Effect of treatment with growth hormone on body composition and metabolic profile of short children born small for gestational age / Efeito do tratamento com hormônio de crescimento na composição corporal e no perfil metabólico de crianças nascidas pequenas para a idade gestacional com baixa estatura

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the effect of recombinant growth hormone (rGH) on body composition and metabolic profile of prepubertal short children born small for gestational age (SGA) before and after 18 months of treatment. Methods: It is a clinical, non-randomized, and paired study. Children born SGA, with birth weight and/or length <-2 standard deviations (SD) for gestational age and sex, prepubertal, born at full term, of both genders, with the indication for treatment with rGH were included. The intervention was performed with biosynthetic rGH at doses ranging from 0.03 to 0.05 mg/kg/day, administered subcutaneously, once a day at bedtime. Total lean mass (LM) and total fat mass (FM) were carried out using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and the metabolic profile was assessed for insulin, glycemia, IGF-1 levels and lipid profile. Results: Twelve patients (nine girls, 8.17±2.39 y) were evaluated; three patients dropped out of the study. There was an increase of LM adjusted for length (LMI) (p=0.008), LMI standard deviation score (SDS) adjusted for age and sex (p=0.007), and total LM (p<0.001). The percentage of body fat (BF%) and abdominal fat (AF) remained unaltered in relation to the beginning of treatment. Among the metabolic variables, blood glucose remained within normal levels, and there was a reduction in the number of participants with altered cholesterol (p=0.023). Conclusions: The effect of rGH treatment was higher on LM than in FM, with increased LM adjusted for length and standardized for age and sex. Glycemia remained within the normal limits, and there was a decreased number of children with total cholesterol above the recommended levels.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito do hormônio de crescimento recombinante (rHC) na composição corporal e no perfil metabólico de crianças pré-púberes com baixa estatura, nascidas pequenas para a idade gestacional (PIG) antes e depois de 18 meses de tratamento. Métodos: Estudo clínico, não randomizado e pareado. Foram incluídas crianças nascidas PIG, com peso e/ou altura ao nascer <-2 desvios padrão (DP) para idade gestacional e sexo, pré-púberes, nascidas a termo, de ambos os sexos, com indicação de tratamento com rGH. A intervenção foi realizada com rGH biossintético com doses variando de 0,03 a 0,05 mg/kg/dia, administrado por via subcutânea, uma vez ao dia ao deitar-se. A massa magra total (LM) e a massa gorda total (MG) foram determinadas por meio de absorciometria de raios X de dupla energia (DXA), e o perfil metabólico foi avaliado com dosagens de insulina, glicemia, IGF-1 e perfil lipídico. Resultados: Doze pacientes (nove meninas, 8,17±2,39 anos) foram avaliados; três pacientes abandonaram o estudo. Houve aumento da LM ajustada para estatura (LMI) (p=0,008), LMI standard deviation scores (SDS) ajustada para idade e sexo (p=0,007) e LM total (p<0,001). O percentual de gordura corporal (GC%) e gordura abdominal (AF) permaneceu inalterado em relação ao início do tratamento. Entre as variáveis metabólicas, a glicemia manteve-se na normalidade, e houve redução do número de participantes com colesterol alterado (p=0,023). Conclusões: O efeito do tratamento com HCr foi maior na MM do que na MG, com o aumento da MM ajustada para altura e padronizada para idade e sexo. A glicemia permaneceu normal e houve redução do número de crianças com colesterol total acima do recomendado.

Associação entre as condições de nascimento e a densidade mineral óssea de adultos das coortes de nascimentos de 1982 e 1993 de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Association between birth conditions and bone mineral density in adults from the 1982 and 1993 birth cohorts in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil / Asociación entre las condiciones de nacimiento y la densidad mineral ósea de adultos de las cohortes de nacimiento de 1982 y 1993 en Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Resumo: Este estudo avaliou a associação do peso ao nascer, idade gestacional e crescimento intrauterino com a densidade mineral óssea (DMO) aos 22 e 30 anos, nas coortes de nascimentos de 1982 e 1993 de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. A DMO foi medida por absorciometria por raios X com dupla energia (DXA), a associação foi avaliada usando análise de variância e a regressão linear múltipla para o controle de confundimento por: sexo, renda familiar ao nascer, tabagismo materno na gestação, escolaridade materna, cor da pele materna e índice de massa corporal pré-gestacional. Foi testado se a gordura corporal na vida adulta era mediadora da associação analisada, por meio da G-computation Formula. Foram avaliados 6.803 participantes das coortes de 1982 e 1993, aos 30 e 22 anos, respectivamente. O peso ao nascer teve associação com a DMO em todos os sítios, com maior diferença no colo femoral. Os nascidos com menos de 2.000g apresentaram, em média, -0,036g/cm2 (IC95%: -0,064; -0,008) de DMO no colo femoral em comparação àqueles com mais de 3.500g. Aqueles com escore-z de crescimento intrauterino com pelo menos 1,28 desvio padrão abaixo da média apresentaram, em média, -0,013g/cm2 (IC95%: -0,024; -0,002) de DMO na coluna lombar, em relação aos com escore-z acima da média. A análise de mediação mostrou que gordura corporal na idade adulta não mediou a associação. As condições de nascimento foram associadas com a densidade mineral óssea na vida adulta, e a identificação dos fatores precoces relacionados à perda de DMO é essencial devido à inversão demográfica em progresso em países de média e baixa renda.

Abstract: This study assessed the association of birth weight, gestational age, and intrauterine growth with bone mineral density (BMD) at 22 and 30 years of age in the 1982 and 1993 birth cohorts in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and the association was assessed using analysis of variance. Multiple linear regression was used to control for confounding factors: sex; household income at birth; maternal smoking during pregnancy; maternal schooling; maternal ethnicity/skin color; and pre-pregnancy body mass index. The study tested whether body fat in adulthood was a mediator of the association analyzed, using the G-computation Formula. A total of 6,803 participants from the 1982 and 1993 cohorts were evaluated at 30 and 22 years of age, respectively. Birth weight was associated with BMD at all sites, with a greater difference at the femoral neck. Individuals born weighing less than 2,000g had on average -0.036g/cm2 (95%CI: -0.064; -0.008) of BMD in the femoral neck than individuals weighing more than 3,500g. Individuals with an intrauterine growth z-score at least 1.28 standard deviation below the mean had an average of -0.013g/cm2 (95%CI: -0.024; -0.002) of BMD in the lumbar spine compared with individuals with an above-average z-score. The mediation analysis showed that body fat in adulthood did not mediate the association. Birth conditions have been associated with BMD in adulthood and the identification of early factors related to bone loss is essential due to the demographic inversion that has been taking place in low- and middle-income countries.

