Maternal anemia in various trimesters of singleton pregnancies and its correlation with birth weight: An observational study

Background: Anemia is a very important preventable nutritional disorder affecting pregnant ladies which may have some adverse effects on the neonatal survival and development. Birth weight was correlated with changes in maternal hemoglobin concentration in various trimesters as it is important for determining child survival and development. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the correlation between maternal hemoglobin levels in various trimesters and neonatal birth weight. Materials and Methods: The study enrolled all pregnant women within age group 15–35 years who gave birth at Agartala Government Medical College and GBP Hospital from June 15, 2017 to August 15, 2017. Pregnant women were included into the study following delivery by simple random sampling into cases (Pregnant women who delivered low birth weight babies <2500 g) and control group (Pregnant women who delivered normal birth weight babies ?2500 g). Antenatal data were collected from hospital case sheet and labor room register. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented as Mean + SD. P < 0.05 (P < 0.05) was considered statistically significant. Results: Mean hemoglobin concentration was normal (?11 g/dl) in all three trimesters among the controls but it is found to be <11 g/dl in second and third trimesters of the case group. The mean birth weight of the babies was 2.151(± 0.2386) kg in case group and 3.047(± 0.3666) kg in control group. Conclusions: It was found that maternal hemoglobin concentration has a positive correlation (r > 0) with neonatal birth weight in all three trimesters in both cases and controls which is statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) regions: A powerful tool for analysis of the diversity of wheat genotypes

Wheat is a widely cultivated crop and it is one of the major food sources worldwide. Among the various tools used to study diversity of wheat species, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) assessment emerges to be the more appropriate approach. In the present study, we evaluated 15 genotypes of Iranian wheat cultivars (wild, native, and breed) using ITS gene sequences. Similarity matrices and dendrogram of phylogenic relationship were constructed using Mega ver6 software. We report the major nucleotide changes in the same position between diploid and hexaploid species. dN/dS ratio for diploid, tetraploid, and hexaploid species indicated a pure selection in the examined gene, with no key changes in the genes, and 91% ITS diversity within individual wheat was evident. The results suggest that as evolution moves forward, nucleotide changes are reduced so that only a few changes in nucleotides occur. ITS marker can distinguish different wheat genotypes at the genomic level and thus prove to be the most appropriate assessment tool for analyzing inter and intra-species relationships.

Birth weight curves of singleton neonates with a gestational age of 24-42 weeks and their regional differences in 11 cities of China: an analysis of 93 720 cases / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To develop the birth weight curve of singleton neonates with a gestational age of 24-42 weeks, and to investigate the regional differences of the birth weight curve.@*METHODS@#A total of 11 maternal and child health hospitals with more than 7 000 neonates delivered annually were selected in 11 cities of China (Haikou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Liuzhou, Guilin, Quanzhou, Chongqing, Chengdu, Changsha, Ningbo, and Lianyungang), and all live singleton neonates delivered in the 11 hospitals from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2020 were enrolled for the development of birth weight curves.@*RESULTS@#A total of 93 720 singleton neonates with a gestational age of 24-42 weeks from the 11 cities were included in the study. The reference values of the 3rd-97th percentiles of birth weight of singleton neonates for the total of the 11 cities and for each of the 11 cities were established, and the birth weight percentile curves were drawn. The birth weight curve level of singleton neonates in Shenzhen and Quanzhou was almost the same as the average level of the 11 cities; the birth weight curve level of singleton neonates in Haikou, Guangzhou, Guilin, and Liuzhou was slightly lower than the average level of the 11 cities; the birth weight curve level of singleton neonates in Chongqing, Chengdu, and Changsha was slightly higher than the average level of the 11 cities; the birth weight curve level of singleton neonates in Ningbo and Lianyungang was higher than the average level of the 11 cities. The average birth weight curve level of singleton neonates in the 11 cities were very close to that of China Neonatal Cooperation Network in 2011-2014.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The reference values of the 3rd-97th percentiles of birth weight of singleton neonates for the total of the 11 cities and for each of the 11 cities are developed, which can be used as a reference for evaluating the intrauterine growth of singleton neonates in the region. The level of intrauterine growth of neonates in some cities is different from the national level.

