Sex Of Newborn Research Articles

CONGENITAL HYPOTHYROIDISM IN NEWBORN AND ASSOCIATION WITH SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC PARAMETERS AMONG NEONATE DELIVERED AT MILITARY HOSPITAL IN A CITY OF CENTRAL INDIA

Objectives: The present study aims to assess the incidence of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) among neonates in a tertiary care hospital in central India, examining its association with various sociodemographic parameters. Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted between January and December 2022, included all live births at a tertiary care center in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Cord blood thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were measured for all newborns as part of routine screening. Sociodemographic data, including maternal age, gestational age, birth order, and newborn sex, were collected. Universal sampling was employed, encompassing all consenting parents and their neonates. Results: Among 388 live births, TSH values ranged from 0.23 to 35.59 mIU/L, with a mean TSH of 8.76±5.92 mIU/L. Of the neonates, 95.9% had normal TSH levels, while 4.1% exhibited elevated levels. Subsequent follow-up identified CH in two neonates (5.2 per thousand live births). Analysis revealed no significant association between elevated TSH levels and maternal age or newborn sex. However, a significant association was observed with gestational age. Birth order also displayed significance, with the third birth order having a higher proportion of neonates with raised TSH levels. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of CH screening in preventing long-term complications and the various sociodemographic factors linked to CH, such as maternal age, gestational age, and birth order.

Influence of Early Life Factors on the Breast Milk and Fecal Microbiota of Mother–Newborn Dyads

Maternal gut and breast milk (BM) are key in vertically transmission bacteria to infants, shaping their gut microbiota in early life. Although the establishment of early gut microbiota is known, the role of the combined influence of maternal factors and newborn characteristics is not explored. In this study, we aimed to assess the influence of maternal BMI and total body fat, age, delivery mode, and newborn sex on the diversity and composition of the BM and gut microbiota (GM) in mother–newborn dyads. In this cross-sectional study, of the 986 pregnant women candidates, 53 participated, and, finally, 40 mother–newborn dyads exclusively breastfeeding at 20–28 days postpartum were included. Metataxonomic profiling of DNA extracted from BM and fecal samples was conducted using 16S rRNA sequencing. Globally, the findings offer valuable insights that excessive adiposity, age, and C-section delivery influence a lower abundance of specific taxa in the BM, maternal gut, and gut of newborns. Also, the simultaneous analysis of maternal factors and newborn characteristics shows that maternal age and newborn sex explain an important variation in the microbiota composition. These results add to the understanding of the intricate interplay between maternal factors and the microbial communities that influence early-life gut and BM microbiota.

Association Between Prenatal Exposure to Organochlorine Pesticides and Telomere Length in Neonatal Cord Blood

Objectives: Environmental exposure may affect the telomere length (TL) of newborns, which is considered as an early biomarker indicating susceptibility for later life diseases. However, the effects of prenatal organochlorine pesticide (OCP) exposure on newborn TL remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between prenatal exposure levels of OCPs during pregnancy and TL in neonatal cord blood. Methods: A total of 168 mother–infant pairs from a birth cohort in Wuhan, China, were included this study. The concentrations of hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs, including β-HCH, α-HCH, and γ-HCH), p,p’-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p’-DDT) and its metabolites (p,p’-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane, p,p’-DDD; p,p’-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, p,p’-DDE) were measured in cord blood. The associations between the OCPs and the TL in newborns were analyzed by a generalized linear regression model. Stratified analyses by newborn sex, maternal gestational weight gain, and pregnancy body mass index (BMI) were performed to evaluate if the associations were modified by these factors. Results: The detection rates of various OCPs ranged from 50.9% to 100.0%. The median concentration of p,p’-DDE was the highest (33.90 ng/g lipid), followed by β-HCH (8.67 ng/g lipid), and the median concentrations of the other OCPs were between 0.12 and 0.33 ng/g lipid. Among the all newborns, a two-fold increase in the γ-HCH concentration in the cord blood was significantly associated with a 0.024 (95% CI: −0.041, −0.007) decrease in the TL. After stratification by newborn sex, the inverse association between γ-HCH and the TL was only statistically significant in boys, but not in girls (P for interaction <0.05). In addition, after stratification by pre-pregnancy BMI, β-HCH and p,p’-DDT concentrations were significantly associated with a decreased TL in the overweight pre-pregnancy BMI group [−0.111 (95% CI: −0.203, −0.018) and −0.036 (95% CI: −0.049, −0.023), respectively]. Conclusions: Prenatal exposure to OCPs during pregnancy was associated with a decreased neonatal telomere length, which may be affected by the newborn sex and pre-pregnancy BMI. These findings may provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying OCP-induced adverse health effects.