Resumen: Este estudio evaluó la asociación del peso al nacer, la edad gestacional y el crecimiento intrauterino con la densidad mineral ósea (DMO) a los 22 y 30 años de edad, en las Cohortes de Nacimiento de 1982 y 1993 de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. La DMO se midió mediante absorciometría de rayos X de doble emisión (DXA), y la asociación se evaluó mediante ANOVA y regresión lineal múltiple para controlar la confusión por sexo, ingresos familiares al nacer, tabaquismo materno durante el embarazo, escolaridad materna, color de piel materno e índice de masa corporal antes del embarazo. Se comprobó si la grasa corporal en la edad adulta era un mediador de la asociación analizada, utilizando G-computation Formula. Se evaluaron 6.803 participantes de las cohortes 82 y 93, de 30 y 22 años, respectivamente. El peso al nacer se asoció con la DMO en todos los sitios, con la mayor diferencia en el cuello femoral. Los nacidos con un peso inferior a 2.000g tuvieron una media de -0,036g/cm2 (IC95%: -0,064; -0,008) de DMO en el cuello femoral, que aquellos con más de 3.500g. Aquellos con una puntuación z de crecimiento intrauterino de al menos 1,28 desviaciones estándar por debajo de la media presentaron un promedio de -0,013g/cm2 (IC95%: -0,024; -0,002) de DMO en la columna lumbar, con relación a aquellos con un puntaje z superior a la media. El análisis de mediación mostró que la grasa corporal en la edad adulta no medió la asociación. Las condiciones de nacimiento se asociaron con la DMO en la edad adulta, y la identificación temprana de factores relacionados con la pérdida de DMO es esencial debido a la inversión demográfica que ha estado ocurriendo en los países de ingresos medios y bajos.

Longitudinal study on catch-up growth in preterm infants with small for gestational age at corrected ages 0-24 months / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To understand the growth and development status and differences between small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) preterm infants during corrected ages 0-24 months, and to provide a basis for early health interventions for preterm infants.@*METHODS@#A retrospective study was conducted, selecting 824 preterm infants who received regular health care at the Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center from July 2019 to July 2022, including 144 SGA and 680 AGA infants. The growth data of SGA and AGA groups at birth and corrected ages 0-24 months were analyzed and compared.@*RESULTS@#The SGA group had significantly lower weight and length than the AGA group at corrected ages 0-18 months (P<0.05), while there were no significant differences between the two groups at corrected age 24 months (P>0.05). At corrected age 24 months, 85% (34/40) of SGA and 79% (74/94) of AGA preterm infants achieved catch-up growth. Stratified analysis by gestational age showed that there were significant differences in weight and length at corrected ages 0-9 months between the SGA subgroup with gestational age <34 weeks and the AGA subgroups with gestational age <34 weeks and 34 weeks (P<0.05). In addition, the weight and length of the SGA subgroup with gestational age 34 weeks showed significant differences compared to the AGA subgroups with gestational age <34 weeks and 34 weeks at corrected ages 0-18 months and corrected ages 0-12 months, respectively (P<0.05). Catch-up growth for SGA infants with gestational age <34 weeks and 34 weeks mainly occurred at corrected ages 0-12 months and corrected ages 0-18 months, respectively.@*CONCLUSIONS@#SGA infants exhibit delayed early-life physical growth compared to AGA infants, but can achieve a higher proportion of catch-up growth by corrected age 24 months than AGA infants. Catch-up growth can be achieved earlier in SGA infants with a gestational age of <34 weeks compared to those with 34 weeks.

Tratamiento con hormona de crecimiento en niños nacidos pequeños para la edad gestacional. Experiencia de un centro / Growth hormone treatment in small for gestational age children. A single-center experience

Introducción. Los pequeños para la edad gestacional (PEG) suelen tener una talla final 1 DE bajo la media. Se diferencian tres grupos según antropometría al nacimiento: de peso reducido (PRN), de longitud reducida (LRN) o ambos. Objetivos. Describir las características de los pacientes PEG atendidos en el Servicio de Endocrinología Pediátrica de un hospital de tercer nivel, y analizar la evolución de niños PEG sin crecimiento recuperador a los 4 años de edad, en tratamiento con hormona del crecimiento (GH), según su diagnóstico. Métodos. Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes PEG atendidos desde 2004 hasta 2021. Resultados. Se estudiaron 89 PEG; 44/89 iniciaron tratamiento con GH (11/44 PRN, 8/44 LRN y 25/44 ambos). La edad media al diagnóstico fue de 3,87 años; la talla media al inicio del tratamiento fue de -2,99 DE en los PEG diagnosticados por PRN, -2,85 DE en aquellos diagnosticados por LRN y -3,17 DE en los diagnosticados por bajo PRN y LRN. La talla final fue de -1,77, -1,52 y -1,23 DE, respectivamente, lo que supone una ganancia total de 1,22, 1,33 y 1,93 DE, respectivamente, alcanzando así su talla diana con una diferencia de 0,36 ± 0,08 DE. Conclusión. Menos de la mitad de los PEG derivados a la consulta precisaron tratamiento con GH, por no tener la edad de 4 años aún, o haber completado el crecimiento recuperador. Aquellos pacientes PEG según peso y longitud al nacimiento presentaron percentiles peores al diagnóstico y una mayor respuesta a GH.

Introduction. Small for gestational age (SGA) children usually have a final height of 1 SD below the mean. Three groups are established based on anthropometric characteristics at birth: low birth weight (LBW), short birth length (SBL), or both. Objectives. To describe the characteristics of SGA patients seen at the Department of Pediatric Endocrinology of a tertiary care hospital and to analyze the course of SGA children without catch-up growth at 4 years of age who were receiving treatment with growth hormone (GH), according to their diagnosis. Methods. Retrospective study of SGA patients seen between 2004 and 2021. Results. A total of 89 SGA children were studied; 44/89 started treatment with GH (11/44 LBW, 8/44 SBL, and 25/44 both). Their mean age at diagnosis was 3.87 years; their mean height at treatment initiation was -2.99 SD in SGA children diagnosed by LBW, -2.85 SD in those with SBL, and -3.17 SD in those with both LBW and SBL. Their final height was -1.77, -1.52, and -1.23 SD, respectively, with a total gain of 1.22, 1.33, and 1.93 SD, respectively, thus reaching their target height with a difference of 0.36 ± 0.08 SD. Conclusion. Less than half of SGA children referred to the clinic required treatment with GH because they were not yet 4 years old or had not completed their catch-up growth. SGA patients according to birth weight and length had worse percentiles at diagnosis and a greater response to GH.

