Significant Increase In Birth Weight Research Articles

COVID-19 lockdown related to decrease in premature birth rate and increase in birth weight in metropolitan France.

The worldwide rate of preterm birth (PTB) has been increasing over the last two decades. COVID-19 lockdowns provide a unique opportunity to assess the effects of socioenvironmental and lifestyle factors on premature birth and birth weight. We explored the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on the PTB rate and birth weight at a nationwide scale in France until one year after their occurrence. This national retrospective observational study evaluated the rate of PTB and birth weight in France from January 2016 to December 2020. Data were obtained from the national Programme Médicalisé des Systèmes d'Information database. The rates of global and sub-categories of PTB were tested. The birth weight was studied before and after lockdown for all live births, for term and premature neonates, and for each category of low birth weight (LBW) by a stratified analysis. Data from 2,949,372 births from January 2016 to December 2019, including 228,857 PTB, were compared to those of 699,344 births and 51,886 PTB from January to December 2020. The national rate of PTB decreased significantly from 7.7% to 7.3%, when compared with the 2016-2019 period. This decrease was persistent up to 9 months later. It was observed only for moderate PTB, whereas very PTB and extremely PTB remained stable. The national mean birth weight for full-term babies increased after the lockdown and was still observable up to 8 months later (+0.16%, p < 0.0001). The proportion of children with LBW also decreased 2 months after lockdown (-0.15%; p = 0.02). For VLBW, the difference only appeared over the 6-month post-lockdown period (-0.06%; p = 0.006). This nationwide study shows a significant reduction in prematurity and a significant increase in birth weight in France after the lockdown for a period of time not limited to the lockdown itself. A more in-depth study of the factors determining these variations may help to drive PTB prevention policies.

The effects of sildenafil citrate on intrauterine growth restriction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundAn increase in vascular resistance of uterine vessels is associated with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Sildenafil citrate, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor that stabilizes cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and increases nitric oxide levels, improves placental perfusion by dilation of spiral arteries and is beneficial in managing IUGR. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of sildenafil citrate in improving perinatal outcomes in IUGR pregnancies.MethodsMeta-analysis was performed on data extracted from all studies specific to sildenafil citrate in IUGR management, searching relevant articles on PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Publications identified by the manual search, based on references in reviews, were also included. Dichotomous results were presented as risk ratio (95% confidence interval), while continuous results were expressed as mean difference (MD); samples represented by the random effects model.ResultsNine trials were included where the sildenafil citrate effect was compared with a placebo or no intervention. A significant increase in birth weight [SMD (95% CI), 0.69 (0.31, 1.07)] was seen in IUGR pregnancies managed with sildenafil. However, gestational age (SMD (95% CI), 0.44 (-0.05, 0.94], fetal death rate [RR (95% CI), 0.56 (0.17, 1.79)] in IUGR pregnancies was not changed by sildenafil. Neonatal death [RR (95% CI), 0.93 (0.47, 1.86)] and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions [RR (95% CI), 0.76 (0.50, 1.17)] were not significantly different between sildenafil and control groups.ConclusionSildenafil citrate increases birth weight and prolonged pregnancies but did not affect stillbirth rate, neonatal death, and NICU admission.Trial registrationThe study was registered in PROSPERO on September 18, 2021 (CRD42021271992).

The impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on birthweight among singleton term birth in Denmark.

In Denmark, a nationwide COVID-19 lockdown was implemented on March 12, 2020 and eased on April 14, 2020. The COVID-19 lockdown featured reduced prevalence of extremely preterm or extremely low birthweight births. This study aims to explore the impact of this COVID-19 lockdown on term birthweights in Denmark. We conducted a nationwide register-based cohort study on 27,870 live singleton infants, born at term (weeks 37-41), between March 12 and April 14, 2015-2020, using data from the Danish Neonatal Screening Biobank. Primary outcomes, corrected for confounders, were birthweight, small-for-gestational-age (SGA), and large-for-gestational-age (LGA), comparing the COVID-19 lockdown to the previous five years. Data were analysed using linear regression to assess associations with birthweight. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess associations with relative-size-for-gestational-age (xGA) categories. Adjusted mean birthweight was significantly increased by 16.9 g (95% CI = 4.1-31.3) during the lockdown period. A dip in mean birthweight was found in gestational weeks 37 and 38 balanced by an increase in weeks 40 and 41. The 2020 lockdown period was associated with an increased LGA prevalence (aOR 1.13, 95% CI = 1.05-1.21). No significant changes in proportions of xGA groups were found between 2015 and 2019. The nationwide COVID-19 lockdown resulted in a small but significant increase in birthweight and proportion of LGA infants, driven by an increase in birthweight in gestational weeks 40 and 41.

