Perinatal Characteristics Research Articles

Prevalence and correlates of very rapid repeat pregnancy: Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, United States, 2009-2020.

Most rapid repeat pregnancies, defined as those occurring within 18 months of a previous birth, are unintended. These pregnancies are associated with later initiation of prenatal care and are more common among people with lower socio-economic status and among racially and ethnically minoritised populations. To assess prevalence and correlate pregnancies occurring in the immediate period after a live birth in the United States, using the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS). We assessed data from the 2009-2020 PRAMS, a population-based survey of perinatal maternal characteristics of mothers of liveborn infants in US locations. We assessed pregnancies reported during the immediate postpartum period (approximately 2-6 months post-delivery), and term this 'very rapid repeat pregnancy' (VRRP). We assessed the adjusted prevalence of VRRP from 2009 to 2020. From 2016 to 2020, we calculated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for maternal characteristics. The adjusted prevalence of VRRP ranged from 0.38% (95% CI: 0.29, 0.48) in 2009 to 0.76% (95% CI: 0.61, 0.91) in 2020. Demographic characteristics associated with VRRP included younger age, lower educational attainment, and being unmarried. Black mothers had a higher prevalence of VRRP compared to white mothers. Mothers who attended a healthcare visit in the 12 months preconception had a lower prevalence of VRRP as did mothers who attended a postpartum check-up, compared to their counterparts without these visits. Among those receiving prenatal care, mothers whose prenatal healthcare provider asked about postpartum contraception birth had a lower prevalence of VRRP, compared to those not asked about postpartum contraception. VRRP appeared to increase over time in 2009-2020. Mothers who are younger, Black, have lower educational attainment, or who did not attend healthcare visits before or after pregnancy had a higher prevalence of VRRP and may comprise a population who would benefit from additional family planning resources.

Effect of partially hydrolyzed synbiotic formula milk on weight gain of late preterm and term infants-a multicenter study.

Data on the effectiveness of hydrolyzed infant formula containing both pre- and probiotics (synbiotic formula) on the growth of infants is still scarce. This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the effect of a partially hydrolyzed synbiotic formula on growth parameters and the possible occurrence of major gastrointestinal adverse events or morbidities in infants born via cesarean section (C-section) delivery. C-section-delivered term and late preterm infants who received either partially hydrolyzed synbiotic formula, standard formula, or maternal milk and followed at seven different hospitals from five different regions of Turkey, during a 1-year period with a minimum follow-up duration of 3 months were evaluated retrospectively. All the included infants were evaluated for their growth patterns and any kind of morbidity such as diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, infection, or history of hospitalization. A total of 198 infants (73 in the human milk group, 61 in the standard formula group, and 64 in the partially hydrolyzed synbiotic formula group) reached the final analysis. The groups were similar regarding their demographic and perinatal characteristics. No difference was observed between the three groups regarding gastrointestinal major side effects. Growth velocities of the infants in the human milk and partially hydrolyzed synbiotic formula groups during the first month of life were similar whereas the weight gain of infants in the standard formula group was significantly less than these two groups (p < 0.001). Growth velocities were similar among the three groups between 1st and 3rd months of age. A partially hydrolyzed synbiotic formula provided better weight gain in late-preterm and term infants who were delivered via C-section delivery compared to the standard formula during the first month of life. This weight gain was similar to the infants receiving exclusively human milk. This difference was not observed in length and head circumference gain. No difference was observed in any of the parameters during the 1st-3rd months of age. Specially formulated partially hydrolyzed synbiotic formulas may reverse at least some of the negative impacts of C-section delivery on the infant and help to provide better growth, especially during the early periods of life.