Capacidad del diámetro biparietal para predecir los recién nacidos grandes para edad gestacional. Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo / Ability of biparietal diameter to predict large for gestational age newborns. A retrospective cohort study

Fundamento: Predecir el recién nacido grande para la edad gestacional es una acción de salud que necesita de herramientas tecnológicas de probada eficiencia. Objetivo: Determinar la capacidad predictiva del diámetro biparietal en los recién nacidos grandes para la edad gestacional. Metodología: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo que incluyó 1959 gestantes cubanas con embarazo simple con captación y término del embarazo entre enero del 2009 y diciembre de 2017. En cada trimestre de gestación se compararon las condiciones tróficas adecuado para la edad gestacional (AEG) y grandes para la edad gestacional (GEG) mediante estadígrafos de tendencia central (media) y de dispersión (rango, desviación estándar) correspondientes al diámetro biparietal. Se calculó además el intervalo de confianza (IC) de 95 % para la diferencia de medias del diámetro biparietal. Asimismo, se realizó un análisis de curvas ROC para determinar si el diámetro biparietal y el peso fetal predicen la condición trófica grande para la edad gestacional en el segundo y tercer trimestre de gestación. Los datos fueron recogidos del libro registro de genética del área de salud. Resultados: El diámetro biparietal en el segundo y tercer trimestre de gestación tuvo un área bajo curva de 0.60 (IC 95 %: 0.54-0.65) y 0.59 (IC 95 %: 0.54-0.64) respectivamente. Los puntos de corte establecidos (T2: 56.55 mm, T3: 81.55 mm) tienen una especificidad y exactitud superior al 78 %. Conclusiones: El diámetro biparietal y los modelos de regresión de Shepard y de Hadlock V mostraron capacidad para discriminar el nacimiento grande para la edad gestacional del adecuado para la edad gestacional, a partir del segundo trimestre de gestación siendo más eficaces en el tercero.

Background: Predicting large for gestational age newborns is a medical action that requires technological tools with proven efficiency. Objective: To determine the predictive ability of biparietal diameter in large newborns for gestational age. Methodology: Retrospective cohort study that included 1959 Cuban pregnant women with a singleton pregnancy, with recruitment and pregnancy term between January 2009 and December 2017. In each gestational trimester, trophic conditions appropriate for gestational age (GAW) were compared and large for gestational age (GA) using central tendency (mean) and dispersion (range, standard deviation) statistics corresponding to the biparietal diameter. The 95% confidence interval (CI) for mean biparietal diameter difference was also calculated. In addition, an analysis of ROC curves was performed to determine if biparietal diameter and fetal weight predict large trophic condition for gestational age in the second and third gestational trimester. Data were gathered from the health area genetics registry book. Results: Biparietal diameter in the second and third trimester of gestation had an area under curve of 0.60 (95% CI: 0.54-0.65) and 0.59 (95% CI: 0.54-0.64) respectively. The established cut-off points (T2: 56.55 mm, T3: 81.55 mm) have a specificity and accuracy greater than 78%. Conclusions: Biparietal diameter and the Shepard and Hadlock V regression models showed ability to discriminate large for gestational age birth from adequate for gestational age birth from the second trimester of gestation onward, being more effective in the third trimester.

Relación entre biometría fetal, producto de acumulación de los lípidos y condición trófica al nacer / Relationship between fetal biometry, lipid accumulation product and the trophic condition at birth

Fundamento: Las alteraciones del estado nutricional materno generalmente se relacionan con desviaciones del crecimiento fetal, que pueden detectarse por los parámetros biofísicos fetales e identifican la posible condición trófica al nacer. Objetivo: Determinar la posible relación entre los parámetros biométricos fetales, la condición trófica al nacer y el producto de acumulación de los lípidos. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio transversal en el Policlínico Chiqui Gómez Lubian del municipio Santa Clara, durante el año 2019, en una población de 253 gestantes normopeso supuestamente sanas al inicio de la gestación. La muestra no probabilística fue de 144 gestantes. Las variables de estudio fueron: producto de acumulación de los lípidos, biometría fetal y condición trófica al nacer. Se utilizaron métodos teóricos, empíricos y estadísticos. Resultados: En el segundo trimestre ningún parámetro biométrico coincidió con la condición al nacer de pequeño, mientras que para el grande coincidieron las circunferencias cefálica y abdominal. En el tercer trimestre la longitud del fémur y la circunferencia abdominal coinciden en la identificación del pequeño y del grande. El PAL se correlacionó con la circunferencia abdominal del tercer trimestre y con el peso al nacer; presentando mayor frecuencia de valores en el tercer tertil para los nacimientos grandes. Conclusiones: La circunferencia abdominal fue el parámetro biométrico con mayor coincidencia con la condición trófica al nacer, la que se asoció con valores en el tercer tertil del PAL para la detección de nacimientos grandes, relacionándose el fenotipo normopeso metabólicamente obeso con el crecimiento fetal por exceso.

Background: Maternal nutritional status disorders are usually related to fetal growth deviations, which can be detected by fetal biophysical parameters and identify the possible trophic condition at birth. Objective: To determine the possible relationship between fetal biometric parameters, the birth trophic state and lipid accumulation product. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Chiqui Gómez Lubian Polyclinic in Santa Clara municipality, during 2019, in a population of 253 normal-weight pregnant women who were apparently healthy at the beginning of their gestation. The non-probability sample was made up of 144 pregnant women. Study variables were: lipid accumulation product, fetal biometry and trophic condition at birth. Theoretical, empirical and statistical methods were used. Results: In the second trimester, none of the biometric parameters matched the condition at birth as a small child, while in the large one the head and abdominal circumferences matched. In the third trimester, femoral length and abdominal circumference coincide in identifying the small one and the large one. LAP correlated with third trimester abdominal circumference and birth weight, presenting higher frequency of values in the third tertile for large births. Conclusions: Abdominal circumference was the biometric parameter with the highest coincidence with trophic condition at birth, associated with values in the third tertile of the LAP for detecting large births, relating the metabolically obese normal weight phenotype with excessive fetal growth.

Warning Signs on Short Hammersmith Neonatal Neurological Examination and Correlation With Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination Global Score in Preterm Infants: A Prospective Cohort Study

Objective: To describe the findings of short Hammersmith Neonatal Neurologic examination (HNNE) in preterm small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants at term equivalent age (TEA) and to correlate it with the global score of Hammersmith Infant Neurologic Examination (HINE) performed at 4-6 months of corrected age. Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at the high risk follow-up clinic of our center. 52 preterm infants born <35 weeks gestation were examined using HNNE at TEA and followedup till 4-6 months of corrected age to estimate HINE. Results: 20 infants (38.5%) had warning signs and 9 (17.3%) had abnormal signs on short HNNE. 12 (37.5%) AGA infants and 6 (30%) SGA infants had global score <65 at mean corrected age (SD) of 4.3 (0.7) weeks and 4.5 (0.8) weeks, respectively. Very preterm, birth weight <1000 g and SGA was significantly associated with global scores <65. Conclusion: Early identification of warning signs among SGA infants using Short HNNE screening at TEA can be useful to initiate early intervention. There was no statistically significant difference in global scores by HINE among AGA and SGA infants in early infancy.