Reproductive Performance Status of Adult Female Rabbits Administration Spirulina and Combination of Folic acid, B6 and B12

The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of oral administration of spirulina (as a food supplement) on the reproductive performance of adult female rabbits. Female rabbits (16 to 18 weeks old) were divided into three groups (10 rabbits/ group). These groups are: (Gr.I) as a control group and (Gr. II) spirulina was given at a dose (0.5 g / kg of body weight) and (Gr. III) was given a complex of folic acid, B6 and B12 (2.5 + 50 +1 mg / kg body weight) all groups were treated for four weeks. At the end of the treatment period, 2 untreated males (two males/ group) were naturally mated with treated females. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the estrogen concentrations among all groups, while the progesterone concentration showed a significant decrease in the third compound group compared to the control group and DXN-spr. Also, the testosterone hormones did not show significant differences in all groups. FSH and LH concentrations appeared to be significantly decreased in the third group than in the other two groups. The fertility rate and the number of female fertilities increased in the second group (DXN-Spr.) compared to the other groups. There was also a significant increase in birth weight and fertility rate in this group compared to the control and group No. 3 groups. We conclude that oral dosed spirulina (0.5 g/kg body weight) acts as a natural antioxidant that improves reproductive efficiency and reproductive hormones.

Effects of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy on bone health and offspring growth: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BackgroundWhether vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy is beneficial to bone health and offspring growth remains controversial. Moreover, there is no universal agreement regarding the appropriate dose and the time of commencement of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy.ObjectiveWe aimed to systematically review the effects of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy on bone development and offspring growth.MethodsA literature search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed in 7 electronic databases to identify relevant studies about the effects of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy on bone development and offspring growth from inception to May 22, 2022. A Cochrane Risk Assessment Tool was used for quality assessment. Vitamin D supplementation was compared with placebo or standard supplements. The effects are presented as the mean differences (MDs) with 95% CIs. The outcomes include bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), bone area (BA), femur length (FL) and humeral length (HL); measurement indicators of growth, including length, weight and head circumference; and secondary outcome measures, including biochemical indicators of bone health, such as the serum 25(OH)D concentration. Additionally, subgroup analyses were carried out to evaluate the impact of different doses and different initiation times of supplementation with vitamin D.ResultsTwenty-three studies with 5390 participants met our inclusion criteria. Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy was associated with increased humeral length (HL) (MD 0.13, 95% CI 0.06, 0.21, I2 = 0, P = 0.0007) during the fetal period (third trimester). Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy was associated with a significantly increased length at birth (MD 0.14, 95% CI 0.04, 0.24, I2 = 24%, P = 0.005) and was associated with a higher cord blood 25(OH)D concentration (MD 48.74, 95% CI 8.47, 89.01, I2 = 100%, P = 0.02). Additionally, subgroup analysis revealed that birth length was significantly higher in the vitamin D intervention groups of ≤1000 IU/day and ≥4001 IU/day compared with the control group. Prenatal (third trimester) vitamin D supplementation was associated with a significant increase in birth length, while prenatal (second trimester) vitamin D supplementation was associated with a significant increase in birth weight.ConclusionVitamin D supplementation during pregnancy may be associated with increased humeral length (HL) in the uterus, increased body length at birth and higher cord blood 25(OH)D concentration. Evidence of its effect on long-term growth in children is lacking. Additional rigorous high-quality, long-term and larger randomized trials are required to more fully investigate the effects of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy.

Impact of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake in pregnancy on maternal health and birth outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis from randomized controlled trails.