Risk Factors for Neurodevelopmental Impairment at 2- and 5-Years Corrected Age in Preterm Infants with Established Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Introduction: The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) at 2- and 5-years corrected age (CA) in a cohort of preterm infants with established bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study included infants born between 2009 and 2016 at a gestational age (GA) <30 weeks with moderate or severe BPD at 36 weeks’ postmenstrual age. Perinatal characteristics, (social) demographics, and comorbidities were collected from the electronic patient records. Odds ratios for NDI were calculated with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses adjusting for potential confounders. Results: Of the 602 eligible infants, 123 infants were diagnosed with BPD. NDI was present in 30.3% and 56.1% at 2- and 5-years CA, respectively. The only independent risk factors associated with NDI in the multivariate analyses were birthweight (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.74, 95% CI 0.57–0.95; aOR 0.70, 95% CI 0.54–0.91, respectively), small for GA (SGA) (aOR 3.25, 95% CI 1.09–9.61; aOR 5.44, 95% CI 1.62–18.2, respectively) at both time points, and male gender at 5-years CA (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.11–5.57). Conclusion: Birthweight and SGA are independent risk factors for NDI at 2- and 5-years CA and male gender at 5-years CA in preterm infants with BPD. In contrast, well-known other risk factors for NDI in the general population of preterm infants, such as GA, maternal education, and neonatal comorbidities were not independently associated with NDI.

Impact of socio-economic conditions and perinatal factors on risk of becoming a child looked after: a whole population cohort study using routinely collected data in Wales

ObjectivesBetween 1997 and 2021, the number of children looked after (CLA) in Wales, UK, increased steadily, with stark inequalities. We aimed to assess how deprivation and maternal and child perinatal characteristics influence the risk of becoming CLA in Wales. Study designWe constructed a prospective longitudinal cohort of children born in Wales between April 2006 and March 2021 (n = 395,610) using linked administrative records. MethodsSurvival models examined the risk of CLA from birth by small-area deprivation and maternal and child perinatal characteristics. Population attributable fractions quantify the potential impact of action on modifiable risk factors. ResultsChildren from the most deprived fifth of the population were 3.4 times more likely to enter care than those in the least deprived (demographic adjusted hazard ratios [aHRs] 3.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.08, 3.74). Maternal mental health problems in pregnancy (fully aHR, 2.03, 95% CI 1.88, 2.19) and behavioural factors, such as smoking (aHR 2.46, 95% CI 2.34–2.60), alcohol problems (aHR 2.35, 95% CI 1.70–3.23) and substance use in pregnancy (aHR 5.72, 95% CI 5.03–6.51), as well as child congenital anomalies (aHR 1.46, 95% CI 1.16–1.84), low birth weight (aHR 1.28, 95% CI 1.17, 1.39) and preterm birth (aHR 1.16, 95% CI 1.06, 1.26), were associated with higher risk of CLA status. The risk of CLA in the population may be reduced by 35% (95% CI 0.33, 0.38) if children in the two most deprived fifths of the population experienced the conditions of those in the least deprived. ConclusionsDeprivation and perinatal maternal health are important modifiable risk factors for children becoming CLA. Our analysis provides insight into the mechanisms of intergenerational transfer of disadvantage in a vulnerable section of the child population and identifies targets for public health action.

FRI477 The Effect Of Gestational Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) Treatment On Newborn Thyroid Screen

Abstract Disclosure: A. Brener: None. O. Raviv: None. E. Cohen-Sela: None. M. Yackobovitch-Gavan: None. S. Almashanu: None. R. Marom: None. L. Hiersch: None. Y. Lebenthal: None. Background: Clinical depression treated by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has become relatively common in women of childbearing age. The effect of gestational exposure to SSRIs on the newborn’s hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid postnatal adaptation has not yet been determined. We aimed to investigate the characteristics of the mother–infant dyad of term infants of mothers treated with SSRIs for depression during pregnancy. Methods: This observational study included mother-infant dyads of infants delivered at term in a single tertiary medical center between 2011 and 2021. Data on maternal, pregnancy, delivery, and perinatal characteristics of the mother-infant dyads were retrieved from the hospital’s electronic database. The clinical data were linked with the newborn thyroid screening results of total thyroxin (TT4) obtained at 48-72 hours since delivery. Excluded from analysis were mothers with other chronic medical conditions and newborns with genetic syndromes. Primary outcome measures were newborn TT4 levels and fetal growth as expressed by neonatal birthweight z-scores (WHO charts). Results: SSRI anti-depression treatment during gestation was reported in 2577 (2.4%) out of 106,173 infant-mother dyads. Mothers treated with SSRIs were older (35.0±4.8 vs 32.6±4.8 years, p&amp;lt;0.001), had a higher pre-pregnancy body mass index (23.4±4.5 vs 22.7±4.1, p&amp;lt;0.001) and a similar mean weight gain of 13 kg during pregnancy. Elective and emergent cesarean deliveries were more common among SSRI-treated mothers (14.8% vs 11.1% and 16.5% vs 8.6%, respectively, p&amp;lt;0.001). Infants of those mothers were born earlier (gestational age [GA] 38.7±1.9 vs 39.5±11.5 weeks, p&amp;lt;0.001), had lower birthweight z-scores (-0.48±1.24 vs -0.04±0.92, p&amp;lt;0.001) and lower TT4 levels (14.7±3.9 vs 15.0±3.7, p=0.001). A multivariate linear regression model revealed that sex, GA and birthweight z-score were highly significant contributors to TT4 levels (p&amp;lt;0.001 for all), while SSRI treatment during pregnancy was not (p=0.497). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that anti-depressant use of SSRIs during pregnancy does not have a direct effect on the postnatal adaptation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroidal axis. However, differences in fetal growth and in characteristics of delivery may determine newborn thyroid function. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