Role of gestational age and maternal biological factors in early term neonatal morbidity / Rol de la edad gestacional y factores biológicos maternos en la morbilidad del neonato a término temprano

Abstract Background: The morbidity of early-term newborns (ETNBs) is associated with the immaturity of their organs and maternal biological factors (MBF). In this study, we determined the relationship between MBF and early-term birth. In addition, we assessed the role of gestational age (GA) and MBF in the morbidity of ETNBs compared with full-term newborns (FTNBs). Methods: This retrospective cohort included ETNBs and FTNBs. The frequency of morbidities was compared between groups stratified by GA with the X2 test or Fisher's exact test. The association of MBF with GA and morbidity was calculated using binomial regression models between the variables that correlated with the morbidity of the ETNBs using Spearman's correlation. A significance level of 5% was estimated for all analyses. Results: The probability of morbidity at birth for ETNBs was 1.9-fold higher than for FTNBs (37.5% vs. 19.9%), as they required more admission to the neonatal unit and more days of hospitalization; the most frequent pathology was jaundice. The MBF associated with early term birth were hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (aRR = 1.4, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3-1.6), intrauterine growth restriction (aRR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.3-1.6), and chronic hypertension (aRR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.4-1.8). No association was found between MBF and morbidity at 37 and 38 weeks. Conclusions: The morbidity among ETNBs is related to physiological immaturity. The adverse MBF favor a hostile intrauterine environment, which affects fetal and neonatal well-being.

Resumen Introducción: La morbilidad de los recién nacidos a término temprano (RNTT) se asocia con la inmadurez de sus órganos y factores biológicos maternos (FBM). En este estudio se determinó la relación entre FBM y el nacimiento a término temprano. Además, se evaluó el papel de la edad gestacional (EG) y los FBM en la morbilidad de los RNTT comparados con los recién nacidos a término completo (RNTC). Métodos: Este estudio de cohorte retrospectivo incluyó RNTT y RNTC. La frecuencia de morbilidades se comparó entre grupos estratificados por EG con la prueba de X2 o la prueba exacta de Fisher. La asociación de FBM con EG y morbilidad se calculó mediante modelos de regresión binomial entre variables correlacionadas con morbilidad de ETNB mediante la correlación de Spearman. Se estimó un nivel de significación del 5% para todos los análisis. Resultados: Los RNTT presentaron una probabilidad 1.9 veces mayor de morbilidad al nacer comparado con los RNTC (37.5% vs 19.9%), ya que requirieron mayor admisión a la unidad neonatal y más días de hospitalización; la patología más frecuente fue la ictericia. Los FBM asociados con el nacimiento a término temprano fueron los: trastornos hipertensivos gestacionales, restricción del crecimiento intrauterino e hipertensión crónica. No se encontró asociación entre factores biológicos maternos y la morbilidad a las 37 y 38 semanas. Conclusiones: La morbilidad del RNTT se relaciona con la inmadurez fisiológica. Los FBM adversos favorecen un medio intrauterino hostil afectando el bienestar fetal y neonatal.

Distribución espacial y tendencia secular (1991-2014) de nacidos pequeños para la edad gestacional en Jujuy / Spatial distribution and secular trend (1991­2014) of small for gestational age infants born in Jujuy

Introducción. El feto que no alcanza el potencial de crecimiento esperado en el útero se considera pequeño para la edad gestacional (PEG). Esta restricción depende de factores genéticos y/o ambientales; la altura geográfica es uno muy relevante. Este trabajo analiza la distribución espacial de las prevalencias de PEG y su tendencia secular en Jujuy (1991-2014). Materiales y métodos. Se analizaron los registros de 308 469 nacidos vivos de Jujuy (Dirección de Estadísticas e Información de Salud). Se estimaron prevalencias de PEG (peso/edad gestacional

Introduction. A fetus that does not reach the expected growth potential in utero is considered small for gestational age (SGA). Such restriction depends on genetic and/or environmental factors, being altitude a very relevant factor. This study analyzes the spatial distribution of the prevalence of SGA and its secular trend in Jujuy (1991­2014). Materials and methods. The records of 308 469 live births in Jujuy (Health Statistics and Information Department) were analyzed. The prevalence of SGA (weight/gestational age < P10 and < P3) was estimated for sex according to the INTERGROWTH-21 st standard in the ecoregions of Jujuy (Valle and Ramal ­less than 2000 MASL­, Puna, and Quebrada) across 3 periods (1991­2000, 2001­2009, 2010­2014) and proportions were compared. The secular trend was assessed using the Joinpoint regression analysis. Results. The overall prevalence of SGA was 2.3% (< P3) and 7% (< P10). Significantly higher values were observed in Puna and Quebrada in both SGA categories and across all periods. Only in Valle, significant differences were observed between sexes across all periods. The prevalence of SGA showed a significant downward secular trend at a provincial and regional level, and this was greater in Quebrada (5.2% < P3 and 3.5% < P10). Conclusions. A consistent and significant decrease in the prevalence of SGA has been observed since the 1990s in Jujuy, where altitude is itself a determining factor of size at birth, since the Puna and Quebrada regions showed the highest prevalence of SGA during the entire period.

Growth hormone effect on body composition of children born small for gestational age: a systematic review

Abstract Objective The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of GH treatment on the body composition of children born with SGA. Methods This study is a systematic review of the literature. CINAHL, Embase; Medline/Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched from inception to March 2022. Results Four studies met the inclusion criteria, with an intervention time of 1 to 3 years, using doses from 0.03 to 0.07 mg/kg/day of GH. Bone densitometry by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) with whole-body scans was the most used method to assess body composition. Most studies (n= 3) had SGA children as a control group with the same characteristics as the case group; the mean age was similar between the groups (minimum of 5.1 ± 1.4 years and maximum of 6.7 ± 1 0.8 years) and all participants had an average height ≤ -3DP. The Lean Mass (LM) and Fat Mass (FM) outcomes of the studies were not presented in a standardized manner; thus, they cannot be compared. There was a significant increase in LM in the group treated with GH in relation to the pre-treatment period and in comparison, to the untreated control group. Three studies showed a significant decrease in FM at the end of the intervention period, and in two studies, this decrease occurred in the control group. Conclusions Despite the differences in the presentation of results and in the evaluation periods, the results of the studies showed that growth hormone favors the gain and maintenance of lean mass, and it also affects fat mass reduction and redistribution.