Maternal omega-3 consumption during pregnancy has been positively linked with a positive impact on maternal health and fetal growth. However, the results of individual studies are inconsistent and conflicting. Examine the effect of supplementation with DHA, and/or EPA, and/or ALA throughout pregnancy on offspring's growth and pregnancy outcomes. A systematic reviewand meta-analysis. Pregnant women. According to (PRISMA) statement and the Cochrane Handbook guidelines. Human trials (RCT or quasi-RCT) which involved oral omega-3 supplementation at least twice a week during pregnancy were includedandcomparing itwith control groups with no supplementation orplacebo administration. Data were extracted and directed using RevMan software. Fifty-nine randomized controlled trials were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Performed in MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library comparing omega 3 with control groups, from 1990 to 2020. The primary outcome measures were pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational duration, preterm birth, early preterm birth, birth weight, low birth weight, neonatal length, and head circumference. The secondary outcomes were neonatal intensive care unit, infant death, prenatal death, and cesarean section. In 24 comparisons (21,919 women) n-3 fatty acids played a protective role against the risk of preeclampsia (RR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.74-0.96 p = 0.008; I2 = 24%). In 46 comparisons (16,254 women) n-3 fatty acids were associated with a significantly greater durationof pregnancy (MD = 1.35, 95% CI 0.65-2.05, p = 0.0002; I2 = 59%). 27 comparisons (15,510 women) was accompanied by a significant decrease in pre-term birth less than 37weeks (RR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.77-0.95, p = 0.005; I2 = 0%). 12 comparisons (11,774 women) was accompanied by a significant decrease in early pre-term birth less than 34weeks (RR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.63-0.95, p = 0.01; I2 = 40%). 38 comparisons (16,505 infants) had a significant increase in birth weight (MD = 49.19, 95% CI 28.47-69.91, p < 0.00001; I2 = 100%). Finally, 14 comparisons (8,449 infants) had a borderline significance in increase in low birth weight (RR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.78-1.00, p = 0.05; I2 = 28%). Supplementation with omega-3 in prgnancycan prevent preeclampsia, increase gestational duration, increase birth weightanddecrease therisk of lowbirth weight and pretermbirth.

The importance of smoking cessation during pregnancy and its association with perinatal outcomes

Abstract In utero exposure to tobacco smoke is associated with an increased risk of multiple adverse perinatal outcomes. Smoking cessation during pregnancy has been related to the improvement of these outcomes, but often relies on self-reporting, impairing an accurate assessment of smoking cessation impact on newborńs health. Building on data obtained in the frame of the NEOGENE project, this work aimed to estimate the association between smoking cessation among pregnant women, confirmed by maternal urinary cotinine concentrations, and perinatal outcomes. The study population included 595 pregnant women who sought prenatal care in a public hospital in Porto (Portugal), from April 2017 to July 2018. Data on tobacco consumption and cessation was obtained in a face-to-face interview, during the hospital stay. Perinatal outcomes, namely birth weight (BW), length (BL) and head circumference (HC) were retrieved from the hospital medical records. Maternal self-reported tobacco use was validated by urinary cotinine concentrations, using the solid-phase competitive ELISA technique. Maternal active smoking was associated with a significant decrease in BW, BL and HC of 157.66 g (p &amp;lt; 0.001), 0.78 cm (p = 0.001) and 0.39 cm (p = 0.016). Notably, maternal smoking cessation led to a significant increase in BW of approximately 172 g (p = 0.006), when compared to mothers who have not ceased. Increases in BL and HC did not reach significance. This study upholds that tobacco consumption is still an important public health threat in Portugal and that smoking cessation during pregnancy reverses smoking-associated deficits in perinatal outcomes, emphasizing the crucial need for awareness campaigns to promote smoking cessation during pregnancy. Acknowledgments: This work was supported by FCT and FAPESP (FAPESP/19914/2014). AIS, JM and CC also acknowledge FCT for individual funding (SFRH/BD/145101/2019, SFRH/BPD/115112/2016 and SFRH/BPD/96196/2013 grants, respectively). Key messages Maternal active smoking was significantly associated with lower birth weight, length and head circumference. Maternal smoking cessation reverses the smoking-associated deficits in birth weight.

The effects of medical marijuana laws on birth outcomes: Evidence from early adopting U.S. states

This paper examines the effects of state-level medical marijuana laws (MMLs) in the U.S. on birth outcomes, including birth weight, length of gestation, and Apgar scores. Using individual-level natality data from the National Center for Health Statistics from 1990 to 2013, we take advantage of the geographic and temporal variation in the implementation of MMLs in a difference-in-differences estimation framework with state and year fixed effects and state-specific time trends. Overall, we find that MMLs have no impact on gestation period or Apgar scores. While MMLs lead to a statistically significant increase in birth weight by 4.4 g (0.13%), this effect is practically small. Furthermore, we find little variation in the effects of MMLs on birth outcomes across different socioeconomic subgroups and observe no lagged negative effects of MMLs on birth outcomes of children born in the MML states in the years following the legalization of medical marijuana.

