Role Of Prenatal Factors Research Articles

The long-term influence of perinatal factors on macular morphology and vessel density in preterm children

BackgroundIncreased survival rate of extremely preterm children is associated with a higher risk of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and long-term sequelae, which implicate retinal changes. PurposeTo assess an influence of perinatal characteristics on morphology and retinal vascularity of the macula in preterm children. MethodsA cohort of 123 preterm children at the age of 10.5 years (IQR: 8.12-12.77) was prospectively assessed. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) was performed using RTVueXR Avanti. Foveal thickness, parafoveal thickness, size of foveal avascular zone (FAZ), superficial and deep vessel density, central choroidal thickness (CCT) were analyzed. The associations between OCTA results and perinatal factors, including the presence of ROP and therapy requirements were assessed in preterm children. ResultsSignificantly smaller FAZ, higher foveal thickness and vessel density were noted in children with ROP, Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia, required erythropoietin, transfusion or steroids. Foveal thickness was increased in children with ROP (p < 0.001) and following laser treatment (p < 0.05). Thinner CCT was noted in children with a history of sepsis (p < 0.05) and ROP required treatment (p < 0.05). Pregnancy bleeding was associated with higher superficial foveal vessel density (p < 0.05) and smaller FAZ (p < 0.05). ConclusionNeonatal factors have a huge impact on retinal development, but the role of prenatal factors should not be neglected in preterm children.

Nutritional Programming: History, Hypotheses, and the Role of Prenatal Factors in the Prevention of Metabolic Diseases-A Narrative Review.

Childhood obesity and the numerous lifestyle diseases associated with it are undoubtedly among the key problems in modern medicine and public health. However, this problem concerns not only the present or immediate future, but also the longer term. Adult health is fundamentally shaped in the first years of life and in the fetal period. The preconceptual period, which is responsible for the proper preparation of the internal environment for the life and development of the fetus during pregnancy, is also significant. A special role in describing the phenomenon of conditioning the metabolism of the new human being is now attributed to the theory of nutritional programming. Research in this area was pioneered by David Barker, who put forward the theory of the “stunted phenotype” and described the relationship between a child’s birth weight, which is largely a consequence of the mother’s feeding behaviour, and diseases such as ischaemic heart disease, type 2 diabetes (T2D), dyslipidemia, or high blood pressure. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of the history, theory, and prenatal mechanisms involved in nutritional programming and its relationship to childhood obesity and other metabolic diseases.

Are Autism Spectrum Disorder and Asexuality Connected?

Asexuality is a lack of sexual attraction to any gender. There is some evidence to suggest that many self-identified asexuals have a formal diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder which is characterized by deficits in social interaction and communication, as well as by restricted and repetitive interests and behaviors. Additionally, the literature shows that asexuality and lack of sexual attraction or low sexual interest is overrepresented in people with autism spectrum disorder compared with neurotypical samples. Nevertheless, no studies have been conducted to investigate the relationship between autism and asexuality in depth. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to examine whether asexuality and autism spectrum disorder are connected. We conclude that asexuality and autism share various aspects, such as a possible role of prenatal factors, reference to romantic dimensions of sexual attraction and sexual orientation, and non-partner-oriented sexual desire, but future research should explore and clarify this link.

Role of Prenatal Factors in Development and Diseases Elucidated by Prospective and Longitudinal Studies

Role of Prenatal Factors in Development and Diseases Elucidated by Prospective and Longitudinal Studies