The COI at time of delivery is associated with APO and newborn birth weight, length, and head circumference.. · The COI may be usable in pregnancy clinics to help identify resource needs to optimize outcomes for pregnant individuals and newborns..

Assessment of Crown-Heel length, Head Circumference, and Mid-Arm Circumference for Estimation of Small for Gestational Age in Rural Area

Background: The burden of having small for gestational age (SGA) children is high in low- and middle-income countries, mainly in South Asia. Identifying these low birth weight and SGA infants and referring them to higher centers for effective intervention will help reduce neonatal mortality and morbidity. Anthropometric measurements of the neonatal population, especially birth weight measurements, constitute an important scientific research tool for studying the determinants and consequences of impaired or excessive fetal growth. Objective: To find an alternative anthropometric procedure, the present study was done to measure and compare birth weight with crown heel length (CHL), head circumference (HC), and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) as predictors of birth weight in small for gestational age (SGA). Methods: This cross-sectional, analytical study was done in the Department of Anatomy, Rangpur Medical College, Rangpur from July 2020 to June 2021 on 200 newborns of both sexes with gestational age between 37 and 42 weeks. The newborn was selected and measured within 24 hours of birth. 100 term newborns weighted &lt;2.5 kg regarded as SGA were the subjects of the study. Another 100-term newborns weighted &gt;2.5 kg regarded as AGA served as control. The birth weight, head circumference, mid-upper arm circumference, and crown heel length were measured and a comparison of all the variables was done between AGA and SGA newborns. Data was analyzed by using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 26). Result: The mean± SD of birth weight in AGA and SGA groups was 2.99 ±0.31 and 2.10±0.24 respectively; it was observed that the mean± SD of crown heel length, head circumference, and mid-upper arm circumference and Ponderal index in AGA group was significantly higher than SGA group; however the MAC/HC ratio was almost similar between AGA and SGA groups. All the above variables were significantly correlated with birth weight in both AGA and SGA groups. Conclusion: Some simple and inexpensive measurements of newborns especially the head circumference of SGA newborns are as effective as birth weight measurement; crown heel length, and mid-upper arm circumference could also be used to predict birth weight in SGA newborns. J Rang Med Col. September 2023; Vol. 8, No. 2: 14-19

Serial head circumference measurements should be used to classify congenital microcephaly

BackgroundMeasuring the maximum occipitofrontal circumference only once at birth or within 24 h after birth may lead to misclassifications of microcephaly. This study compared the head circumference (HC) of newborns at birth or within 24 h after birth to their third day of life (DOL3) as well as evaluated maternal- and infant-specific factors associated with increased HC by DOL3.MethodsThis prospective study included 1131 live births between February and May 2019 with a gestational age > 27 weeks. All newborns had their HC measured at birth or within 24 h after birth as well as on DOL3 before discharge. HC measurements were performed by trained personnel using non-elastic tape measures. The World Health Organization (WHO) and Fenton Growth Charts were used as reference ranges for interpretation of full-term and preterm neonates, respectively.ResultsPaired sample t-test analyses found a statistically significant increase in HC measured on the DOL3 compared with HCs of the same newborns at birth or within 24 h of birth. The mean HC increase was 0.17 cm (95% confidence interval [0.13, 0.21], P < 0.001). The mean ± standard deviation HC within 24 h of birth and at DOL3 were 33.58 ± 1.53 cm and 33.75 ± 1.37 cm, respectively. Thirty-two newborns had HCs less than the third percentile (< P3) at birth, 25 of which had HC ≥ P3 at DOL3. After adjusting for mode of and presentation at delivery, newborns whose mothers experienced labor pains (β = 0.31, P < 0.001) and were either symmetrically (β = 0.59, P = 0.002) or asymmetrically small-for-gestational age (SGA; β = 0.37, P = 0.03) had significantly increased HC at DOL3. On average, newborns whose mothers experienced labor pain had 0.31 cm increases in HC at DOL3. Symmetrical SGA newborns also had an average 0.59 cm increase in HC at DOL3. Parity and gestational age were not associated with changes in HC.ConclusionsSerial HC measurements on DOL3 or before newborns’ discharge is crucial to classifying congenital microcephaly.