Efficacy and safety of prostaglandins vs double balloon catheter in inducing labor: a meta-analysis

Background: To compare the efficacy and safety of double‐balloon catheter with prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in induction of labor.Methods: We searched electronic sources from Medline, Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct and Cochrane Library Database of Systematic Reviews. Only randomized controlled trials and observational studies comparing the PGE2 agents with double-balloon catheter for cervical ripening and labour induction in women with unfavorable cervix were included in the analysis. The main outcomes included vaginal delivery rate within 24 hours and cesarean delivery rates. We calculated relative risks and mean differences using fixed effects and random‐effects models.Results: Prostaglandin was more favourable for vaginal delivery within 24 hours compared to double balloon catheter, but was not statistically significant (RR 1.17: 95% CI 0.96-1.42 p =0.12). The induction to delivery time yielded a non-significant result that again favors prostaglandin (SMD 0.02 CI:0.18,0.22, p = 0.86). There was no significant difference in the cesarean delivery rates between the two groups (RR 1.02: 95% CI 0.92-1.14, p = 0.68). Uterine hyperstimulation and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admissions were significantly higher with prostaglandin. (RR 0.09: CI 0.04, 0.22 p<0.00001 and RR 0.75 CI: 0.62,0.90 p=003).Conclusions: There is no significant difference in the success of induction of labour between use of PGE2 and double balloon catheter. Uterine hyperstimulation and NICU admissions were significantly higher in Prostaglandin group.

Study of fetomaternal outcome in twin pregnancy

Background: Twin pregnancy being one of the causes of high-risk pregnancy is associated with both maternal and fetal complications. This study aims at analysing the fetal and maternal outcome in such cases. All cases were studied according to their parity, maternal age, fetal presentation, mode of delivery and gestational age.Methods: This prospective study was conducted at one of the tertiary care teaching institutes over a period of one year from January 2018 to December 2018. Out of a total number of 7295 deliveries, 130 were twin pregnancy. It included all women admitted in labour room with clinical or ultrasound diagnosis of twin pregnancy after 20 weeks of gestation.Results: In the present study incidence of twin pregnancy was 1.78%. We observed the highest incidence of twins in the age group of 20-29 years. The least incidence was below the age of 20 years. Incidence of twin pregnancy in our study in primipara was 47.7% and in multipara was 52.3%. Most of the patients (43%) delivered at 32-36 weeks of gestation. Maternal complications were noticed as anemia in 29.2% patients, pregnancy induced hypertension in 55.4% patients, post-partum hemorrhage in 4.6% patients, polyhydramnios in 3.1% patients, premature rupture of membranes in 8.5% patients, gestational diabetes in 0.8% patients and urinary tract infection in 2.3% patients. Majority of the patients delivered vaginally (60.8%), others by lower segment cesarean section (LSCS). In this study 95.8% babies were low birth weight. There were 34 neonatal deaths (13%).Conclusions: Twin pregnancy is a high-risk pregnancy associated with significantly increased maternal morbidity, neonatal morbidity and mortality. Such pregnancies require good antenatal care, early detection of maternal and fetal complications and timely referral to a centre well equipped for management of such cases.

Feto-Maternal Outcome In Singleton Pregnancies With Polyhydramnios: A Case Control Study.

Objectives - To study the fetal and maternal outcome, in pregnancies complicated by polyhydramnios with that of pregnancies having normal fluid volume. Maternal and Methods This prospective case control study was conducted on 100 patients with polyhydramnios and 100 pregnant women with normal fluid volume over a period of 18 months from April 2017 to September 2018. Results Out of 100 patients with AFI > 24, 12% had congenital anomalies, out of which GIT were maximum as compared to control group only 2%. The most common maternal complication in the study group was preterm labor, malpresentation, PROM, eclampsia, auptio placenta, dyspnea, cord prolapse and atonic PPH, slightly more as compared to study group. Gestational age at delivery in the study group was 37.6 weeks as compared to 38.2 weeks in control group. The study group had more number of labor inductions, LSCS, fetal distress, low 1 and 5 minute Apgar Score, NICU admissions, meconium aspiration, respiratory distress and perinatal deaths as compared to control group. Conclusion Polyhydramnios poses danger for both mother and baby, hence there is a need to have an anomaly scan at an earlier gestation and monthly amniotic fluid assessment from 20th week onward for diagnosis of polyhydramnios and timely intervention so as to reduce the maternal morbidity and perinatal morbidity and mortality.