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.

Neonatal reference values and nomograms of systemic vascular resistances estimated with electrical cardiometry.

Scanty data are available about neonatal systemic vascular resistances (SVR). We aim to provide reference values and nomograms for neonatal SVR. Multicenter, cross-sectional,descriptive study performed in France and Italy. Neonates with complete hemodynamic stability were enrolled. Non-invasive measurements of SVR by electrical cardiometry performed once, after the first 72 h and before the 7th day of postnatal age. We studied 1094 neonates: SVR was correlated with gestational age (ρ = -0.55, adj-r = -0.46, p < 0.001) and birth weight (ρ = -0.59, adj-r = -0.45, p < 0.001) irrespective of newborn sex. The relationships between SVR, gestational age and birth weight were represented by power equations and SVR was decreasing with increasing age and weight. Age- and weight-based SVR nomograms had optimal goodness-of-fit (non-linear R2 ≥0.74). Similar results were obtained for body surface indexed-SVR. In hemodynamically stable neonates, SVR decrease with increasing gestational age and birth weight. Specific gestational age and birth weight-based nomograms are provided for the clinical interpretation.

Maternal Characteristics and Prevalence of Infants Born Small for Gestational Age

Being born small for gestational age (SGA) is a risk factor for neonatal mortality and adverse outcomes in the short and long term. The maternal profile in China has substantially changed over the past decade, which may affect the risk of infants born SGA. To analyze the prevalence of infants born SGA from 2012 through 2020 and explore the association of maternal sociodemographic characteristics and other factors with that prevalence. This cross-sectional study examined data from the National Maternal Near Miss Surveillance System on women who delivered singleton live births at gestational ages of 28 to 42 weeks from January 1, 2012, through December 31, 2020, in China. Statistical analysis was performed from December 2022 to September 2023. Characteristics of delivery (year, region of country, and hospital level), mother (age, educational level, marital status, prenatal visits, parity, preexisting diseases, or prenatal complications), and newborn (birth weight, sex, and gestational age). Prevalence of infants born SGA stratified by severity and by region of the country, changes in prevalence based on log-linear Poisson regression with robust variance, and association of maternal characteristics with changes in prevalence of infants born SGA between 2012 and 2020 based on the Fairlie nonlinear mean decomposition. Among 12 643 962 births (6 572 548 [52.0%] male; median gestational age, 39 weeks [IQR, 38-40 weeks]), the overall weighted prevalence of infants born SGA was 6.4%, which decreased from 7.3% in 2012 to 5.3% in 2020, translating to a mean annual decrease rate of 3.9% (95% CI, 3.3%-4.5%). The prevalence of infants born SGA decreased from 2.0% to 1.2% for infants with severe SGA birth weight and from 5.3% to 4.1% for those with mild to moderate SGA birth weight. The mean annual rate of decrease was faster for infants with severe SGA birth weight than for those with mild to moderate SGA birth weight (5.9% [95% CI, 4.6%-7.1%] vs 3.2% [95% CI, 2.6%-3.8%]) and was faster for the less developed western (5.3% [95% CI, 4.4%-6.1%]) and central (3.9% [95% CI, 2.9%-4.8%]) regions compared with the eastern region (2.3% [95% CI, 1.1%-3.4%]). Two-thirds of the observed decrease in the prevalence of infants born SGA could be accounted for by changes in maternal characteristics, such as educational level (relative association, 19.7%), age (relative association, 18.8%), prenatal visits (relative association, 20.4%), and parity (relative association, 19.4%). Conversely, maternal preexisting diseases or prenatal complications counteracted the decrease in the prevalence of infants born SGA (-6.7%). In this cross-sectional study of births in China from 2012 to 2020, maternal characteristics changed and the prevalence of infants born SGA decreased. Future interventions to reduce the risk of infants born SGA should focus on primary prevention.