Third trimester HbA1c as a prognostic indicator in the prediction of large-for-gestational age babies in South Indian women with gestational diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional study

Background: The prevalence of hyperglycemia first detected during pregnancy is showing an escalating increase in recent years contributed by the increasing obesity prevalence, advanced maternal age at delivery, and the universal screening protocol during the first antenatal visit. There exists a very little data on the role of HbA1c in pregnancy and the results remain inconsistent. There is a need to define diagnostic criteria to predict the adverse perinatal outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Aims and Objectives: This study was aimed to assess the role of HbA1c as a prognostic indicator of third trimester mean blood glucose in GDM pregnancies and in predicting the birth of large for gestational age (LGA) babies. Materials and Methods: 200 pregnant women with GDM and 200 pregnant women without GDM and their neonates participated in this analytical cross-sectional study. Maternal age, height, weight, BMI, and neonatal birth weight were recorded. Third trimester maternal HbA1c level was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The association between HbA1c and LGA births was analyzed. Results: The mean HbA1c levels and percentage of LGA births were high in GDM group. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed association between high HbA1c values and LGA births in GDM. A Receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to derive the optimal cut-off value, sensitivity, and specificity of HbA1c in predicting birth of LGA neonates in GDM. Conclusion: This study shows that high third trimester HbA1c levels in GDM increase the risk of LGA births. Further studies are needed to define standard cut-off values of glycated Hb in each trimester of pregnancy.

Utilidad de la longitud renal fetal en la predicción de la edad gestacional

Objetivo. Establecer la utilidad de la medición de la longitud del riñón fetal en la predicción de la edad gestacional. Diseño. Estudio de cohortes, prospectivo y longitudinal. Institución. Hospital Central "Dr. Urquinaona", Maracaibo, Venezuela. Participantes. Mujeres con embarazos simples de riesgo bajo, entre 18 y 40 semanas de gestación. Métodos. Se midieron los valores de diámetro biparietal, circunferencia abdominal, longitud del fémur y longitud del riñón fetal durante la duración del embarazo. Principales medidas de resultado. Predicción de la edad gestacional por medición de la longitud del riñón fetal. Resultados. Se seleccionó los datos de 215 gestantes. Se realizaron un total de 3,291 evaluaciones, siendo el menor número de evaluaciones a las 31 semanas con 128, y el mayor número 157, a las 28 semanas. La longitud del riñón fetal presentó correlaciones fuertes, positivas y significativas con la edad gestacional por fecha de última menstruación y por las mediciones ecográficas (p < 0,001). El modelo de edad gestacional predicha por el diámetro transverso del cerebelo alcanzó un valor del coeficiente de determinación de 0,682. La correlación entre la edad gestacional por fecha de última menstruación y la predicha por el modelo alcanzó un valor de r = 0,826 (p < 0,001). Conclusión. La medición de la longitud del riñón fetal es útil para predecir la edad gestacional y junto a otras mediciones ecográficas rutinarias puede mejorar la capacidad de los modelos de predicción actuales.

Objective: To establish the usefulness of fetal kidney length measurement in the prediction of gestational age. Design: Prospective, longitudinal cohort study. Institution: Hospital Central "Dr. Urquinaona", Maracaibo, Venezuela. Participants: Women with low-risk singleton pregnancies, between 18 and 40 weeks of gestation. Methods: Biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference, femur length, and fetal kidney length were measured during the duration of pregnancy. Main outcome measures: Prediction of gestational age by measurement of fetal kidney length. Results: Data from 215 pregnant women was selected. A total of 3,291 total evaluations were performed, with the lowest number of evaluations at 31 weeks (128), and the highest number (157) at 28 weeks. Fetal kidney length presented strong, positive and significant correlations with gestational age by date of last menstrual period and by ultrasound measurements (p < 0.001). The model of gestational age predicted by the transverse diameter of the cerebellum reached a value of the coefficient of determination of 0.682. The correlation between gestational age by date of last menstrual period and that predicted by the model reached a value of r = 0.826 (p< 0.001). Conclusion: Measurement of fetal kidney length is useful for predicting gestational age and together with other routine ultrasound measurements may improve the ability of current prediction models.

Perinatal Outcome According to Gestational Age- A study of 50 Cases

Background: Gestational age supports predicting a potential due date, informing obstetrical care and testing, and assessing the baby’s health at birth. It is vital to obtain a gestational age in all pregnancies to offer regular care and medical management for both mother and fetus. The ultimate suitable techniques for calculating gestational age are ultrasonography. The study aims to investigate the perinatal outcome according to gestational age. Material & Methods: A Prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Hospital, from January 2008 to June 2008. A total of 50 patients were enrolled in this study following the inclusive criteria. Data were collected using the predesigned semi-structured questionnaire. Verbal consent was taken before recruiting the study population. Completed data forms were reviewed, edited, and processed for computer data entry. Results: Among the study population (N=50), one-fifth of the mothers’ (10,20.0%) age was under twenty. The majority of mothers were (34,68.0%) between 20-30 years old with a mean age of 25.4 ± 4.32 years. Twenty-three patients (23,46.0%) came at 40+ weeks of pregnancy, eighteen patients came at (18,36,0%) on 41 weeks of pregnancy and nine patients (9,18.0%) came at41+ weeks of pregnancy. There was no perineal tear and two patients (2,4.0%) had cervical tears which were repaired. In two patients (2,4.0%) there was postpartum haemorrhage, among them two patients (2,4.0%) needed a blood transfusion. Among the healthy babies, the majority of the babies (20,40.0%) were born at 40 completed weeks of gestation, eighteen babies (18,36.0%) at 41 completed weeks and two babies (2,4.0%) were born at 42 completed weeks of gestation. Conclusion: Many childhood and adult diseases are linked with size at birth and are mostly inclined by early postnatal growth is widely accepted. The evolving fetus formulates itself for post-partum life by reporting to metabolic signals in its uterine environment.