Impact of increased paternal age on neonatal outcomes in very-low-birth-weight infants

Objective Despite the trend of increasing paternal age, its impact on neonatal outcomes, particularly in preterm infants, has not been thoroughly investigated. We aimed to evaluate the perinatal characteristics and neonatal outcomes associated with paternal age. Methods Electronic medical records of very low-birthweight infants admitted to our unit from July 2013 to March 2022 were reviewed. Infants grouped according to paternal age (<35 years, 35–39 years, and ≥40 years) were analyzed for differences in perinatal findings and neonatal outcomes. Results A total of 637 infants were included (194, 294, and 149 in the <35, 35–39, and ≥40 years groups, respectively). The increase in paternal age paralleled the increase in maternal age. The Z-score of head circumference at birth was significantly different between the groups, showing the lowest median value in the ≥40 years group. Small-for-gestational age (Odds ratio 71.074, p < .001, 95% confidence interval 19.337 − 261.236) and male sex (Odds ratio 3.309, p < .034, 95% confidence interval 1.089 − 8.425), but not paternal or maternal age groups were significant factors associated with head circumference Z-scores less than −2 standard deviation based on the multivariable logistic regression analysis. Infants affected by chromosomal or genetic anomaly were more frequently identified (3.4 vs 0.0 vs 0.5%) in the ≥40 years group than in the other two groups. When infants with anomalies or critical illnesses were excluded, overall neonatal outcomes did not statistically differ according to paternal age. Conclusion Although increased paternal age ≥40 years may be associated with relatively smaller head circumferences, the impact on fetal head growth does not imply a definite risk for microcephaly. Nonetheless, based on the possible negative impact on chromosomal/genetic anomaly, increased paternal age warrants attention, even though neonatal outcomes concerning prematurity were not significantly affected. A large-scale longitudinal study is needed to further elucidate the impact of advanced paternal age in preterm infants and provide guidelines for appropriate antenatal counseling and surveillance.

Improved estimates of foetal growth are associated with perinatal outcomes: A latent modelling approach in a population-based birth cohort.

We aimed to estimate latent foetal growth conditions and explore their determinants among maternal characteristics and ultrasound biometric parameters. We additionally investigated the influence of foetal growth conditions on perinatal variables. We used data from live-born singletons in the Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition in Acre, Brazil (MINA-Brazil Study) population-based birth cohort. Maternal and perinatal characteristics were assessed in medical records from the maternity hospital and interviews with participants from July 2015 to June 2016. A sub-sample went through ultrasound examinations during the antenatal period, with assessment of foetal head and abdominal circumferences, and femur length. We estimated latent foetal growth conditions with a structural equation modelling framework, informed by the child's birth weight z-scores (BWZ) and birth length z-scores (BLZ) according to gestational age. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the occurrence of perinatal events were estimated according to linear predictions of the latent variable. We included 1253 participants. Latent foetal growth conditions explained 88.3% of BWZ and 53.7% of BLZ variation. Maternal elevated blood pressure, primiparity, smoking, malaria, and insufficient gestational weight gain negatively impacted foetal growth conditions. In the subsample (n = 499), ultrasound biometric parameters assessed at 28 weeks were positively associated with the latent variable, with the largest contribution from foetal abdominal circumference. Each standardised unit of predicted foetal growth conditions halved the chance for preterm birth (95% CI = 0.26, 0.74) and longer hospital stay (>3 days) (95% CI = 0.28, 0.88). Conversely, BWZ and BLZ were not independently associated with these perinatal variables in separate logistic regression models. Latent foetal growth conditions jointly encompassing weight gain and linear growth during gestation were negatively influenced by a scenario of dual burden of maternal morbidities, with perinatal implications.