Effect of Month of Birth on Mean Birth Length in Austrian Newborns Born Between 1984 and 2021.

The length of newborns shows seasonal fluctuations, but the patterns of these fluctuations vary greatly. This study analyses the fluctuation in birth length by birth month and temporal changes in Austrian newborns from the 1984 to 2021 birth cohorts. A total of 2 317 927 singleton-term births between 1984 and 2021 in Austria were included in this retrospective population-based cohort study. A strict inclusion criterion was the Austrian citizenship of the mother. The effect of month of birth (MOB) on birth length was estimated using a multivariable linear model adjusting for maternal educational level, newborn sex, gestational age, year of birth (YOB) of the newborn, and parity of the mother. Newborn length varied by MOB, but there was also a temporal trend. In the birth cohorts up to 2004, the longest newborns were born in February, while from 2008 onward, the longest birth lengths were observed in the summer months. In this Austrian population-based sample, birth length shows nonrandom fluctuations by birth month. These patterns, however, varied considerably over time.

P-148 Humid versus dry culture: impact on euploidy, live birth sex ratio and clinical outcomes

Abstract Study question Does humidity have an impact on top-quality blastocyst rate, ploidy, live birth sex ratio and clinical outcomes? Summary answer Humid culture conditions in time-lapse incubators may enhance clinical outcomes, particularly in autologous cycles, without biasing euploidy or newborn sex. What is known already Recent advances in assisted reproductive technology have focused on improving embryo culture conditions and incubators are becoming more sophisticated. Although culture conditions such as oxygen and temperature are well-studied, the optimal humidity level remains uncertain. Dry atmospheres favour higher evaporation of culture media compared to humid conditions, increasing its osmolality. This appears to be detrimental to several animal model embryos: developmental arrest, changes in gene expression and epigenetic alterations in the embryos. Previous studies have shown than incubator humidification improves clinical outcomes and embryonic development. However, other studies showed no significant improvements. Study design, size, duration A single center retrospective study was performed. Data included a total of 793 cycles of IVF/ICSI between January 2019 and May 2023. Participants/materials, setting, methods 793 cycles of IVF/ICSI from 734 patients were studied. Study population was categorized in autologous (n = 544) and egg-donation (n = 249) cycles. A total of 5909 embryos were included in the study. Patients were randomly distributed in two distinct cohorts at the moment of their treatment: dry condition (DC) and humid condition (HC). Blastocyst quality (BR), biochemical pregnancy (BPR), implantation rate (IR), live birth rate (LBR) were studied. Ploidy rate and LB sex ratio was also studied. Main results and the role of chance In egg donation cycles, no differences were observed between HC and DC groups in the rates of top-quality blastocysts (61.5 HC vs 64.4% DC), BPR, (71.1% HC vs 71.2% DC), IR (53.8% HC vs. 59.2% DC) or LBR (51.9% HC vs. 44.8% DC). However, autologous cycles showed an improvement when humid conditions were used. BR and IR were higher in humid conditions (BR: 58.8% HC vs. 55,6% DC, p-value 0.03; IR:57.1% HC vs. 39.7% DC, p-value 0.011)). Humid and dry culture conditions yielded similar rates of BPR (65.0% HC vs 53.0% DC, p-value: 0.11) and live birth rate (44.3% HC vs 34.5% DC, p-value: 0.16). Although there is a tendency towards a 20% of benefit in presence of humidity in both rates, no significance was reached. No differences were found in euploidy between dry and humid groups. When stratifying patients by age, all age groups met the ploidy expected rates in both culture conditions. Humid culture conditions enhance clinical outcomes, particularly in autologous cycles. Donated oocytes may take advantage of their better quality to compensate the detrimental effect of dry ambients. Our study, moreover, demonstrates that humidity does not introduce any bias towards chromosomal alterations or newborn sex. Limitations, reasons for caution This is a retrospective study and should be further confirmed with a prospective randomized study. Sample size should be increased, especially for ploidy Specific humidity values could also be tested. Wider implications of the findings Humid culture conditions may highly improve ART outcomes for particular groups of patients. If tested with stratified groups by age, a specific age group might be especially benefited of humidity, without any bias in sex ratios when best embryo is transferred in fresh cycles. Trial registration number not applicable