Polock index of 16 887 singleton neonates in different gestational age in Shenzhen City / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To establish the Polock indexes (PI) of singleton neonates in different gestational age (GA),so as to provide a reference data for evaluating physical fullness and symmetry in neonates at birth.Methods A total of 16 887 live singleton neonates at 27-42 weeks of GA from two hospitals were measured at birth by site survey method using cluster samples by a cross sectional time in Shenzhen City,from 2013 to 2015 in this study,to establish PI of singleton neonates in different GA.Results The PI mean and the percentile curves(3rd,10th,25th,50th,75th,90th,97th)of singleton neonates at 27-42 weeks of GA (male,female,and unisex three groups) were established in 2015 in Shenzhen,China.The fullness and nutrition status of neonates at birth can be evaluated by these PI curves.According to the 3rd,10th,25th-75th,90th,97th curves,the down,mid down,middle,mid upper,upper levels were divided in turn.When the PI values ＞97th curve it was overweighted or fatty.When the PI values ＜ 3rd curve it was malnutrition.The lowest values of PI were at 27 weeks of GA,and the highest values appeared at 42 weeks of GA.The PI values were increasing with GA growth,which indicated that the GA increased the body density and fullness.The 50th percentile curve of male PI was higher than that of the female,and the male ratio increased by 61.2-89.5 at the gestational age of 27-34 weeks;between 35 and 42 weeks of fetal age,males increased by 104.8-149.1,which had a statistical difference (P ＜ 0.001).Conclusions The PI of singleton neonates rises with GA increase,which shows the GA increases the body density and fullness.PI is higher in male than in female singleton neonates.

Neonatal outcomes and influencing factors of twin pregnancies in IVF/ICSI / 实用医学杂志

Objective To compare perinatal outcomes of the singleton and twin pregnancies , and explore risk factors associated with twin pregnancies. Methods The data of 1 026 patients in single and twin pregnancies treated with IVF/ICSI between January 2014 to March 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Results The early miscarriage rate and early pregnancy loss rate in the singleton group was significantly higher than the twin group (16% vs 5.41%; 16% vs 6.98%) and the late abortion rate in the singleton group was significantly lower than the twin group (1.93% vs 7.12%), but the total pregnancy loss rate was not significantly different between the groups. The premature delivery rate in the twin group was significantly increased (9.19% vs 41.89%), the term taking-baby-home rate was significantly lower (56% vs 37.89%), but the total taking-baby-home rate was significantly higher in the twin group than the singleton group. The low weight delivery rate in the twin group was significantly increased (1.2% vs 14.8%), but the rate of birth defects was no significantly different between the groups. There were significant differences in age and number of embryo transfer between the two groups. Conclusions Twin pregnancies may increase the risk of late abortion and premature delivery and low weight delivery significantly. Age and number of embryo transfer may be the risk factors for twin pregnancies.

Percentile Distributions of Birth Weight according to Gestational Ages in Korea (2010-2012)

The Pediatric Growth Chart (2007) is used as a standard reference to evaluate weight and height percentiles of Korean children and adolescents. Although several previous studies provided a useful reference range of newborn birth weight (BW) by gestational age (GA), the BW reference analyzed by sex and plurality is not currently available. Therefore, we aimed to establish a national reference range of neonatal BW percentiles considering GA, sex, and plurality of newborns in Korea. The raw data of all newborns (470,171 in 2010, 471,265 in 2011, and 484,550 in 2012) were analyzed. Using the Korean Statistical Information Service data (2010-2012), smoothed percentile curves (3rd-97th) by GA were created using the lambda-mu-sigma method after exclusion and the data were distinguished by all live births, singleton births, and multiple births. In the entire cohort, male newborns were heavier than female newborns and singletons were heavier than twins. As GA increased, the difference in BW between singleton and multiples increased. Compared to the previous data published 10 years ago in Korea, the BW of newborns 22-23 gestational weeks old was increased, whereas that of others was smaller. Other countries' data were also compared and showed differences in BW of both singleton and multiple newborns. We expect this updated data to be utilized as a reference to improve clinical assessments of newborn growth.