Maternal Blood Fatty Acid Levels in Fetal Growth Restriction / Níveis sanguíneos maternos de ácidos graxos na restrição do crescimento fetal

Abstract Objective: To assess the maternal blood levels of fatty acids (FAs) in pregnancies with fetal growth restriction (FGR). Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study included pregnant women with gestational age between 26 and 37 + 6 weeks with FGR and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) fetuses. The levels of saturated, trans, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated FAs were measured using centrifugation and liquid chromatography. The Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney test, and general linear model, with gestational age and maternal weight as covariants, were used to compare FA levels and the FGR and AGA groups. The Chi-square was used to evaluate the association between groups and studied variables. Results: Maternal blood sample was collected from 64 pregnant women, being 24 FGR and 40 AGA. A weak positive correlation was found between the palmitoleic acid level and maternal weight (r = 0.285, p = 0.036). A weak negative correlation was found between the gamma-linoleic acid level and gestational age (r = −0.277, p = 0.026). The median of the elaidic acid level (2.3 vs. 4.7ng/ml, p = 0.045) and gamma-linoleic acid (6.3 vs. 6.6ng/ml, p = 0.024) was significantly lower in the FGR than the AGA group. The palmitoleic acid level was significantly higher in the FGR than AGA group (50.5 vs. 47.6ng/ml, p = 0.033). Conclusion: Pregnant women with FGR had lower elaidic acid and gamma-linoleic acid levels and higher palmitoleic acid levels than AGA fetuses.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar os níveis sanguíneos maternos de ácidos graxos (AGs) em gestações com restrição de crescimento fetal (RCF). Métodos: Este estudo prospectivo transversal incluiu gestantes com idade gestacional entre 26 e 37 semanas e 6 dias com RCF e fetos adequados para a idade gestacional (AIG). Os níveis de ácidos graxos saturados, trans, monoinsaturados e poliinsaturados foram medidos usando centrifugação e cromatografia líquida. O teste t-Student, o teste de Mann-Whitney e o modelo linear geral, com idade gestacional e peso materno como covariantes, foram utilizados para comparar os níveis de AGs e os grupos RCF e AIG. O teste Qui-quadrado foi utilizado para avaliar a associação entre os grupos e as variáveis estudadas. Resultados: Amostra de sangue materno foi coletada de 64 gestantes, sendo 24 RCF e 40 AIG. Uma correlação positiva fraca foi encontrada entre o nível de ácido palmitoleico e o peso materno (r = 0,285, p = 0,036). Uma correlação negativa fraca foi encontrada entre o nível de ácido gama-linoleico ea idade gestacional (r = −0,277, p = 0,026). A mediana do nível de ácido elaídico (2,3 vs. 4,7 ng/ml, p = 0,045) e ácido gama-linoleico (6,3 vs. 6,6 ng/ml, p = 0,024) foram significativamente menores no grupo RCF do que no grupo AIG. O nível de ácido palmitoleico foi significativamente maior no grupo RCF do que no grupo AIG (50,5 vs. 47,6 ng/ml, p = 0,033). Conclusão: Gestantes com RCF apresentaram níveis mais baixos de ácido elaídico e ácido gama-linoleico e níveis mais elevados de ácido palmitoleico do que os fetos AIG.

Utilidad de la medición del diámetro transversal del cerebelo fetal para la predicción de la edad gestacional

Objetivo: Establecer la utilidad de la medición del diámetro transversal del cerebelo fetal para la predicción de la edad gestacional. Diseño : Estudio de cohortes, prospectivo y longitudinal. Institución. Hospital Central "Dr. Urquinaona", Maracaibo, Venezuela. Participantes : Mujeres con embarazos simples de bajo riesgo, entre las 14 y las 40 semanas de gestación. Métodos : Se midieron los valores de diámetro biparietal, circunferencia abdominal, longitud del fémur y diámetro transverso del cerebelo fetal durante la duración del embarazo. Principales medidas de resultado. Predicción de la edad gestacional por medición de diámetro transverso del cerebelo. Resultados : Fueron seleccionados los datos de 215 embarazadas. Se realizaron un total de 3,858 evaluaciones totales, siendo el menor número de evaluaciones 131 a las 18 semanas y el mayor número 157 a las 28 semanas. El diámetro transversal del cerebelo presentó correlaciones fuertes, positivas y significativas con la edad gestacional por fecha de última menstruación y las mediciones ecográficas (p < 0,001). El modelo de edad gestacional predicha por el diámetro transverso del cerebelo alcanzó un valor del coeficiente de determinación de 0,908. La correlación entre la edad gestacional por fecha de última menstruación y la predicha por el modelo alcanzó un valor de r = 0,953 (p < 0,001). Conclusión : La medición del diámetro transversal del cerebelo es un parámetro útil para predecir la edad gestacional en embarazadas sanas.

Objective : To establish the usefulness of fetal cerebellar transverse diameter measurement for the prediction of gestational age. Design : Prospective, longitudinal, cohort study. Institution: Hospital Central "Dr. Urquinaona", Maracaibo, Venezuela. Participants : Women with low-risk singleton pregnancies, between 14 and 40 weeks of gestation. Methods : Biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference, femur length, and transverse diameter of the fetal cerebellum were measured during the duration of pregnancy. Main outcome measures: Prediction of gestational age by measurement of the transverse diameter of the cerebellum. Results : Data from 215 pregnant women were selected. A total of 3,858 total evaluations were performed, with the lowest number of evaluations 131 at 18 weeks and the highest number 157 at 28 weeks. The transverse diameter of the cerebellum presented strong, positive, and significant correlations with gestational age by date of last menstrual period and ultrasound measurements (p < 0.001). The model of gestational age predicted by the transverse diameter of the cerebellum reached a value of the coefficient of determination of 0.908. The correlation between gestational age by date of last menstrual period and that predicted by the model reached a value of r = 0.953 (p < 0.001). Conclusion : Measurement of the transverse diameter of the cerebellum is a useful parameter for predicting gestational age in healthy pregnant women.

Condições de nascimento e transtorno do déficit de atenção com hiperatividade (TDAH) em adultos nas coortes de nascimento de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, de 1982 e 1993 / Birth conditions and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) in adults in the Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohorts of 1982 and 1993 / Condiciones de nacimiento y trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad (TDAH) en adultos en las cohortes de nacimiento de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, de 1982 y 1993

Este artigo avaliou a associação das condições de nascimento com o transtorno do déficit de atenção com hiperatividade (TDAH) em adultos utilizando dados de duas coorte de nascimento da cidade de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Em 1982 e 1993, todos os nascimentos ocorridos na cidade foram identificados e prospectivamente acompanhados. Nos acompanhamentos aos 30 e 22 anos das coortes 1982 (n = 3.574) e 1993 (n = 3.780), respectivamente, os participantes foram examinados e psicólogos treinados aplicaram a Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.). Aqueles indivíduos que preencheram os critérios diagnósticos do Manual Diagnóstico e Estatístico de Transtornos Mentais (DSM-5) foram definidos como positivos para TDAH. A regressão de Poisson com ajuste robusto da variância foi usada para estimar a razão de prevalência (RP) ajustadas para sexo, cor da pele materna, renda familiar, idade materna, escolaridade materna durante a gestação, estado civil materno, paridade e tabagismo materno durante a gestação. A prevalência do TDAH adulto foi de 4,4% e 4,5% nas coortes de 1982 e 1993, respectivamente. A prevalência de TDAH foi maior naqueles que nasceram com menor peso, mas não foi observada tendencia linear. Além disso, aqueles que nasceram com peso entre 3.000 e 3.499 gramas (g) (RP = 1,40, IC95%: 1,05-1,86) apresentaram maior risco para o transtorno. Para a idade gestacional, observamos uma relação inversamente proporcional acerca da presença de TDAH, os pré-termos apresentaram risco 33% maior (IC95%: 0,90-1,96) de ser considerado com TDAH do que os nascidos com 39 ou mais semanas, mas como o intervalo de confiança incluiu a nulidade, essa associação pode ter ocorrido ao acaso. Tais resultados indicam que o peso ao nascer e a idade gestacional podem estar associados ao TDAH adulto.