O-187 Real-word data on effectiveness of ICSI over conventional IVF according to infertility factors based on human fertilisation and embryology authority dataset

Abstract Study question Can the analysis of Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) dataset provide real-word data on effectiveness of ICSI over conventional IVF according to infertility factors? Summary answer A statistically significant reduction in live birth rate was shown to be associated with ICSI use in cycles with female infertility factors. What is known already The adoption of ICSI has seen a considerable increase over the years, even in cases without an evident male-factor infertility. Available studies including large retrospective studies and meta-analyses evaluating the effectiveness of the two strategies tend to support the idea that in the absence of a male factor, ICSI does not offer a significant advantage over conventional IVF(cIVF). However, some uncertainties still exist regarding live birth rates and in relation to various infertility factors. Study design, size, duration Retrospective study of 275.825 first cycles treated with cIVF or ICSI between 2005-2018, included in the HFEA database. Infertility indications were simplified into three groups: 1) female only (endometriosis, tubal, ovulatory and cervical factors); 2) male (male only or with male and female factors together); 3) unexplained infertility. The primary outcome was live birth rate in the first fresh cycle. Secondary outcomes included fertilization, implantation, miscarriage rates, cycle cancellation rate and neonatal outcomes. Participants/materials, setting, methods Outcomes were evaluated through binomial logistic regression including the following predictors: female age, inseminated oocytes, number/stage of transferred embryos (condensed with principal component analysis), subtype of female infertility, year of treatment. A paired-analysis was also performed matching couples in a 1:1 ratio between ICSI and conventional IVF based on female age, indication, inseminated oocytes, year of treatment. Results were reported according to infertility cause using crude and adjusted Odds Ratios (OR) with 95%CI. Main results and the role of chance The study revealed a consistent balance in treatment distribution between conventional IVF and ICSI, with a slight increase in ICSI cycles in recent years. Based on logistic regression analysis, a significant reduction in live birth rate was demonstrated using ICSI compared to conventional IVF in cycles with female factors (adjusted OR = 0.95, 95%CI: 0.91-0.99). No significant differences emerged in unexplained factor cycles. With the use of conventional IVF, the overall odds of having a total fertilization failure increased by a factor of 1.84 (95%CI: 1.75-1.94). No significant differences in implantation rates between conventional VF and ICSI were seen after adjustment. The OR for male sex in newborns compared to female sex from single pregnancies was significantly influenced by ICSI use across the three groups of infertility causes and ranged between 0.84 and 0.87. The matched dataset confirmed a reduced occurrence of live birth per cycle in case of female factors (aOR=0.91, 95%CI: 0.86-0.96) and an overall significant lower proportion of cycles ending in cancellation for absence of viable embryos using ICSI compared to conventional IVF. Limitations, reasons for caution Some biases are intrinsic in the availability and quality of retrospective data obtained from registries and unmeasured confounders may influence the generalizability of the results. The study does not provide information on cumulative live birth rates. Wider implications of the findings ICSI introduces an additional, invasive step in assisted reproduction with a potential reduction in live birth rates for specific patients’ groups. These findings emphasize the importance of tailoring treatments to specific patient profile.The routine use of ICSI for all cases should not be considered an appropriate clinical practice. Trial registration number not applicable

Consistent cord blood DNA methylation signatures of gestational age between South Asian and white European cohorts

BackgroundEpigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation (DNAm) in cord blood, are an important biological marker of how external exposures during gestation can influence the in-utero environment and subsequent offspring development. Despite the recognized importance of DNAm during gestation, comparative studies to determine the consistency of these epigenetic signals across different ethnic groups are largely absent. To address this gap, we first performed epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) of gestational age (GA) using newborn cord blood DNAm comparatively in a white European (n = 342) and a South Asian (n = 490) birth cohort living in Canada. Then, we capitalized on established cord blood epigenetic GA clocks to examine the associations between maternal exposures, offspring characteristics and epigenetic GA, as well as GA acceleration, defined as the residual difference between epigenetic and chronological GA at birth.ResultsIndividual EWASs confirmed 1,211 and 1,543 differentially methylated CpGs previously reported to be associated with GA, in white European and South Asian cohorts, respectively, with a similar distribution of effects. We confirmed that Bohlin’s cord blood GA clock was robustly correlated with GA in white Europeans (r = 0.71; p = 6.0 × 10–54) and South Asians (r = 0.66; p = 6.9 × 10–64). In both cohorts, Bohlin’s clock was positively associated with newborn weight and length and negatively associated with parity, newborn female sex, and gestational diabetes. Exclusive to South Asians, the GA clock was positively associated with the newborn ponderal index, while pre-pregnancy weight and gestational weight gain were strongly predictive of increased epigenetic GA in white Europeans. Important predictors of GA acceleration included gestational diabetes mellitus, newborn sex, and parity in both cohorts.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate the consistent DNAm signatures of GA and the utility of Bohlin’s GA clock across the two populations. Although the overall pattern of DNAm is similar, its connections with the mother's environment and the baby's anthropometrics can differ between the two groups. Further research is needed to understand these unique relationships.

Associations between residential environmental characteristics during pregnancy and birthweight and head circumference among term births: The Taiwan birth Cohort study

Exposure to environmental pollutants during pregnancy may cause adverse birth outcomes in newborns. This study examined links between exposure to various residential environmental characteristics during pregnancy and newborn birth weight/head circumference, using the Taiwan Birth Cohort Study (TBCS) database with 14,829 subjects. We conducted simple and multiple linear regression analyses to find out the associations between residential environmental characteristics (molds, environmental tobacco smoke [ETS], household insecticide use, and home renovation or painting) and birth outcomes (birthweight, head circumference), and adjusting for demographics and environmental variables. The standardized beta coefficients were calculated. We also analyzed whether the associations varied by newborn sex and maternal body mass index (BMI). The regression analysis indicated that molds on multiple walls at the residence were significantly associated with lower birthweight (standardized β = −0.025, p = 0.003) and with smaller head circumference (standardized β = −0.023, p = 0.008) than no mold on walls after adjustment. Exposure to ETS did not result in significance for birthweight reduction but a significant reduction in head circumference (standardized β = −0.018, p = 0.047). The birthweight reductions associated with molds were −0.024 SD (standard deviation) for boys and −0.028 SD for girls, whereas the head circumference reduction with molds was sex-specific, being only significant for girls (standardized β = −0.029, p = 0.021). The analysis on BMI-separated data indicated that all significance occurred to mothers having normal BMI. Mold presence correlated significantly with reduced birth weight and head circumference, while ETS exposure only reduced head circumference. Girls and mothers with normal BMI were more affected by these reductions than boys or under/overweight mothers.

Human milk proteins differentiate over the sex of newborns and across stages of lactation

Background & AimsHuman milk (HM) is a complete food that meets the nutritional and energy demands of the newborns. It contains numerous bioactive components, including functional proteins. Variations in HM energy and lipid content have already been reported related to the newborn's sex, but differences between protein profiles are still scarce. This work aimed to identify differences between HM proteins produced by mothers of female and male newborns, in the lactation stages of colostrum and mature milk, and the metabolic pathways involved. MethodsA total of 98 HM samples were collected from 39 lactating women and classified according to the newborn's sex, stages of lactation, and three mothers' age groups, and evaluated about protein concentration and one-dimensional electrophoretic profile. Next, to assess samples with the greatest differences, the HM proteins regarding the newborn's sex and the stages of lactation were compared using nano-LC-MS/MS, in 24 HM samples randomly rearranged into four groups: female and male infants, and colostrum and mature milk. Functional classification, metabolic pathways, and protein interaction networks were analyzed by Gene Ontology, KEGG, and STRING, respectively. ResultsThe soluble protein content of HM decreased throughout lactation, with differences regarding isolated factors, such as mothers' age group, child's sex and stages of lactation, and also in terms of their interactions. A total of 146 proteins were identified, 42 of which showed different abundances over the sexes of newborns and 53 between the stages of lactation. In general, proteins related to metabolic processes were up-regulated for mothers of male infants and in the mature stage of lactation, while proteins related to defense were up-regulated in mothers of female infants and in the colostrum phase. ConclusionThis study indicated that there are differentiated and specific nutritional and defense needs of newborns, by sex and by lactation phase, which is highly relevant for a more appropriate supply of food to infants receiving HM from donor mothers.