Risk factors and neonatal outcomes of pulmonary air leak syndrome in extremely preterm infants: A nationwide descriptive cohort study.

Most extremely preterm infants (EPIs), who were born before 28 weeks of gestation, with pulmonary air leak syndrome (ALS) are symptomatic, often severe, and require drainage. EPIs with severe air leak syndrome (sALS) that require tube drainage or needle aspiration are at high risk of morbidities and mortality. This study aimed to investigate perinatal characteristics, morbidities, and mortality in EPIs with sALS, and to estimate the risk of mortality according to gestational age (GA). A prospective cohort study conducted from 2013 to 2020 compiled the Korean Neonatal Network database to evaluate the incidence, perinatal characteristics, and outcomes of sALS in EPIs born before 28 weeks of gestation. Among 5666 EPIs, the incidence of sALS was 9.4% and inversely related to GA. From this cohort, we compared 532 EPIs with sALS to 1064 EPIs without sALS as controls, matching the subjects by GA and birth weight. Preterm premature rupture of membranes, oligohydramnios, resuscitation after birth, low Apgar scores, repeated surfactant administration, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, and pulmonary hemorrhage were associated with the development of pneumothorax. The sALS group required a higher fraction of inspired oxygen and more invasive respiratory support at both 28 days of life and 36 weeks of postmenstrual age. The sALS group had a higher incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and major brain injury. The mortality rate was higher in the sALS group than in the control group (55.3% vs 32.5%, P < .001), and the ALS group had a 1.7 times risk of mortality than the control group. More attention should be paid to sALS in EPIs because the frequency of sALS increased as GA decreased, and the risk of mortality was more significant at lower GA.

Developmental outcomes of very low birth weight infants with catch-up head growth: a nationwide cohort study

BackgroundAs the survival rates of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants have increased, their neurodevelopmental outcomes are of concern. This study aims to determine the demographic and perinatal characteristics of premature infant according to head growth, identify clinical factors affecting growth catch-up, and explore differences in developmental outcomes according to catch-up states.MethodsThis nationwide prospective cohort study of Korean Neonatal Network data analyzed premature infants with very low birth weight (< 1,500 g) between 2014 and 2017. A total of 253 eligible infants who had completed the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition, were assigned into two groups: a catch-up (CU) group with a head circumference above the 10th percentile and a no catch-up (NCU) group with a head circumference below the 10th percentile at 18–24 months of corrected age (CA).ResultsMost (81.4%, 206/253) premature infants exhibited catch-up growth at 18–24 months of CA. Rates of microcephaly, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), length of NICU stay, ventilation care, and parenteral nutrition were significantly greater in the NCU group (P < 0.05). On multiple linear regression analysis, BPD status was the most influential clinical factor affecting catch-up head growth after adjusting for gestational age, birth weight, and birth head circumference (adjusted OR 4.586, 95% CI 1.960–10.729). At 18–24 months of CA, the NCU group exhibited lower developmental indices and a higher rate of developmental delay than the CU group. Motor developmental delay was the most significant factor relevant to catch-up head growth, and the motor development difference between the two groups was only statistically significant after adjusting for four major neonatal morbidities: IVH, BPD, sepsis, and NEC status (adjusted OR 10.727, 95% CI 1.922–59.868).ConclusionAs association was observed between head growth catch-up status and developmental outcomes in VLBW infants at 18–24 months of CA. Key clinical factors associated with catch-up status included BPD and NEC status, length of parenteral nutrition, and ventilator care. Further study is needed to establish causality and explore additional factors that may influence developmental outcomes in this population.