This study evaluates the association of birth conditions with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) in adults using data from two birth cohorts in the city of Pelotas Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. In 1982 and 1993 all births in the city were identified and have been prospectively monitored. In the follow-ups at 30 and 22 years of the 1982 (n = 3,574) and 1993 (n = 3,780) cohorts, respectively, participants were examined, and trained psychologists applied the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.). Those individuals who met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria were defined as positive for ADHD. Poisson regression with robust variance adjustment was used to estimate the prevalence ratio (PR) adjusted for sex, maternal skin color, family income, maternal age, maternal schooling during pregnancy, maternal marital status, parity, and maternal smoking during pregnancy. The prevalence of adult ADHD was 4.4% and 4.5% in the 1982 and 1993 cohorts, respectively. The prevalence of ADHD was higher in those born with lower weight, but no linear trend was observed, and those born with weight between 3,000 and 3,499 grams (PR = 1.40; 95%CI: 1.05-1.86) had the highest risk. For gestational age, we observed an inversely proportional relationship for the presence of ADHD: preterm infants had a 33% higher risk (95%CI: 0.90-1.96) of being considered as having ADHD than those born at 39 or more weeks, but as the confidence interval included nullity, this association may have occurred at random. These results indicate that birth weight and gestational age may be associated with adult ADHD.

El presente estudio evaluó la asociación de las condiciones de nacimiento con el trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad (TDAH) en adultos utilizando datos de dos cohortes de nacimiento de la ciudad de Pelotas. En 1982 y 1993 se identificaron todos los nacimientos de la ciudad y se les ha hecho un seguimiento prospectivo. En los seguimientos a los 30 y 22 años de las cohortes de 1982 (n = 3.574) y 1993 (n = 3.780), respectivamente, los participantes fueron examinados y psicólogos capacitados aplicaron la Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.). Aquellas personas que cumplieron con los criterios de diagnóstico del Manual Diagnóstico y Estadístico de los Trastornos Mentales (DSM-5) se definieron como positivos para TDAH. Se utilizó la regresión de Poisson con ajuste robusto de la varianza para estimar la razón de prevalencia (RP) ajustada por sexo, color de piel materna, ingreso familiar, edad materna, educación materna en la gestación, estado civil materno, paridad y tabaquismo materno en la gestación. La prevalencia del TDAH en adultos fue de 4,4% y 4,5 %, en las cohortes de 1982 y 1993, respectivamente. La prevalencia de TDAH fue mayor en aquellos que nacieron con menor peso, pero no se observó una tendencia lineal, y aquellos que nacieron con peso entre 3.000 y 3.499 gramos (RP = 1,40; IC95%: 1,05-1,86) presentaron el mayor riesgo. Para la edad gestacional, se observó una relación inversamente proporcional para la presencia de TDAH, los niños prematuros presentaron un 33 % más de riesgo (IC95 %: 0,90-1,96), de ser considerado como teniendo TDAH que los nacidos con 39 o más semanas, pero como el intervalo de confianza incluyó la nulidad, esa asociación puede haber ocurrido al azar. Tales resultados indican que el peso al nacer y la edad gestacional pueden estar asociados con el TDAH en adultos.

Poor nutritional status of fifteen-year-old or younger adolescent mothers enhances the risk of small-for-gestational-age newborns

Introduction: To analyze the factors (socio-demographic, clinical, prenatal care, delivery, postpartum data and anthropometric measures) associated with the birth of small for gestational age newborns.Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed with 15 years old or younger postpartum adolescents divided into small-for-gestational-age newborn (SGA) and non-small-for-gestational age newborn groups (NSGA). Socio-demographic, clinical, prenatal care, delivery, postpartum data and anthropometric measures (triceps skinfold (TS), and mid-arm circumference, (MAC)) were collected.Results: 8,153 women gave birth at the obstetric ward and 364 (4.46%) ≤ 15 years old adolescents were enrolled in the study. The proportion of SGA newborns was 34.61%. The SGA group attended fewer prenatal visits (p = 0.037), had a higher prevalence of nutritional status classified as "very low weight" (p < 0.001) and vaginal delivery (p = 0.023), compared to the NSGA group. The nutritional status and vaginal delivery remained significant even after adjustment for confounders. The prevalence risk for SGA birth was 30% higher in the group of mothers with nutritional status classified as "very low weight" (odds ratio 1.30, 95% confidence interval 1.13 to 1.50) (p < 0.001).Conclusions: 15.4% of adolescents ≤ 15 years of age had an arm circumference compatible with the "very low weight" condition, demonstrating the high prevalence of poor maternal nutritional status in this group. The birth of SGA among adolescents ≤ 15 years of age is independently associated with maternal nutritional status classified as "very low weight" by the mid-arm circumference measures (MAC).

Gestational age: comparing estimation methods and live births' profile / Gestational age: comparing estimation methods and live births' profile