Delayed cord clamping for prevention of intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm neonates: a randomized control trial

Background Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a common condition in preterm neonates and is responsible for substantial adverse neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm neonates. Prevention of IVH is an important intervention for better neurological outcome in these preterm neonates. Aims and objective This study aimed to determine whether delayed cord clamping (DCC) was superior to immediate cord clamping (ICC) for the prevention of IVH in preterm neonates. Patients and methods In this two centered prospective double-blind randomized controlled trial, eligible neonates with gestational age from 26 to 34 weeks were randomized to receive either ICC (cord clamped in 10–15 s) or DCC (cord clamped in 30–45 s) groups. The grading and severity of IVH were evaluated by cranial ultrasound scan done on the 3–4th and 7–10th days after birth. Results Among the 148 enrolled neonates, 79 were in the ICC group and 69 were in the DCC group. There was no difference in maternal and neonatal baseline characteristics except the neonates in the DCC group weighed more (ICC 1528.77 ± 365.5 g vs. DCC 1658.11 ± 419.52 g; p = .047) at birth. There was no significant difference in the incidence of any grade of IVH in both groups (ICC 12.8% vs. DCC 14.5%; p = .745). There was a significantly higher incidence of grade I IVH (ICC 2.5% vs. DCC 13%; p = .024) in the DCC group. The incidence of grade II IVH (ICC 5.1% vs. DCC 0%; p = .123); grade III IVH (ICC 3.8% vs. DCC 1.4%; p = .623); and grade IV IVH (ICC 1.3% vs. DCC 0%; p>.999) were comparable between the two groups. The incidence of a significant IVH (grades II, III, and IV) was significantly less in the DCC group (ICC 10.1% vs. DCC 1.4%, p = .036). The mean initial hemoglobin levels were significantly higher in neonates enrolled in DCC (15.41 ± 2.1 vs. 16.46 ± 2.45 g/dL; p = .007). There was a significant reduction in the number of days of hospital stay (ICC 18.78 ± 15.42 vs. DCC 13.21 ± 16.16; p = .002). There was no difference in initial hematocrit, platelet count, maximum bilirubin level, and Apgar score (p>.05). Conclusions Although there was no reduction in any grade of IVH, the incidence of significant IVH (grades II, III, and IV) was significantly decreased with the use of DCC in preterm neonates. Delayed cord clamping also resulted in a significant increase in birth weight, higher hemoglobin levels, and shorter hospital stays without any increase in the risks of hyper-bilirubinemia, low Apgar score, and neonatal mortality. Trial registry IRCT2014031116936N1, https://www.irct.ir/trial/15707.

Effects of the Minimum Wage on Infant Health

AbstractThe minimum wage has increased in multiple states over the past three decades and it continues to be a controversial policy. Most prior research has examined the effect of the minimum wage on employment and wages. In this study, we examine the impact of the state minimum wage on infant health. Using data on the universe of births in the U.S. over 24 years, we find that an increase in the minimum wage is associated with a small, but statistically significant increase in birthweight driven primarily by increased fetal growth rate. Effects are largest for young, married mothers. In terms of mechanisms, we find no evidence that prenatal care use and smoking during pregnancy are channels through which minimum wage improves infant health.

The relationship between MMP9 and ADRA2A gene polymorphisms and mothers\u2013newborns\u2019 nutritional status: an exploratory path model (STROBE compliant article)

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the direct effects of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP9 rs17577, MMP9 rs17576) and alfa 2 adrenergic receptor (ADRA2A rs553668) gene polymorphisms investigated in mothers and their newborns on maternal weight gain (MWG) during pregnancy and the newborn’s birth weight (BW), taking into account the presence of other related factors.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional study in 197 mother–newborn pairs in an Obstetrics Gynecology Clinic, in order to evaluate the demographic and anthropometric parameters, and gene polymorphism.ResultsBW was positively correlated with maternal age (p = 0.021) and the educational level (p = 0.002), and negatively correlated with smoking status in pregnant women (p < 0.001). The MMP9 rs17577 variant genotypes in mothers led to a lower BW (p = 0.049). The mothers with a variant genotype of ADRA2A rs553668 gene polymorphism had newborns with a higher BW (p = 0.030). MWG and gestational age (GesAge) influenced BW (p < 0.05). We noticed that newborns’ variant genotype of MMP9 rs17577 was related to a significant increase in BW (p = 0.010), while the newborns who carried the variant genotype of MMP9 rs17576 expressed a negative correlation, decreasing the BW (p = 0.032).ConclusionOur study emphasizes the role of MMP9 rs17577, MMP9 rs17576, and ADRA2A rs553668 SNPs in BW determinism.

