Multivariate analysis of neurobehavioral development in neonates

Ping YE; Ping YIN; Jianqiao BAI; Xiaoxian LIU; Yanshu LI

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

Logistic analysis of multi-ordered response-variable is used to probe into from another view the interrelationship between lead content in fetus faeces and neurobehavioral development under exposure to low-level lead in uterus.

OBJECTIVE:

To probe into multi-factors of neurobehavioral development in neonates and the sensibility.

DESIGN:

The total score of neurobehavior in neonates was taken as dependent variable and 24 indexes were as independent variables, such as induced factors, lead in umbilicus blood and lead in fetus faeces in questionnaire. Logistic progressive regression of multi-ordered response-variables was used in analysis and corresponding factors were screened at level of P=0.10.

SETTING:

Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Laboratory Room of Occupation Disease and Epidemic disease in Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology and Occupation Hospital of China First Metallurgical Construction General Company.

PARTICIPANTS:

Totally 103 full-month borne and healthy neonates were randomized in Department of Gynecology of one occupation hospital in Qingshan District of New-type Industry Area of Huanhan City from January to October 1999 as the objects. The relatives agreed with topic research and questionnaire investigation and they provided neonatal faeces and received neonatal tests on time.off the umbilicus and preserved in freezing in refrigerator at -4 ℃. The faeces in 24 hours after birth was collected and the lead contents of umbilicus blood and faeces were assayed with graphite furnace atomic absorpBehavioral Neurological Assessment (NBNA) was used in examination on the 3rd day after delivery. Simultaneously, the self-designed questionnaire was adopted in the investigation for parturients. The questionnaire involved other possible factors of neonatal neurobehavioral development, including dependent variables, concerning to states of family, society, environment and health that affected neurological development in neonates and lead contents in umbilicus blood and faeces. Scores of neonatal neurobehavior were taken as response variables. Finally, the corresponding factors were screened.MAIN OUTCOME

MEASURES:

To screen the factors of neurobehavioral development of neonates.

RESULTS:

Totally 103 cases entered result analysis. Six factors were selected in the model, named pregnant weeks, the month of drug administration in pregnancy, hemoglobin, emotions in pregnancy, lead level in fetus faeces and drug administration.

CONCLUSION:

Neonatal neurobehavioral development was related to multiple factors. Good nutrient in pregnancy, long pregnant weeks and good emotions in pregnancy benefit neurobehavioral development of neonates. Drug administration during pregnancy is disadvantageous in neonatal neurobehavioral development, especially the medication at the early phase of pregnancy. The increased lead content in neonatal faeces does not benefit neonatal neurobehavioral development.