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify factors associated with the definition of the gestational age (GA) estimation method recorded in the live birth certificate (LBC), and to compare the results obtained according to the method in the city of São Paulo (CSP), between 2012 and 2019. Methods: Cross-sectional population-based study using the Live Birth Information System. Descriptive and comparative analysis was performed according to the GA estimation method, followed by a univariate and multivariate logistic regression model to identify the predictor variables of the method used. Results: The estimation of GA by the date of the last menstrual period (LMP) (39.9%) was lower than that obtained by other methods (OM) (60.1%) — physical examination and ultrasound, between 2012-2019. LMP registration in the LBC increased with the mother's age, it was higher among women who were white, more educated and with partners, in cesarean sections and with private funding. In the logistic regression, public funding was 2.33 times more likely than private funding to use OM. The proportion of preterm infants (<37 weeks) with GA by LMP was 26.5% higher than that obtained by OM. Median birth weight was higher among preterm infants with GA estimated by LMP. Conclusion: Prematurity was higher with the GA estimated by LMP in the CSP, which may indicate overestimation by this method. The source of funding was the most explanatory variable for defining the GA estimator method at the LBC. The results point to the need for caution when comparing the GA obtained by different methods.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar fatores associados à definição do método estimador da idade gestacional (IG) registrado na declaração de nascido vivo (DNV) e comparar os resultados obtidos segundo método no município de São Paulo, entre 2012 e 2019. Métodos: Estudo transversal de base populacional utilizando o Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos. Realizou-se análise descritiva e comparativa segundo método de estimativa da IG, seguida de modelo de regressão logística uni e multivariada para identificar as variáveis preditoras do método utilizado. Resultados: A estimativa da IG pela data da última menstruação (DUM) (39,9%) foi inferior à obtida por outros métodos (OM) (60,1%) — exame físico e ultrassonografia, entre 2012-2019. O registro da DUM na DNV aumentou com a idade da mãe, foi maior entre as brancas, mais escolarizadas e com companheiro, nas cesarianas e nos partos realizados com financiamento privado. Na regressão logística, o financiamento público apresentou chance 2,33 vezes maior que o privado para uso de OM. A proporção de prematuros (<37 semanas) com IG pela DUM foi 26,5% maior do que a obtida por OM. A mediana de peso ao nascer foi maior entre prematuros com IG estimada pela DUM. Conclusão: A prematuridade foi mais elevada com a IG estimada pela DUM no MSP, o que pode indicar superestimação por este método. A fonte de financiamento foi a variável mais explicativa para definição do método estimador da IG na DNV. Os resultados apontam a necessidade de cautela ao comparar a IG obtida por métodos diferentes.

Effect of Chorionicity， Gestational Age at Birth and Birth Weight Discordance on Neonatal Outcomes in Twin Pregnancies / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of chorionicity， gestational age at birth and birth weight discordance on neonatal outcomes in twin pregnancies. MethodsWe conducted a population-based retrospective study of monochorionic diamniotic （MCDA） twin pregnancies and dichorionic diamniotic （DCDA） twin pregnancies who were admitted in the First Affiliated Hospital， Sun Yat-sen University from January 2015 to December 2020. A total of 1504 live-born twins were included， with 386 cases in MCDA group and 1118 cases in DCDA groups， respectively. The comparison of neonatal outcomes between MCDA and DCDA twins was performed using t-test， Wilcoxon rank sum test， Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate the effects of chorionicity， gestational age at birth， birth weight discordance and sex on neonatal outcomes. There were 168 live-born twins affected by inter-twin birth weight discordance≥25%， with 96 cases in MCDA group and 72 cases in DCDA groups， respectively. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate the effects of chorionicity， gestational age at birth， birth weight light or heavy （small twin or large twin） of the twin and sex on neonatal outcomes. ResultsAmong the 1 504 newborns， gestational age at birth was lower in MCDA group compared with DCDA group （P = 0.000）， and the degree of birth weight discordance was higher in MCDA group than that of the DCDA group （P = 0.001）. Birth asphyxia， respiratory distress syndrome （RDS）， bronchopulmonary dysplasia （BPD）， and sepsis were more frequency in MCDA group compared with DCDA group （P = 0.000， P = 0.000， P = 0.000， P = 0.000）. Low gestational age at birth was an independent risk factor for birth asphyxia， RDS， BPD， sepsis， necrotizing enterocolitis （NEC）≥stageⅡ， acute kidney injury （AKI）， retinopathy of prematurity （ROP）， and neonatal death respectively （P = 0.000， P = 0.000， P = 0.000， P = 0.000， P = 0.011， P = 0.000， P = 0.000， P = 0.000）. High degree of birth weight discordance was an independent risk factor for birth asphyxia， RDS， BPD， sepsis and ROP respectively （P = 0.045， P = 0.000， P = 0.000， P = 0.004， P = 0.017 ）. Chorionicity was not an independent risk factor for neonatal morbidity and death （P > 0.05）. Among the 168 twins with birth weight discordance ≥25%， low gestational age at birth was an independent risk factor for birth asphyxia， RDS， BPD， sepsis and ROP， respectively （P = 0.000， P = 0.000， P = 0.000， P = 0.000， P = 0.000）； small twin was an independent risk factor for birth asphyxia and BPD， respectively （ P = 0.013， P = 0.001）； chorionicity was not an independent risk factor for neonatal morbidity （P > 0.05）. ConclusionChorionicity was not an independent risk factor for adverse neonatal outcome in twin births. Low gestational age at birth and high degree of birth weight discordance were independent risk factor for adverse neonatal outcome in twin births. Small twins had increased risk of adverse neonatal outcome in twins with birth weight discordance ≥25%.

Cord Blood Lipid Profile of Term and Preterm Newborns in a Tertiary Hospital in South East Nigeria: Relationship with Gestational Age and Birth Weight

Background: Early-onset atherosclerosis is a marker of future cardiovascular diseases. However, indicators of early dyslipidemia for primary prevention are generally lacking in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed at describing the cord blood lipid profile among apparently healthy newborns in a tertiary hospital in Southeast Nigeria, and its relationship with gestational age and birth weight.Methods: Cross-sectional study of 167 consecutively recruited apparently well newborns in a tertiary hospital whose cord blood lipid profile parameters (total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL ­C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL ­C) and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL ­C)) were assessed using an autoanalyzer (BiOLis 24i). Lipid variables were presented with descriptive statistics whereas their relationship with gestational age and birth weight was highlighted using Spearman's rank correlation analysis. Dunnett's T3 Post Hoc analysis was used for pairwise comparisons.Results: The 167 newborns recruited included 15 (9%) moderate preterm, 46 (27.5%) late preterm and 106 (63.5%) term babies of which 79 (47.3%) were males and 88 (52.7%) were females. The number of recruited SGA, AGA and LGA were respectively 13 (7.8%), 142 (85%), 12 (7.2%). Mode of delivery was majorly vaginal delivery (69.5%) while the rest (30.5%) was by caesarean section. The median values (in mg/dL) of TC, TG, HDL ­C, LDL ­C and VLDL ­C were 60.0, 30.5, 29.0, 25.8 and 6.1 respectively, all within the normal international ranges. Triglycerides and VLDL-C had a moderate positive correlation with gestational age (rs = 0.4;p < 0.001) and were significantly higher in small-for-gestational-age newborns. Total cholesterol, HDL ­C, and LDL-C had a weak negative correlation with gestational age and birth weight (spearman rs˂-0.3). Birth weight, gestational age, and paternal age were the common predictors of lipid profile variability.Conclusion: The finding of a significant relationship between lipid variables with gestational age and birth weight underscores the need to clinically interpret these given the relationship. The relationship with paternal age is another interesting finding which needs to be replicated and the mechanism(s) elucidated.