ABSTRACT
Background: There is a large body of research both in India and abroad studying the effect of maternal age, parity and haemoglobin (in third trimester) on their infant’s birth weight. The present study has been planned to evaluate these factors effects on their infant’s stature(anthropometry) and cord blood haemoglobin.Methods: Maternal background information, third trimester haemoglobin concentration, gestational age and number of children was obtained and recorded in semi-structured case proforma. 100 post-partum women and their newborns were studied in post-natal ward of a tertiary care hospital in an urban area. Maternal and neonatal data and anthropometric measurements were recorded in semi-structured case proforma.Results: Of the 100 newborns, 43% were second born, followed by 35% first born, 18% third born and only 4% were fourth born by the order of their birth. Out of the 100 studied mothers 52% were anaemic as per the WHO criteria (Hb <11 gm%). Cord blood haemoglobin values decreased significantly as the order of birth increased. The cord blood haemoglobin of normal birth weight newborns is significantly higher as compared to that of low birth weight newborns. Cord blood haemoglobin concentrations shows strong statistical significance with maternal anaemia. The birth order of the child has a prominent inverse effect on the cord blood haemoglobin values.Conclusions: There should nationwide improvement in the nutritional status of the girl child by dietary supplementations to improve the health of the generations to come. There should be proper birth spacing to prevent maternal and neonatal morbidities. Maternal anaemia needs early and aggressive treatment to minimize perinatal complications to both mother and the baby.
ABSTRACT
Background: Lots of research both in India and abroad studying the effect of maternal physical markers on their infant’s birth weight is going on. The present study has been planned to evaluate the effects of maternal physical markers on their infant’s anthropometry and cord blood haemoglobin.Methods: Maternal background information, height, last known pre-pregnancy weight, gestational age and number of children was obtained and recorded in case proforma. 100 post-partum women and their newborns were studied. The study was carried in a post-natal ward of a tertiary care hospital. Maternal and neonatal data were recorded.Results: Maternal physical status (pre-pregnancy weight, height and BMI) significantly influences the pregnancy outcome (neonatal parameters) of the baby.Conclusions: There should be emphasis on improvement in nutrition of the girl child to improve the health of the upcoming generations. Maternal body mass index needs to be optimized to reduce perinatal complications to both mother and the baby.
ABSTRACT
An 18‑year‑old Indian girl with upper lip deformity presented with on and off painless swelling of her both upper eyelids for 3 years. Clinical evaluation revealed bilateral blepharochalasis narrowing of horizontal palpebral fissure, decreased outer intercanthal distance, iris coloboma, cleft soft palate, bifid uvula, sensorineural deafness and double upper lip. Clinical examination of the thyroid, thyroid hormone assay and ultrasonography revealed normal thyroid gland structure and function. Ascher’s syndrome was diagnosed. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Ascher’s syndrome associated with iris coloboma, heterochromia iridum, and narrowing of horizontal palpebral fissure and decreased outer intercanthal distance secondary to lengthening of lateral canthal ligament.