Greenness and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Tel-Aviv during 2000-2014

Background: Longitudinal evidence of beneficial associations between exposure to greenness and pregnancy outcomes are limited. Our objective was to evaluate these associations among 78,671 livebirths in Tel Aviv, Israel.Methods: longitudinal exposure to mean greenness during pregnancy and trimesters were calculated using satellite-based Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from MODIS 8-days interval data. In addition, exposure to mean NDVI from high-resolution satellite (RapidEye) and percent of tree cover (Vegetation Continuous Fields (VCF)) at various radii (100m, 300m and 500m), were evaluated in a cross-sectional approach. Generalized linear models were used to evaluate the associations between greenness and pregnancy outcomes in crude and adjust models.Results: In models adjusted for individual and neighborhood-level markers of socioeconomic status (SES), highest tertile of exposure to mean NDVI during pregnancy was associated with a statistically significant increase in birth weight (3rd/1st tertile increased mean birth weight in 13.2 g 95% CI: 5.0, 21.4) and decreased odds of very preterm delivery (PTD) (3rd/1st tertile OR: 0.80, 95 %CI: 0.64, 1.00). The strongest associations for birth weight observed during the first trimester and for very PTD during the second trimester. Associations for the cross-sectional approach were similar and in addition decreased odds of small for gestational age (SGA) and low birth weight (non-linear associations) were observed. Associations with NDVI were stronger than the associations with tree cover. Associations were consistent for further adjustment and stronger for low SES.Conclusion: Consistent beneficial associations using different greenness measures and approaches are reported. Further studies should use the longitudinal approach because it allows us to understand when exposure during pregnancy to green environment is the most beneficial for pregnancy outcomes.

The impact of cerclage in twin pregnancies on preterm birth rate before 32 weeks

Purpose: To evaluate whether cerclage in twins reduces the rate of spontaneous preterm birth <32 weeks when compared to expectant management. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of twin pregnancies with the following indications for cerclage from two institutions: history of prior preterm birth, ultrasound-identified short cervix ≤2.5 cm, and cervical dilation ≥1.0 cm. The “cerclage” cohort received a cerclage from a single provider at a single institution from 2003–2016. The “no cerclage” group included all patients with similar indications that were expectantly managed from 2010–2015, at a second institution where cerclages are routinely not performed in twin pregnancies. The primary outcome was the rate of spontaneous preterm birth at <32 weeks. Secondary outcomes were the rates of spontaneous and overall (including medically indicated) preterm births at <32 weeks, < 34 weeks, and <36 weeks, chorioamnionitis, birth weight, and neonatal mortality within 30 days of life. We also performed a planned subgroup analysis stratified by cerclage indication. Results: In all, 135 women were included in two cohorts: cerclage (n = 96) or no cerclage (n = 39). The rates of spontaneous preterm birth <32 weeks were 10.4% (n = 10) with cerclage versus 28.2% (n = 11) without cerclage (OR 0.23, CI 0.08–0.70, p = .017). After adjusting for cerclage indication, clinical history, age, chorionicity, insurance type, race, BMI, in-vitro fertilization, and multifetal reduction, there remained a significant reduction in the cerclage group of spontaneous preterm birth <32 weeks (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.24, CI 0.06–0.90, p = .035), spontaneous preterm birth <36 weeks (aOR 0.34, CI 0.04–0.81, p = .013) as well as in overall preterm birth <32 weeks (aOR 0.31, CI 0.1–0.86, p = .018), and overall preterm birth <36 weeks (aOR 0.37, CI 0.10–0.84, p = .030). When stratified by short cervix or cervical dilation in the cerclage versus no cerclage groups, there was a significant decrease in spontaneous preterm birth <32 weeks in the cerclage group with cervical dilation (11.1 versus 41.2%, p = .01) but not in the cerclage group with short cervix only, even for cervical length <1.5 cm. Pregnancy latency was 91 days in the cerclage group versus 57 days in the no cerclage group (p = .001), with a median gestational age at delivery of 35 versus 32 weeks (p = .002). There was no increase in chorioamnionitis in the cerclage group. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in birth weight (median 2278 versus 1665 g, p < .001) and decrease in perinatal death <30 days (1.6 versus 12.9%, p = .001). Conclusions: Cerclage in twin pregnancies significantly decreased the rate of spontaneous preterm birth <32 weeks compared to expectant management. However, when stratified by cerclage indication, this decrease in primary outcome only remained significant in the group with cervical dilation.