Common perinatal characteristics and adverse obstetric complications leading to overweight in adolescence: Assessment of independent and shared maternal-offspring pathways

Common perinatal characteristics and adverse obstetric complications leading to overweight in adolescence: Assessment of independent and shared maternal-offspring pathways

Early Gut Microbiota Profile in Healthy Neonates: Microbiome Analysis of the First-Pass Meconium Using Next-Generation Sequencing Technology.

Gut microbiome development during early life has significant long-term effects on health later in life. The first-pass meconium is not sterile, and it is important to know the initial founder of the subsequent gut microbiome. However, there is limited data on the microbiota profile of the first-pass meconium in healthy neonates. To determine the early gut microbiota profile, we analyzed 39 samples of the first-pass meconium from healthy neonates using 16S rRNA sequencing. Our results showed a similar profile of the microbiota composition in the first-pass meconium samples. Pseudomonas was the most abundant genus in most samples. The evenness of the microbial communities in the first-pass meconium was extremely poor, and the average Shannon diversity index was 1.31. An analysis of the relationship between perinatal characteristics and the meconium microbiome revealed that primigravidae babies had a significantly higher Shannon diversity index (p = 0.041), and the Bacteroidales order was a biomarker for the first-pass meconium of these neonates. The Shannon diversity index was not affected by the mode of delivery, maternal intrapartum antibiotic treatment, prolonged rupture of membranes, or birth weight. Our study extends previous research with further characterization of the gut microbiome in very early life.

O-151 Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and relevant neonatal outcomes in IVF versus spontaneous conception: a prediction nomogram-based study

Abstract Study question Does the incidence of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) differ in spontaneous conception(SC) versus in vitro fertilization (IVF) conception? Summary answer We observed that the ICP rate was higher in IVF than in SC, and first built a prediction nomogram to find the predictors of ICP. What is known already There are limited clinical studies comparing intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy(ICP) and neonatal outcomes in puerperae who spontaneously conceived and those who conceived via assisted reproductive technology. Several studies comparing the maternal, laboratory, and perinatal characteristics of in-vitro fertilization(IVF) and spontaneous pregnancies concerning ICP show that IVF treatment has an increased risk of ICP in singleton and multiple deliveries. However, given that it is difficult to collect big data, most research on IVF patients with ICP involve small sample size or case reports. Study design, size, duration This was a retrospective real-world data study that linked the information from puerperae and neonates. We included 4,467 puerperae who conceived via ART, and 28,336 puerperae who conceived spontaneously. Participants/materials, setting, methods Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel (CMH) analysis and a general linear model (GLM) were used to control bias. We compared the related serum-derived indicators and neonatal outcomes of ICP patients with in vitro fertilization (IVF) and SC. Multivariate logistic regression analysis, a forest plot, and nomogram were used to assess impact factors and risk prediction. Main results and the role of chance Logistic analysis adjusted for confounders revealed significant differences in the ICP rate of singleton delivery (4.24% vs. 3.41%, adjusted OR = 1.26 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–1.53], P=0.025) and in groups with total bile acids(TBA) ≥40 and &amp;lt;100 µmol/L (14.77% vs. 10.39%, aOR=1.31[95% CI 1.06–1.63], P=0.023) between IVF and SC. When we divided newborns into singleton and twins delivery, the GLM revealed a higher rate with Apgar score &amp;lt;7 (13.44% vs. 3.87%; aOR=3.85 [95% CI: 2.07–7.17], P &amp;lt;0.001) and fetal distress for IVF in comparison with SC (19.32% vs. 5.55%; OR = 3.48 [95%CI: 2.39–6.95], P &amp;lt;0.001) in the singleton group. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, five factors were independent predictors of ICP: body mass index (BMI) (aOR=1.75 [95% CI 1.03–2.13], P=0.036), number of embryo transferred (ET) (single ET vs. double ET: aOR=4.82 [95% CI 3.83–6.05], P&amp;lt;0.001), E2 level on the ET day (aOR=2.79 [95% CI 1.79–4.05], P=0.011), fresh ET which compared with frozen ET (FET) (aOR=1.40 [95% CI 1.09–1.80], P=0.008), and severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome which compared with non-OHSS (aOR=3.97 [95% CI 1.79–8.80], P&amp;lt;0.001). These predictive factors in the logistic regression model were integrated into the nomogram (C-index=0.735 [95% CI, 0.702–0.764]); for each patient, higher total points indicated a higher risk of ICP. Limitations, reasons for caution The limitations of this study include its retrospective nature, and the balance in baseline characteristics between IVF and SC measured using statistical methods. Wider implications of the findings Our results provide evidence for the incidence of ICP between spontaneously conceived and those who conceived via IVF, and found predictors of ICP in IVF treatment. It could assist physicians in making clinical decisions avoiding risk factors during IVF, and taking preventive countermeasures for patients. Trial registration number not applicable