The relationship between obesity-related H19DMR methylation and H19 and IGF2 gene expression on offspring growth and body composition.

Imprinted genes are important for the offspring development. To assess the relationship between obesity-related H19DMR methylation and H19 and IGF2 gene expression and offspring growth and body composition. Thirty-nine overweight/obese and 25 normal weight pregnant women were selected from the "Araraquara Cohort Study" according to their pre-pregnancy BMI. Fetal growth and body composition and newborn growth were assessed, respectively, by ultrasound and anthropometry. The methylation of H19DMR in maternal blood, cord blood, maternal decidua and placental villi tissues was evaluated by methylation-sensitive restriction endonuclease qPCR, and H19 and IGF2 expression by relative real-time PCR quantification. Multiple linear regression models explored the associations of DNA methylation and gene expression with maternal, fetal, and newborn parameters. H19DMR was less methylated in maternal blood of the overweight/obese group. There were associations of H19DMR methylation in cord blood with centiles of fetal biparietal diameter (BPD) and abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness and newborn head circumference (HC); H19DMR methylation in maternal decidua with fetal occipitofrontal diameter (OFD), HC, and length; H19DMR methylation in placental villi with fetal OFD, HC and abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness and with newborn HC. H19 expression in maternal decidua was associated with fetal BPD and femur length centiles and in placental villi with fetal OFD and subcutaneous arm fat. IGF2 expression in maternal decidua was associated with fetal BPD and in placental villi with fetal OFD. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate associations of imprinted genes variations at the maternal-fetal interface of the placenta and in cord blood with fetal body composition, supporting the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in offspring growth and body composition.

Content of selected heavy metals in the umbilical cord blood and anthropometric data of mothers and newborns in Poland: preliminary data

The ability to accumulate metals in organs and tissues leads to disturbances in the physiological functioning of the body, causing oxidative stress. This negatively affects the functioning of the placenta and may result in miscarriages, premature birth and fetal growth disorders. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between the levels of selected heavy metals in umbilical cord blood and anthropometric parameters of mothers and the newborns. Content of elements in umbilical cord blood has been assessed by high-resolution inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The study results were collected and statistically analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics software (PS IMAGO). The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to test for associations between selected variables. Regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors of anthropometric parameters of studied women and newborns. The study group consisted of women aged 19–41, whose pregnancy was uncomplicated and were not exposed to heavy metals due to their work or smoking. The following metals were identified in all collected cord blood samples: lead (26.25 ± 9.32 µg/L), zinc (2025.24 ± 717.83 µg/L), copper (749.85 ± 203.86 µg/L), manganese (32.55 ± 13.58 µg/L), chromium (8.34 ± 2.16 µg/L) and selenium (158.46 ± 41.58 µg/L). The conducted statistical analysis indicated the relationship between the copper content in the umbilical cord blood and the weight gain of pregnant women. A significant relationship was observed between newborn head circumference and chromium content. In addition, significant positive correlations were found between the content of zinc and copper, manganese and lead, manganese and selenium, lead and selenium, and lead and chromium in umbilical cord blood. The ratio of zinc to copper concentrations was related to neonatal head circumference. Weight gain in pregnant women is positively correlated with the copper level in umbilical cord blood. There is an association between head circumference at birth and the chromium concentration in umbilical cord blood. Copper and zinc levels in umbilical cord blood are positively correlated with head circumference at birth.