The effect of bisphenols on sex and thyroid hormone concentrations in cord blood among newborns

This study aims to investigate the associations of bisphenols with sex and thyroid hormones in cord blood among newborns. Four bisphenols, three hormones related to gonadal function, and four parameters related to thyroid function were measured in umbilical cord blood in 378 mother-newborn pairs. Multivariable linear regression, quantile-based g-computation (QGC), and Bayesian kernel machine regression were used. In the multivariable linear regression, bisphenol A (BPA) was associated with increased testosterone (TT) (regression coefficient, β = 0.049, 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.013,0.085; p = 0.007) and free tri-iodothyronine (FT3) levels (β = 0.019, 95% CI: 0.003, 0.035; p = 0.023), and decreased thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) (β = −0.053, 95% CI: 0.098, −0.008; p = 0.021). Consistently associations were observed in males, except TT, which was observed in females, and bisphenol AF (BPAF) was associated with decreased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in females. These associations were also observed in a mixture of bisphenols. Moreover, we observed maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and delivery mode disparity in the relationship between bisphenols and sex and thyroid hormones. This study suggests that bisphenols may exert effects on sex and thyroid hormones in newborns, the effect may vary with sex differences, maternal prepregnancy BMI, and delivery mode.

Effects of male hepatitis B virus infection and serostatus on sperm quality, pregnancy outcomes, and neonatal outcomes following intrauterine insemination.

To evaluate the impact of male hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and serostatus on sperm quality, pregnancy outcomes, and neonatal outcomes following intrauterine insemination for infertility. We retrospectively analyzed data from 962 infertile couples undergoing intrauterine insemination treatment at a single center. The case group comprised 212 infertile couples with male HBV infection, and the control group comprised 750 noninfected infertile couples. The couples were further divided into subgroups according to their hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)/anti-HBe status: hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)+HBeAg- (group A), HBsAg+HBeAg+ (group B), and HBsAg-HBeAg- (control group). The main outcome parameters, including the seminal parameters, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, live birth rate, preterm delivery rate, multiple pregnancy rate, delivery type, birth weight, and sex ratio, were compared. A lower sperm acrosin activity, higher cesarean rate, and newborn sex ratio were observed in the HBV-infected group and group A in comparison with the control group (P < 0.05). However, the standard sperm parameters, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, live birth rate, preterm delivery, and birth weight showed no statistically significant differences among the groups. Male HBV infection does not adversely impact standard sperm parameters or pregnancy outcomes but can influence sperm acrosin activity and some neonatal outcomes. Moreover, the effect may vary among different HBV serostatuses.

Birthweight trends and their explanatory factors in Hungary between 1999 and 2018: an analysis of the Hungarian Tauffer registry

BackgroundThe increasing birthweight trend stopped and even reversed in several high income countries in the last 20 years, however the reason for these changes is not well characterized. We aimed to describe birthweight trends of term deliveries in Hungary between 1999 and 2018 and to investigate potential maternal and foetal variables that could drive these changes.MethodsWe analysed data from the Hungarian Tauffer registry, a compulsory anonymized data collection of each delivery. We included all singleton term deliveries in 1999–2018 (n = 1,591,932). We modelled birthweight trends separately in 1999–2008 and 2008–2018 in hierarchical multiple linear regression models adjusted for calendar year, newborn sex, maternal age, gestational age at delivery, and other important determinants.ResultsMedian birthweights increased from 3250/3400 g (girl/boy) to 3300/3440 g from 1999 to 2008 and decreased to 3260/3400 g in 2018. When we adjusted for gestational age at delivery the increase in the first period became more pronounced (5.4 g/year). During the second period, similar adjustment substantially decreased the rate of decline from 2.5 to 1.4 g/year. Further adjustment for maternal age halved the rate of increase to 2.4 g/year in the first period. During the second period, adjustment for maternal age had little effect on the estimate.ConclusionsOur findings of an increasing birthweight trend (mostly related to the aging of the mothers) in 1999–2008 may forecast an increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases in offsprings born in this period. In contrast, the decreasing birthweight trends after 2008 may reflect some beneficial effects on perinatal morbidity. However, the long-term effect cannot be predicted, as the trend is mostly explained by the shorter pregnancies.