Assisted reproductive techniques do not impact late neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm children.

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) increases the rate of preterm births, though few studies have analyzed outcomes for these infants. No data are available on 4-year-old children born prematurely after ART. The objective was to investigate whether ART affect the neurodevelopmental outcomes at 4 years in preterm infants born before 34 weeks of gestational age (GA). A total of 166 ART and 679 naturally conceived preterm infants born before 34 weeks GA between 2013 and 2015 enrolled in the Loire Infant Follow-up Team were included. Neurodevelopment was assessed at 4 years using the age and stage questionnaire (ASQ) and the need for therapy services. The association between the socio-economic and perinatal characteristics and non-optimal neurodevelopment at 4 years was estimated. After adjustment, the ART preterm group remained significantly associated with a lower risk of having at least two domains in difficulty at ASQ: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.13-0.88), p = 0.027. The factors independently associated with non-optimal neurodevelopment at 4 years were male gender, low socio-economic level, and 25-30 weeks of GA at birth. The need for therapy services was similar between groups (p = 0.079). The long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm children born after ART are very similar, or even better than that of the spontaneously conceived children.

Pain during PICC insertion in preterm infants: the needle is not the only problem

Objective To evaluate whether warm povidone-iodine (PI) application before peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement eased pain related to the procedure in premature infants and reduced the duration of the procedure and the number of attempts. Methods A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted with infants born before 32 weeks of gestation who required the first placement of the PICC. Skin disinfection was performed with warm PI before the procedure in the warm PI(W-PI) group, whereas PI kept at room temperature was used in the regular PI(R-PI) group. NPASS scores of the infants were evaluated three times: at baseline(T0), during skin preparation(T1), and during needle insertion(T2). Results Fifty-two infants (26 in the W-PI group,26 in the R-PI group) were enrolled in the study. The perinatal and baseline demographic characteristics did not significantly differ between the two groups. While the median NPASS scores at T0 and T2 were similar between the groups, the median T1 score was significantly higher in the R-PI group(p = .019). While the median NPASS scores at T1 and T2 were similar in the R-PI group, there was a significant difference in the W-PI group, with NPASS scores being significantly lower at T1 compared to T2. The results demonstrate that skin disinfection was just as painful as needle insertion in the R-PI group. The duration of the procedure and the number of needle insertions were significantly lower in the W-PI group. Conclusions Before invasive interventions, such as PICC insertion, we recommend warm PI as a part of non-pharmacological pain management.

Parental BMI and country classification by Gross National Income are stronger determinants of prospective BMI deterioration compared to perinatal risk factors at pre-adolescence: Feel4Diabetes Study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate all known risk factors, from perinatal to adolescence and identify those predominantly related with prospective BMI deterioration. MethodsProspective data analysis from the European Feel4Diabetes-study involving 12,211 children from six countries. Details on perinatal and sociodemographic characteristics were collected by parental self-reported questionnaires. Children’s anthropometric data were measured by research personnel. Associations between risk factors and children’s BMI deterioration (i.e increase) from baseline (mean age 8.2 ± 0.98 years) to the 2-year follow-up (10.3 ± 1.0 years) were explored by applying logistic regression analyses. ResultsUnivariate analysis revealed that all known risk factors for early overweight/obesity development, remained dominant in prospective BMI deterioration. When multivariate analysis was applied including additional variables such as parents’ current BMI status, family socio-demographic characteristics and country economic classification based on Gross National Income, most perinatal risk factors were no longer significant. Multivariate analysis revealed that pre-pregnancy maternal overweight/obesity (OR, 95%CI: 2.71, 1.67-4.38), early introduction of solid foods (2.54, 1.21-5.31), parental current BMI status (3.53, 2.17-5.72) and country economic classification (low income: 4.67, 2.20-9.93; under austerity measures: 6.78, 3.18-14.48) were the only parameters associated with higher odds for children’s BMI deterioration from the study baseline to 2-year follow-up after adjusting for children’s gender. ConclusionsThe most predominant risk factors influencing children’s prospective BMI deterioration were parental BMI and country economic classification as compared to perinatal. These findings should guide public health initiatives aiming to tackle the childhood obesity epidemic and social inequalities on a European level.