Association of Maternal Vitamin D levels with Neonatal Birth Weight

Objective: To determine Vitamin-D levels of mothers and comparing these levels with birth weight and head circumference of newborns. Methods: It was a cross sectional analytical study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Central Park Medical College, Lahore. A total of 100 pregnant females admitted for delivery in our hospital and their newborns were included in the study. Maternal blood sample was collected immediately after delivery for measurement of 25-(OH)-vitamin D level. Newborns were physically examined and their birth weight and head circumference was recorded immediately after birth. All the information was recorded on a pre-designed . Newbornsproforma were categorized into two groups, neonates with birth weight &gt;2500gm and neonates with birth weight &lt;2500gm. Mothers were categorized according to their Vitamin D status as deficient, insufficient and sufficient. Maternal Vitamin-D status was correlated with neonatal birth weight. SPSS 23.0 was used to analyze the data. Results: Mean maternal vitamin D level was 22.74 ng/ml . Mean gestational age at delivery was 38 weeks and 6 days. 44% of the mothers had vitamin-D deficiency, 36% had vitamin-D insufficiency, while only a small percentage of 20% had sufficient Vitamin D levels. Mean neonatal birth weight was 2.99 Kg. 14 % of all the newborns had low birth weight(&lt;2500gm). Mean maternal Vitamin D level of low birth weight neonates was significantly lower as compared to the mothers who gave birth to normal weight neonates. Chi square analysis signified the reverse relationship between maternal Vitamin D status and head circumference of the new born (p-value &lt;0.001). Conclusions: Maternal Vitamin D deficiency could have a negative effect on overall neonatal health outcome by increasing the risk of low birth weight. Awareness programs and Vitamin supplementation should be introduced in antenatal health care to prevent adverse neonatal outcomes.

Associations of MTHFR Polymorphisms and Cytosine Modifications with Early-Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Chinese Pregnant Women.

Early-Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (Early-GDM) is a complex condition that may cause complications in infants of affected mothers. The aim of this case-control study was to analyze the effects of genetic-epigenetic interaction on Early-GDM and fetal development with respect to cytosine modifications (i.e., 5mC, 5-methylcytosines; and 5hmC, 5-hydroxymethylcytosines) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of MTHFR, a key gene involving cytosine modifications. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 92 women in their first or second trimester of pregnancy (Early-GDM, n = 14; Controls, n = 78). Global DNA 5mC and 5hmC were quantified by HPLC-MS/MS, and MTHFR SNPs (rs1801133 C > T and rs1801131 A > C) were determined by TaqMan-qPCR. Association analysis suggested that MTHFR rs1801133 TT genotype was a risk factor of Early-GDM (OR [odds ratio] = 4.00; 95% CI [confidence interval]: 1.24, 12.86; p = 0.02). The C allele of rs1801131 appeared to be a protective factor for the 2-h OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test) (OR = -0.79; 95% CI: -1.48, -0.10; p = 0.03). Patients with Early-GDM had higher global 5mC and lower global 5hmC. The reduction of global 5hmC and the TT genotype of rs1801133 were associated with higher level of the 1st-FBG (fasting blood glucose in the first trimester) (p < 0.05). Additionally, global 5mC showed a positive correlation with birth weight, body length and head circumference of newborns, while global 5hmC showed a negative correlation with birth weight. The current study implicated MTHFR SNPs and cytosine modifications in the development of Early-GDM and potential complications in their newborns.

Do we know the normal anterior-posterior diameters of the spinal cord and canal in newborns?

Aim: We aim to reveal the normal anterior-posterior diameter of the spinal cord and canal at cervical, thoracic and lumbar levels in newborn with sonographic measurements and to create a reference value. Also, we aim to reveal whether the anterior-posterior diameter at these levels will vary with the newborn's head circumference, gender, height and weight. Thus, we aim to be one of the pioneering studies in the literature&#x0D; Material and Method: Statistical analysis was performed to determine normal anterior-posterior diameter for the spinal canal and spinal cord at each vertebral level, and their correlations with birth weight, length and head circumference.&#x0D; Results: 188 newborns were included. The mean anteroposterior spinal canal diameter in male newborns was significantly higher compared to females (9.27±0.83 vs 9.00±0.79, p=.020). There was a positive correlation between spinal cord anterior-posterior diameter and head circumference at thoracic level, which was statistically significant. There was a positive correlation between spinal canal diameter and height at thoracic level. There was a positive correlation between spinal canal diameter and weight at lumbar level. &#x0D; Conclusion: The establishment of the normal values for anterior-posterior diameters of the spinal cord in healthy newborns may contribute the current literature data.