Contribution of Maternal Age Distribution to Incidence of Preterm Birth; 1997~99 and 2012~14 Singleton Birth Certificated Data of Korea

PURPOSE: The objective of the study was to compare contribution of maternal age to preterm birth (PTB) rates between 1997~99 and 2012~14. METHODS: We used 1997~99 (1,872,720 births) and 2012~14 (1,280,348 births) singleton birth certificated data of Korea Statistics excluding multiple birth and extra-marital birth cases. We decomposed the contributions of age-specific PTB rates and maternal age distribution (Kitagawa's decomposition method) to overall PTB rates during the period. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated from logistic regression to describe the secular trend of PTB rate by birth year and maternal age. RESULTS: The incidence of PTB increased 1.5 times, from 3.0 percent to 4.6 percent, during 1997~2014. After adjustment by logistic regression for infantile sex, parity and maternal age, the odds ratio of PTB in birth year of 2012~14 was 1.38 (95% confidence interval: 1.36~1.39), compared with incidence of PTB in 1997~99. During the period, PTB rates increased 1.79 times in women aged 20~24 years and 25~29 years (OR: 1.56), whereas rates remained stable in women aged 35 years and older (OR: range from 1.08 to 1.13). 87.5% of the overall increase in the PTB rates was attributable to the increase in the proportion of women aged 30~34 years, but these age group accounted for only a small portion of the increase in PTB rates (OR: 1.27). CONCLUSION: The remainder of the total increment in the PTB rates during the period was explained by increase the proportion of women aged 30~34 years. There was a need to close attention in this area to understand the contributing factors to the secular trend of PTB rates.

Clinical characteristics in twin premature infants / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics in twin premature infants in order to provide some guidance for clinical work in future.Methods The clinical data of 593 premature infants hospitalized in Department of Pediatrics,the Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University were collected from June 2010 to June 2012,in terms of gestational age,birth weight and neonatal complications.A retrospective analysis was performed for the data.The premature infants were divided into 2 groups:study group of 131 twin premature infants and control group of 462 singleton premature infants.The 131 twin premature infants in study group were divided into large double group(n =64) and small double group(n =67) according to delivery time.The clinical data of premature infants in each group were statistically analyzed.Results The gestational age of study group was (34.23 ± 1.90) weeks,which in control group was (33.91 ± 1.82) weeks,and there was no significant difference between the 2 groups(t =1.689,P =0.092).The birth weight in study group [(1 921.64 ± 414.05)g] had statistically significant difference compared with control group [(2 164.98 ± 495.85) g] (t =-5.209,P =0.000).The study group of incidence of premature rupture of membranes was 16.79％ (22/131 cases)and which in the control group was 32.68％ (151/462 cases),and there was statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (x2 =12.472,P =0.000) ;the incidence of neonatal asphyxia of study group was 9.92％ (13/131 cases) and that of the control group was 17.10％ (79/462 cases),there was statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (x2 =4.010,P =0.045) ; the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome in study group was 6.87％ (9/131 cases) and that in the control group was 3.03 ％ (14/462 cases),the difference was statistically significant between the 2 groups (x2 =4.037,P =0.045) ; the incidence of apnea in study group was 4.58％ (6/131 cases) and that in the control group was 0.65％ (3/462 cases),the difference was statistically significant between the 2 groups(x2 =8.085,P =0.004) ; the incidence of meconium aspiration syndrome of study group was 0 and that of the control group was 3.90％ (18/462 cases),there was statistically significant difference (P =0.018) ;the incidence of neonatal hypoglycemia of study group was 27.48％ (36/131 cases) and that of the control group was 16.67％ (77/462 cases),the difference was statistically significant between the 2 groups (x2 =7.738,P =0.005) ;the incidence of sepsis of study group [16.79％ (22/131 cases)] was significantly higher than that of the control group [8.44％ (39/462 cases)],and the difference was statistically significant between the 2 groups (x2 =7.715,P =0.005) ;the incidence of extrauterine growth retardation of study group was 6.10％ (8/131 cases) and that of the control group was 2.38％ (11/462 cases),the difference was statistically significant between the both groups (x2 =4.568,P =0.033).In the study group,the incidence of neonatal sepsis in big double group was 29.68％ (19/64 cases),and that in small double was 14.93％ (10/67 cases),there was statistically significant difference between the 2 groups(x2 =4.138,P =0.042).The other complications between the big double group and small double group had no significant difference.Conclusions The incidence rates of acute respiratory distress syndrome,apnea,neonatal hypoglycemia,sepsis and extrauterine growth retardation of twin premature infants are higher than the singleton premature infants in the neonatal period.But the incidence rate of meconium aspiration syndrome is a higher in singleton premature infants.