The effect of patient volume on mortality and morbidity of extremely low birth weight infants in Taiwan

To assess whether the number of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants treated annually in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Taiwan affects the mortality and morbidity of this patient population. This retrospective cohort study included preterm infants with ELBW (≤1000g). NICUs were divided into three subgroups according to the annual admissions of ELBW infants (low, ≤10; medium, 11-25; and high, >25). Perinatal characteristics, mortality, and short-term morbidities were compared between groups. A total of 1945 ELBW infants from 17 NICUs were analyzed (low-volume, n=263; medium-volume, n=420; and high-volume, n=1262). After risk adjustments, infants from NICUs with low patient volumes were at a higher risk of death. The risk-adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for mortality were 0.61 (95% CI, 0.43-0.86) in the high-volume NICUs and 0.65 (95% CI, 0.43-0.98) in medium-volume NICUs, compared with infants admitted to low-volume NICUs. Infants in medium-volume NICUs had the lowest incidence of prenatal steroid exposure (58.1%, P<0.001) and were associated with the highest risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (aOR, 2.35 [95% CI, 1.48-3.72]), severe intraventricular hemorrhage (aOR, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.01-2.28]), and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (aOR, 1.61 [95% CI, 1.10-2.35]). However, survival without major morbidity did not differ between the groups. The mortality risk was higher among ELBW infants admitted to NICUs with a low annual patient volume. This may emphasize the importance of systematically referring patients from these vulnerable populations to appropriate care settings.

Neonatal Paenibacilliosis: Paenibacillus Infection as a Novel Cause of Sepsis in Term Neonates With High Risk of Sequelae in Uganda.

Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus may be an underdiagnosed cause of neonatal sepsis. We prospectively enrolled a cohort of 800 full-term neonates presenting with a clinical diagnosis of sepsis at 2 Ugandan hospitals. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction specific to P. thiaminolyticus and to the Paenibacillus genus were performed on the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 631 neonates who had both specimen types available. Neonates with Paenibacillus genus or species detected in either specimen type were considered to potentially have paenibacilliosis, (37/631, 6%). We described antenatal, perinatal, and neonatal characteristics, presenting signs, and 12-month developmental outcomes for neonates with paenibacilliosis versus clinical sepsis due to other causes. Median age at presentation was 3 days (interquartile range 1, 7). Fever (92%), irritability (84%), and clinical signs of seizures (51%) were common. Eleven (30%) had an adverse outcome: 5 (14%) neonates died during the first year of life; 5 of 32 (16%) survivors developed postinfectious hydrocephalus (PIH) and 1 (3%) additional survivor had neurodevelopmental impairment without hydrocephalus. Paenibacillus species was identified in 6% of neonates with signs of sepsis who presented to 2 Ugandan referral hospitals; 70% were P. thiaminolyticus. Improved diagnostics for neonatal sepsis are urgently needed. Optimal antibiotic treatment for this infection is unknown but ampicillin and vancomycin will be ineffective in many cases. These results highlight the need to consider local pathogen prevalence and the possibility of unusual pathogens when determining antibiotic choice for neonatal sepsis.