Perinatal outcomes and newborn head circumference and birth weight in residents near soybean fields of Alto Parana, Paraguay

ABSTRACT Genotoxicity effects have been reported in children residing less than 1 km from a soybean crop in one department of Paraguay. This study aimed to compare the perinatal outcomes and the newborn´s anthropometry between pregnant women residing less than 1 km from a soy field (exposed) and those residing in urban areas in Alto Paraná. We performed an observational, prospective multicentre study, including 471 pregnant women and their newborns, 219 exposed and 252 urbans. The odds of complications during childbirth were lower in the exposed group (OR 0.46 95% CI 0.24–0.94). The newborns of exposed women had lower head circumference (OR 4.69 95% CI 2,32–9.48), and lower low birth weight (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.08, 0.92). These findings suggest that residence within 1 km of a soybean field is associated with lower HC in newborns and lower chances of childbirth complications, and low birth weight.

Differences in Labor Outcomes for Mothers with Regular and Irregular Antenatal Care (ANC)

The occurrence of labor complications can be prevented by carrying out treatments such as carrying out antenatal care (ANC) during pregnancy. The study was conducted to determine the differences in birth outcomes between Regular and Irregular antenatal care (ANC). This was an analytical observational study using a prospective cohort approach involving 44 pregnant women, who were recruited between January and April 2022 at the Barana Health Center, Jeneponto Regency. The research instrument used was the observation sheet. Data analysis used analytical test (Mann-Whitney and unpaired T test). There was a significant difference between regular and irregular ANC with length of stage I (multipara and grande multipara) p-value=0,040, baby's birth weight (p-value=0,047), baby's body length (p-value=0,009), and baby's chest circumference (p-value=0,009) (p-value&lt;0,05). Whereas in regular and irregular ANC with the length of the first stage (primipara) (p-value=0,958) and the newborn head circumference (value=0,141) illustrates that there was no significant difference (p-value&gt;0,05). Pregnant women with regular ANC tend to have birth outcomes with a longer first stage (multipara and grande multipara), weight, body length, and chest circumference of normal newborns compared to pregnant women with irregular ANC.

Maternal plasma transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and newborn size: the Araraquara Cohort Study

ObjectiveTo investigate associations of maternal and cord blood cytokine patterns with newborn size and body composition. MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved 70 pregnant women and their healthy newborns selected from the “Araraquara Cohort Study”. Newborn anthropometric measurements were recorded at birth. Body composition was evaluated by air displacement plethysmography. Maternal blood samples were collected from pregnant women between 30 and 36 weeks of gestation, and umbilical cord blood samples were collected immediately after placenta discharge. The concentrations of the cytokines were determined in plasma by ELISA. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess associations between maternal and cord blood cytokine concentrations and newborn anthropometry and body composition measurements. ResultsMaternal plasma TGF-β1 concentration was inversely associated with newborn weight (β = -43.0; p = 0.012), length (β = -0.16, p = 0.028), head circumference (β = -0.13, p = 0.004), ponderal index (β = -0.32, p = 0.011) and fat-free mass (β = -0.05, p = 0.005). However, the association persisted just for head circumference (β = -0.26; p = 0.030) and ponderal index (β = - 0.28; p = 0.028), after adjusting for pre-gestational BMI, gestational weight gain, gestational age, hours after delivery, newborn sex, smoking and alcohol consumption. ConclusionsMaternal plasma TGF-β1 concentration may be involved in the regulation of newborn size, mainly head circumference and ponderal index. Further cohort studies are necessary to investigate the role of TGF-β1 in different trimesters of pregnancy and its effect during the early stages of fetal development.