Not only pregnancy but also the number of fetuses in the uterus affects intraocular pressure.

Aim: To investigate whether, intraocular pressure (IOP) is affected when there is a second fetus in the uterus during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: Eighty eyes of 40 twin pregnancies (TwPs), 80 eyes of 40 singleton pregnancies (SiPs) and 80 eyes of 40 non‑pregnant females (NoPs) were included in the study. Statistical Analysis: Repeated measurements analysis of variance with two factors, one‑way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and theTukey’s multiple comparison test were used. Results: The mean IOP (MIOP) values in TwPs were 14.29 ± 1.28, 11.48 ± 1.20, and 9.81 ± 1.36 mmHg and the MIOP values in SiPs were 14.42 ± 0.95, 13.12 ± 0.75, and 10.97 ± 0.89 mmHg in subsequent trimesters. The MIOP values in NoPs were 14.77 ± 1.18, 14.92 ± 1.33, and 15.08 ± 0.89 mmHg in subsequent 3‑month measurements. The results show that the MIOP values for the TwPs group were significantly lower than the SiPs in all trimesters. Conclusions: During pregnancy, the number of fetuses in the uterus is an indirectly important factor that influences the decrease in IOP. We hypothesize that the increased ocular hypotensive effect of TwPs is most likely related to the presence of higher levels of hormones, particularly estrogen, progesterone and relaxin compared with SiPs.

Research of neuropsychological development in twin premature infants / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To explore the neuropsychological development in twin premature infants,and to analyze the risk factors for the retardation of development.Methods The premature infants hospitalized in the Neonatal Ward First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from Jun.2010 to Jun.2012 were divided into study groups of twin premature infants and a control group of singleton premature infants.The neuropsychological development of 88 premature infants was evaluated at corrected gestational age of 1 year old by Bayley scales of infant development.According to normal lab findings of the Bayley scales of infant development,the premature infants were then divided into abnormal neuropsychological development group [mental development index(MDI) ≤79 scores] and normal neuropsychological development group (MDI ＞ 79 scores),and the data of 2 groups were statistically analyzed.Results The frequency distribution of MDI score in study group showed a skewed distribution,of which 59％ (27/46 cases) had abnormal neuropsychological development (MDI ≤ 79 scores); However,the frequency distribution of MDI score in control group showed an approximate normal distribution,of which only 12％ (5/42 cases) for abnormal neuropsychological development.Head circumference,body length,body weight,MDI,psycho-motor development index of twin premature infants of one-year old were lower than those of the singleton premature infants of the same age,and the differences were statistically significant (all P ＜0.05).The single factor analysis demonstrated that the risk factors for abnormal neuropsychological development (MDI ≤ 79 scores) of twin premature infants were gestational age,birth weight,mother' s gcstational age,the cultural degree of parents,mode of feeding,neonatal hyperbilirubinemia,neonatal hypoglycemia and neonatal sepsis.Multiple regression analysis showed that neonatal hyperbilirubinemia was the independent risk factor for abnormal neuropsychological development of twin premature infants.Conclusions At same gestational age,neuropsychological development of twin premature infants lagged behind singleton premature infants.Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia may be the risk factors for neuropsychological development of twin premature infants,so the earlier management of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia may be beneficial for the neuropsychological development of twin premature infants.

Comparison of Maternal Fatty Acid Intake and Fatty Acid Composition of Serum Phospholipids Between Singleton and Twin Pregnancies / 대한지역사회영양학회지