Interpregnancy weight changes and impact on pregnancy outcome in a cohort of women with a macrosomic first delivery: a prospective longitudinal study

ObjectiveTo determine the median interpregnancy maternal weight change between first and second pregnancies, and second and third pregnancies and to assess the impact of this weight change on pregnancy outcome...

A Randomized Controlled Trial of HEPA Filter Air Cleaner Use and Fetal Growth in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Introduction: Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposures may impair fetal growth. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of portable HEPA filter air cleaners to reduce fetal growth restriction among non-smoking pregnant women in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, where residential coal use leads to high ambient PM2.5 concentrations. Methods: We randomly assigned 540 women to an intervention (1-2 air cleaners) or control (no air cleaners) group. One-week continuous PM2.5 measurements were made at approximately 12 and 30 weeks gestation. Housing, maternal health, and birth outcome (weight, length, head circumference, and gestational age) data were obtained via questionnaires and clinical records. We used linear regression to examine the efficacy of the intervention on birth outcomes for all live births (n=463) and term births (n=424), adjusting for gestational age, sex and parity, in an intention-to-treat analysis. Results: Based on 690 PM2.5 measurements, the geometric mean (GSD) concentration was 26 % lower in intervention homes [35 (2) vs. 47 (2) µg/m3]. The mean (SD) birth weight, birth length, and head circumference were 3457 (545) g, 51 (3) cm, and 35 (2) cm, respectively, among all live births and there were no differences by group assignment. In adjusted models of all births, the intervention did not result in a significant difference in birth weight (49 g; 95% CI: -27, 125 g; p=0.20), birth length (0.2 cm; 95% CI: -0.2. 0.6 cm; p=0.24), or head circumference (0.1 cm; 95% CI: -0.2, 0.4 cm; p=0.67). Among term births, the intervention resulted in a marginally significant increase in birth weight [68 g (95% CI: -5, 142 g; p=0.07] and a 0.4 cm increase in birth length (95% CI: 0.04, 0.7 cm; p=0.03). Conclusion: HEPA filter air cleaner use during pregnancy in this high pollution setting is associated with improved fetal growth as indicated by greater birth length and birth weight among term births.

Effect of maternal weight on fetal outcome

Introduction: Pregnancy in chronically undernourished women with low maternal weight results in delivery of low birth weight babies. Aim of the Study: our aim was to study the correlation between maternal weight during pregnancy with fetal outcome measured in terms of fetal weight and perinatal mortality. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital based prospective study conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynecology in our teaching medical college and hospital over a period of 2 years extending from Jan 2011 - Dec 2012. All the cases delivering in this hospital were taken for this study. Total of about 1449 cases were taken for this study. Results: In this study the average weight of patients was found to be 51.88±7.64 kg. The mean birth weight was found to increase with increasing maternal weight. The difference in the mean birth weight was found to be statistically significant between the different groups (P 0.05).There was found to be a statistically significant increase in birth weight with increase in maternal third trimester weight from less than 45 kg to 55 kg. Differences in perinatal mortality between these groups were found to be statistically insignificant (P>0.05). Conclusion: There was statistically significant increase in mean birth weight with increase in maternal weight upto 60 kg. There was no correlation between perinatal mortality rate and maternal weight.