The impact of polycystic ovary syndrome on placental histopathology patterns in in-vitro fertilization singleton live births

IntroductionPregnant polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients are at increased risk for myriad obstetric complications, with the placenta thought to play a key role in their development. We aimed to evaluate placental histopathology patterns in placentas of women with PCOS who underwent in-vitro-fertilization (IVF). MethodsThis retrospective study utilized full gross and histopathologic assessment of placentas of all women who had IVF treatment and delivered at the Royal Victoria Hospital from 2009 to 2017, regardless of complications or mode of delivery. Pathologic findings included anatomic, inflammation, villous maturation, and vascular mal-perfusion features. Placentas of PCOS women were compared to those of ovulatory controls. Multivariate logistic regression was used to adjust results for confounding factors potentially associated with significant placental and perinatal characteristics. ResultsWomen with PCOS (n = 47) were more likely to develop gestational diabetes mellitus compared to ovulatory controls (n = 1121) (38.3% vs. 9.8%, p < 0.001). Placentas from PCOS women were more likely circumvallate placentas (aOR 8.3, 95%CI 1.9–37.3) and more likely to have a hypercoiled umbilical cord (aOR 6.8 95%CI 1.3–36.8) and villitis of unknown etiology (aOR 6.1, 95%CI 1.5–25.6). There was an increased likelihood of chorangiosis (aOR 2.7, 95% CI 1.3–5.8), evidence of fetal vascular malperfusion based on one criteria (aOR 2.7, 95%CI 1.1–7.4), or more than one criteria (aOR 6.4, 95%CI 1.6–25.9), more nucleated fetal red blood cells (aOR 5.2, 95%CI 1.1–24.5), and a higher likelihood of chorangiomas (aOR 9.4, 95%CI 1.6–55.1) in placentas from PCOS women than in controls. DiscussionIVF pregnancies’ placental histopathological characteristics are significantly impacted by an underlying diagnosis of PCOS, including important anatomic changes and vascular placental abnormalities.

Sleep Duration in Adolescence and Its Prenatal, Perinatal, and Health Determinants in a Large Population-based Cohort Followed from Birth.

Objective To investigate sleep duration and its associated factors in adolescents aged 11 years from the 2004 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study. Methods Sleep duration was assessed using a self-report sleep habits. Independent variables included perinatal, sociodemographic, behavioral, and health characteristics. The associations were estimated using multiple linear regression. Results The mean sleep duration of 3,179 adolescents was 9.3 hour (SD =1.7 hour). Longer sleep duration was associated with lower socioeconomic status at birth (β: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.12; 0.61), lower mother's education level ( p < 0.001), and being female (β: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.06; 0.33). Shorter sleep duration was associated with cesarean section delivery (β: -0.16, 95% CI: -0.31; -0.02); having classes in the morning shift (β: -1.38, 95% CI: -1.51; -1.26), and lower terciles of physical activity ( p = 0.04). Conclusions The mean sleep duration observed in this study was consistent with the international recommendations for this age range. Adolescents from lower income families, who are more active, study in shifts other than morning, girls, and those born through vaginal delivery presented higher sleep duration than their counterparts.

Effects of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Administration in Premature Infants with Severe Intraventricular Hemorrhage: A Single-Center Experience

Purpose: We investigated the effects of early postnatal administration of erythropoietin (EPO) on neurodevelopmental outcomes and morbidities in preterm infants with severe grades of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH).Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of preterm infants of gestational age 23&lt;sup&gt;+0&lt;/sup&gt; weeks to 31&lt;sup&gt;+6&lt;/sup&gt; weeks, who were diagnosed with severe grades of IVH and received EPO over at least 2 weeks. We compared clinical characteristics, major complications, and neurodevelopmental impairment between the two groups. The primary outcome was severe neurodevelopmental impairment at 18 to 26 months of corrected age. Severe neurodevelopmental impairment was defined as a mental developmental index or psychomotor developmental index of &lt;70 on the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II or diagnosis of cerebral palsy.Results: The study included 33 preterm infants (mean gestational age 25.2±1.6 weeks and mean birth weight 775.1±224.5 g). EPO was administered at a dose of 400 or 1,000 IU/kg thrice weekly and was maintained over a mean period of 58.6± 25.9 days beginning from 10.7±6.9 days after birth. We observed no difference in perinatal characteristics between the EPO (n=14) and the control group (n=19). Similarly, severe neurodevelopmental impairment rates did not differ between the EPO (85.7%) and control groups (78.9%). The incidence of neonatal morbidities including bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and retinopathy of prematurity was also similar between the EPO and control groups.Conclusion: Early administration of EPO did not reduce the risk of severe neurodevelopmental impairment in preterm infants with severe IVH.