Confluence of newborn's sex and their mother's characteristics resulting in fetal macrosomia among Indian neonates

BackgroundA newborn's birth weight ≥4000 g is defined as fetal macrosomia, which is recognized as a reproductive and serious child health concern. ObjectivesOur study aims to reveal existence of any connection between maternal factors and newborn sex in giving birth to newborn ≥4000 g in an Indian context. MethodsData were drawn from the fifth round of National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5). A cross-sectional observational study was carried out with a total of 152,827 children born to women in reproductive age group (15–49) who had most recent live birth in the five years preceding the survey. Descriptive analyses, cross-tabulation, test of association and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. ResultsIn India, the prevalence of macrosomia was found in 3.8% of the total study participants. Considering newborn characteristics, fetal macrosomia was more prevalent among male neonates than female (AOR: 0.730; 95% CI: 0.687–0.775). Regarding maternal characteristics, overweight (AOR: 1.468; 95% CI: 2.042–2.559) and obese (AOR: 2.764; 95% CI: 2.394–3.192) motherswith gestational diabetes (AOR: 1.731, 95% CI: 1.385–2.164) and hypertension (AOR: 1.288, 95% CI: 1.116–1.488) were more likely to giving birth of macrosomic babies. Multiparous mothers (AOR: 1.207, 95% CI: 1.128–1.293) and women who did not undergo proper antenatal care (ANC) follow up had also greater risk of developing fetal macrosomia. Muslim women (AOR: 1.223, 95% CI: 1.119–1.338), and women belonging to a tribe (AOR: 1.476, 95% CI: 0.922–2.361) were significantly associated with the risk of having newborn ≥4000 g. ConclusionEmphasis should be given on counseling for mothers for desired weight management before and during pregnancy, gestational diabetes and hypertension screening, physical activity during pregnancy, adequate ANC follow up and balanced dietary intake among pregnant women.

Study on the optimal time limit of frozen embryo transfer and the effect of a long-term frozen embryo on pregnancy outcome.

In this retrospective study conducted at Sichuan Jinxin Xinan Women and Children's Hospital spanning January 2015 to December 2021, our objective was to investigate the impact of embryo cryopreservation duration on outcomes in frozen embryo transfer. Participants, totaling 47,006 cycles, were classified into 3 groups based on cryopreservation duration: ≤1 year (Group 1), 1 to 6 years (Group 2), and ≥6 years (Group 3). Employing various statistical analyses, including 1-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test, chi-square test, and a generalized estimating equation model, we rigorously adjusted for confounding factors. Primary outcomes encompassed clinical pregnancy rate and Live Birth Rate (LBR), while secondary outcomes included biochemical pregnancy rate, multiple pregnancy rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, early and late miscarriage rates, preterm birth rate, neonatal birth weight, weeks at birth, and newborn sex. Patient distribution across cryopreservation duration groups was as follows: Group 1 (40,461 cycles), Group 2 (6337 cycles), and Group 3 (208 cycles). Postcontrolling for confounding factors, Group 1 exhibited a decreased likelihood of achieving biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and LBR (OR < 1, aOR < 1, P < .05). Furthermore, an elevated incidence of ectopic pregnancy was observed (OR > 1, aOR > 1), notably significant after 6 years of freezing time [aOR = 4.141, 95% confidence intervals (1.013-16.921), P = .05]. Cryopreservation exceeding 1 year was associated with an increased risk of early miscarriage and preterm birth (OR > 1, aOR > 1). No statistically significant differences were observed in birth weight or sex between groups. However, male infant birth rates were consistently higher than those of female infants across all groups. In conclusion, favorable pregnancy outcomes align with embryo cryopreservation durations within 1 year, while freezing for more than 1 year may diminish clinical pregnancy and LBRs, concurrently elevating the risk of ectopic pregnancy and preterm birth.

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is not an independent risk factor for breech presentation among singleton term births in Vienna, Austria.

Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are still discussed critically, as there is no consensus on whether these treatments could be the cause of risk factors for obstetric problems such as breech presentation. The aim of this study was to test the association between ART and breech presentation among 11920 singleton term births taking place in Vienna from 2010 to 2020. In this single-centre medical record-based study, data concerning the conception mode (spontaneous versus IVF or ICSI), child presentation, birth mode, newborn sex and size as well as age, height, weight, and reproductive history of the mother were included. Three hundred twenty-six newborns (2.7%) were conceived by IVF or ICSI, and 527 newborns (4.4%) were delivered in breech presentation. Breech presentation occurred in 7.6% of IVF/ICSI children but only in 4.3% of spontaneously conceived children (P = 0.019). ART increased the crude risk of breech presentation significantly (OR = 1.67; 95% CI 1.71 - 2.38). After adjusting for maternal age, height, number of previous births, smoking, and newborn sex, however, ART had no longer a significant impact on the risk of breech presentation. In contrast, breech presentation was significantly associated with higher maternal age as well as a lower number of previous births, but not with ART. This study shows that the adverse outcomes of IVF and ICSI pregnancies may not be due to the ART treatment alone but might also be due to the mostly higher age and lower parity of the mothers using ART.

A case-control study characterizing polydactyly risk factors in Bogotá and Cali, Colombia between 2002 and 2020.

Polydactyly is a congenital abnormality characterized by the presence of additional fingers on one or more extremities. In Colombia, polydactyly accounted for 17% of musculoskeletal congenital abnormalities in 2021, with a prevalence of 6.03 per 10,000 live births. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of polydactyly and identify associated risk factors in Bogotá and Cali, Colombia, from 2002 to 2020. A retrospective case-control study design was employed, analyzing data from birth defect reports provided by the Program for the Prevention and Follow-up of Congenital Defects and Orphan Diseases surveillance system. Cases included live births or stillbirths with polydactyly, while controls consisted of infants without congenital abnormality, matched in terms of birth date and hospital. Prevalence of polydactyly was calculated and risk factors were assessed through odds ratios obtained by logistic regression models, considering a 95% confidence interval. Among the 558,255 births included in the study, 848 cases of polydactyly were identified, resulting in a prevalence rate of 15.19 per 10,000 live births. Risk factors associated with polydactyly included male newborn sex, pregestational diabetes, and a family history of malformation among first-degree relatives. These findings highlight the importance a surveillance system aimed to characterize populations with congenital abnormalities, providing a better option for analyzing risk factors, help improving prevention, diagnosis, notification, and optimal treatment in patients.

Pregnancy Outcomes in Diabetic Mothers with Controlled Glycemia: A Case-Control Study

Background: Overt Diabetes mellitus and Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can complicate pregnancy. Early detection and management of the disease should be done to ensure better maternal and foetal outcomes. Our goal is to compare treatment-controlled diabetic women with non-diabetic women to evaluate the pregnancy-related unfavourable outcomes. Methods and Materials: This is a single-centre case-control study with women, from Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, who gave birth between September 2022 and February 2023. A total of 144 patients, including 72 women with diabetes and controlled glycemia (case group, n=72), were compared with non-diabetic women (control group, n=72). Various pregnancy-related outcomes were observed. The student t-test and SPSS were used for statistical analysis to compare Results: Average ages were 24±4.9 years and 27.83±6.24 years in controls and cases, respectively. Mean pregnancy duration was 268.15±7.1 days in controls and 257.1±31.2 days in cases. The cases had a mean HbA1C of 6.05%, indicating controlled levels. Caesarean births were observed in 75% of cases and 51.3% of controls. While macrosomia (&gt;4 kg) was not observed, 25% of cases had low birth weight (&lt;2.5 kg). Family history, gravidity, consanguinity, newborn sex, APGAR score, nuchal cord, asphyxia, and need for respiratory support did not significantly differ between the cases and controls. However, there was a significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in the gestation period, previous neonatal loss, type of previous deliveries, caesarean delivery, baby weight, hyperbilirubinemia, and present neonatal loss between diabetic mothers and non-diabetic mothers. Conclusion: A well-managed chronic hyperglycaemia was thought to prevent multiple pregnancy-related problems for both the mother and the baby. This study aimed to investigate this point. Though many complications were avoided with controlled glycemia in our study, complications such as caesarean deliveries, preterm births, low birth weight, hyperbilirubinemia, and neonatal loss were more prevalent in cases. This highlights the need for further research, especially in understanding and possibly intensifying glycaemic goals for diabetic mothers.