Body composition in late preterm infants in the first 10 days of life and at full term

To investigate changes in body weight, fat-free mass, fat mass and percentage of body fat during early life and at full-term postconceptional age (PCA) in preterm infants born after 32 gestational weeks and before 37. Twenty-nine late preterm infants underwent growth and body composition assessment by air displacement plethysmography (ADP) at the age of 4 days and at full-term PCA. In 25 of these infants, body composition was assessed three times between days four and nine of life. The preterm infants were compared with 29 full-term infants, matched for gestational age, sex and body weight. There was a significant increase in birth weight and fat-free mass between days four and nine of life. Preterm infants had significantly more body fat 382 ± 180 g vs 287 ± 160 g than full-term infants at full-term PCA. Preterm infants showed poor linear growth between birth and full-term PCA. Weight gain after the initial postnatal weight loss consists of gain in fat-free mass. At full-term PCA, preterm infants were stunted. When compared with full-term new born infants matched for body weight and gestational age, preterm infants had more body fat and a higher percentage of body fat.

Parâmetros genéticos para características de desempenho em ovinos naturalizados Sul-Mato-Grossenses

Estimates of genetic parameters are important to study characteristics that are to be included in a breeding program of a genetic group. The information of 594 weights from 211 lambs of a genetic group of naturalized Sul-mato-grossenses sheep belonging to Manoel de Barros Foundation and breeding at Centro Tecnologico de Ovinos from Anhanguera-Uniderp University was used. The estimation of variance components in unicaracter and bicaracter analysis were carried out through Bayesian inference. Estimates of heritability ranged from unicaracter analyses (0.22 to 0.47) and the bicaracter analyses (0.13 to 0.78). The maternal environmental permanent effect was higher in birth weight and average daily gain from birth to 50 days in 24.2% and 19.5%, respectively, in the observed variation. Estimates of heritability, maternal environmental permanent effect participation, phenotypic and genetic correlations indicate that selection for average daily gain from birth to 90 days would imply increases in weight at 50 days, weight at 90 days and average daily gain from 50 to 90 days of lambs with no significant increase in birth weight and average daily gain birth at 50 days.

Green spaces and adverse pregnancy outcomes

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the associations between proximity to green spaces and surrounding greenness and pregnancy outcomes, such as birth weight, low birth weight (LBW), very...

Le lithium et la grossesse

The work of Viguera's team showed that women who stopped their treatment with lithium during pregnancy, compared to non-pregnant patients, were twice as likely to relapse during the post-partum period, which then occurs 4 times faster, and last 5 times longer. So, a benefit/risk strategy has to be defined for each patient, taking into account the risk of prescription for the infant vs the risk of relapse for the mother. Lithium is teratogenic in vertebrates at high doses. In humans, after publication of very alarmist data issued from Schou's works in the 70s, current results are much more nuanced. In utero exposure to lithium seems to be correlated with an increased risk of cardiac malformations (7 % vs 1 % in general population), although the last meta-analysis does not give evidence for formal link between lithium intake during pregnancy and occurrence of cardiac malformations. It also seems impossible to affirm or deny the specificity of the effect of lithium on the occurrence of Ebstein anomaly. So, the risk of heart defects, if any, is relative to the progress of ultrasound screening and cardiac surgery. Concerning neonatal outcomes, lithium intake during the fetal period is likely to result in a significant increase in birth weight. A few isolated cases of goiter, jaundice or nephrogenic diabetes have been sporadically reported in the literature. It is therefore advisable to refer these patients to maternity wards level 2 or 3. The risk of cognitive-behavioral teratogenicity was rarely evaluated. Schou did not found specific characteristics at age five, in “lithium babies”. One recent study investigating 15 children at age 15 found no significant effects on growth, neurological, cognitive and behavioral development. Data about breastfeeding with lithium are very sparse. The few existing studies often report high blood levels in children (up to 50 % of maternal ones), and considering the rapidity of dehydratation in infants, lithium intake is a contraindication for breastfeeding in France at the moment. In case of exposure during the first trimester, a cardiac echography between 18 and 20weeks of gestation by a specialized sonographer looking for cardiac abnormalities is recommended. If the treatment is maintained throughout pregnancy, regular monitoring of lithium plasma levels is necessary because of wide variations in blood volume and an increase in renal excretion rate during pregnancy. A gradual dose reduction in the days before delivery is recommended, to avoid an overdose of puerperium. Proper hydration is necessary during labour, to prevent overdose and risk of neonatal toxicity. Finally, post-partum daily dosages of plasmatic lithium levels are needed, until stable levels are available. Note that some authors propose a short therapeutic window in the days before the birth, with a resumption of treatment at birth. So prescribing lithium, when needed during pregnancy is possible, but inside a collaborative multidisciplinary network.