Essential fatty acids are important essential nutrients during pregnancy. The objective of this study was to compare fatty acid composition of serum phospholipids and essential fatty acid intakes between Korean pregnant women with a single baby and Korean pregnant women with twins. A total of 116 pregnant women who had maintained their health without any symptoms of pregnancy complications participated in the study. The subjects consisted of 57 women of singleton pregnancy and 58 women of twin pregnancy at the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd trimester of pregnancy. A 24-hour dietary recall was administered to each subject to obtain dietary information. The mean ages of the singleton pregnancy group and the twin pregnancy group were 31.44 years and 32.27 years, respectively, and the mean height values were 161.86 cm and 160.64 cm, respectively. The mean daily energy intakes in the singleton pregnancy group were 1639.95 kcal, 1904.71 kcal, and 1882.82 kcal for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimester group, respectively. The mean daily energy intakes in the twin pregnancy group were 1745.99 kcal, 2203.46 kcal, and 2092.26 kcal for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimester group, respectively. There were no significant differences in the mean fatty acid intakes by the type of pregnancy (i.e., singleton vs. twins and the stage of pregnancy (i.e., 1st vs. 2nd vs. 3rd trimester). However, the mean total fatty acid intake of those at the 1st trimester among the singleton pregnancy group tended to be higher than that of those at the 1st trimester among the twin pregnancy group. Such a trend seemed to be retro-versed. That is, the mean total fatty acid intakes of the twin pregnancy group were higher compared to the singleton pregnancy group for the 2nd and 3rd trimester group. The LA and total n6 concentrations of serum phospholipids of the singleton pregnancy group were significantly higher as the gestational age increased (p < 0.05). The alpha-LNA(p < 0.05), EPA (p < 0.05), and total n3 (p < 0.001) concentrations of serum phospholipids of the twin pregnancy group were significantly lower as the gestational age increased. The alpha-LNAconcentrations of serum phospholipids in the singleton pregnancy group at the 3rd trimester were significantly higher than that in the twin pregnancy group at the same trimester (p < 0.05). The serum phospholipids levels of AA and DHA of the twin pregnancy group were generally higher compared to those of the singleton pregnancy group. Particularly the differences reached at the level of statistical significance for those at the 1st trimester (p < 0.01). It is concluded that the study findings imply that fatty acid metabolism may meaningfully differ by the type and stage of pregnancy. Future research needs to be conducted to more elucidate grounding etiology and possible roles of dietary fatty acid intake levels in relation to the study findings.

Comparison of Maternal Fatty Acid Intake and Fatty Acid Composition of Serum Phospholipids Between Singleton and Twin Pregnancies / 대한지역사회영양학회지

Essential fatty acids are important essential nutrients during pregnancy. The objective of this study was to compare fatty acid composition of serum phospholipids and essential fatty acid intakes between Korean pregnant women with a single baby and Korean pregnant women with twins. A total of 116 pregnant women who had maintained their health without any symptoms of pregnancy complications participated in the study. The subjects consisted of 57 women of singleton pregnancy and 58 women of twin pregnancy at the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd trimester of pregnancy. A 24-hour dietary recall was administered to each subject to obtain dietary information. The mean ages of the singleton pregnancy group and the twin pregnancy group were 31.44 years and 32.27 years, respectively, and the mean height values were 161.86 cm and 160.64 cm, respectively. The mean daily energy intakes in the singleton pregnancy group were 1639.95 kcal, 1904.71 kcal, and 1882.82 kcal for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimester group, respectively. The mean daily energy intakes in the twin pregnancy group were 1745.99 kcal, 2203.46 kcal, and 2092.26 kcal for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimester group, respectively. There were no significant differences in the mean fatty acid intakes by the type of pregnancy (i.e., singleton vs. twins and the stage of pregnancy (i.e., 1st vs. 2nd vs. 3rd trimester). However, the mean total fatty acid intake of those at the 1st trimester among the singleton pregnancy group tended to be higher than that of those at the 1st trimester among the twin pregnancy group. Such a trend seemed to be retro-versed. That is, the mean total fatty acid intakes of the twin pregnancy group were higher compared to the singleton pregnancy group for the 2nd and 3rd trimester group. The LA and total n6 concentrations of serum phospholipids of the singleton pregnancy group were significantly higher as the gestational age increased (p < 0.05). The alpha-LNA(p < 0.05), EPA (p < 0.05), and total n3 (p < 0.001) concentrations of serum phospholipids of the twin pregnancy group were significantly lower as the gestational age increased. The alpha-LNAconcentrations of serum phospholipids in the singleton pregnancy group at the 3rd trimester were significantly higher than that in the twin pregnancy group at the same trimester (p < 0.05). The serum phospholipids levels of AA and DHA of the twin pregnancy group were generally higher compared to those of the singleton pregnancy group. Particularly the differences reached at the level of statistical significance for those at the 1st trimester (p < 0.01). It is concluded that the study findings imply that fatty acid metabolism may meaningfully differ by the type and stage of pregnancy. Future research needs to be conducted to more elucidate grounding etiology and possible roles of dietary fatty acid intake levels in relation to the study findings.

The normal range of amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein in singleton midtrimester pregnancy of Korean women / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: To determine normal range of amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein (AFAFP) in midtrimester singleton Korean pregnant women whose pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were uneventful. METHODS: AFAFP levels were measured in midtrimester pregnancy during amniocentesis from May 1995 to September 2006 at tertiary referral center. Normal ranges were obtained from 954 singleton pregnancies in which pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were normal. RESULTS: Median values of AFAFP in midtrimester pregnancy were 15,800 ng/mL, 13,903.9 ng/mL, 11,408.7 ng/mL, 9,690.1 ng/mL, 6,923.4 ng/mL, 6,330.0 ng/mL, 5,295.3 ng/mL, 4,421.2 ng/mL, 3,162.5 ng/mL at 16 week, 17 week, 18 week, 19 week, 20 week, 21 week, 22 week, 23 week, and 24 week. CONCLUSION: The normal range of AFAFP level in each gestational week in Korean women could be a good reference for prenatal diagnosis of various disorders.

Nutrición materna, crecimiento fetal en gestaciones con dos productos y resultado perinatal / Maternal nutritional status, fetal growth in twin pregnancies and perinatal outcome

Objetivo: Determinar el efecto de la nutrición materna sobre el crecimiento fetal en gestaciones múltiples con resultado perinatal adecuado. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte con gestantes de 20 semanas de embarazo, sin patología agregada. Mensualmente se evaluó peso, fondo uterino (FU) y gasto energético en reposo (GER). Para el análisis de los cambios en peso, FU y GER se utilizó la prueba de ANOVA para datos repetidos, las diferencias intrasujetos fueron con base en la edad gestacional y las diferencias intersujetos en función al tipo de embarazo e IMC pregestacional (IMCp). Resultados: La muestra estuvo constituida por 39 gestantes (19 EM y 20 EU). Se tomaron los eventos exitosos (10 EM como casos y 11 EU como controles). El peso corporal incrementó significativamente entre la semana 0-32 y existió una interacción tiempo de gestación e IMCp (p < 0.05). El FU mostró un incremento significativo a lo largo de la gestación (p < 0.001), que fue dependiente del tipo de embarazo (p < 0.001) y no se vio afectado por el IMCp (p > 0.05). El GER mostró un incremento lineal significativo (p < 0.05), que fue independiente del tipo de gestación (p > 0.05), pero dependiente del IMCp (p < 0.05). Cuando se analizó el GER/kg de peso, se encontró un menor gasto/kg en las mujeres con sobrepeso (p < 0.05). Conclusiones: Los determinantes de la nutrición materna de la semana 20 y hasta la semana 32 de gestación, dependen del IMCp y no del tipo de embarazo; a diferencia del de crecimiento fetal que depende del tipo de embarazo.

Objetive: To determine the effect of maternal nutritional status on fetal growth in twin pregnancies with good perinatal outcome. Material y methods: A cohort conformed by 39 healthy pregnant women with 20 weeks of gestation or less(19 with twin pregnancy (TP)and 20 with singleton pregnancy (SP)). Every four weeks height, weight, uterine fundus height (UFH)and resting energy expenditure (REE) were measured. General Lineal Models for repeated measures were used to evaluate longitudinal changes in body weight, REE, and UFH at 20, 24, 28, and 32 weeks of pregnancy (within subjects) The group was divided by pregnancy type or BMI (< 25, and > 25) (between subjects) in order to evaluate their effect on weight, uterine fundus height and REE changes. Results: The successful deliveries were uses for the analysis (10TP as cases and 11 SP as controls). Weight gain increased significantly between 0 and 32 weeks of gestation with an interaction between gestational age and prepregnancy body mass index (pBMI) (p < 0.05). The UFH also increased significantly during gestation (p < 0.001); this increase was dependant on pregnancy type (p < 0.001) and it was not affected by the pBMI (p > 0.05). REE showed a linear increase (p < 0.05) that depended on the pBMI (p < 0.05) but not on pregnancy type (p > 0.05). When the REE/kg was analyzed, the weight showed a lower energy expenditure per kg in overweight women (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Maternal nutritional determining factors from 20 to 32 weeks of gestation depends on the pBMI and did not depend on pregnancy type, while fetal growth did.