Infections in very LBW infants stunt neurodevelopment and growth
In what is perhaps the largest study to date to evaluate the impact of neonatal infection on adverse outcomes in early childhood, researchers have found that neonatal infections among extremely low-birthweight (ELBW) infants are associated with serious adverse neurodevelopmental and growth outcomes in early childhood that contribute to long-term disability.
In what is perhaps the largest study to date to evaluate the impact of neonatal infection on adverse outcomes in early childhood, researchers have found that neonatal infections among extremely low-birthweight (ELBW) infants are associated with serious adverse neurodevelopmental and growth outcomes in early childhood that contribute to long-term disability.
The prospective cohort study included over 6,000 infants weighing 401 to 1,000 g at birth. Sixty-five percent of the ELBW survivors had at least one infection during their postbirth hospital stay: 1,538 developed clinical infection alone; 1,922 developed sepsis alone; 279 developed sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC); and 193 developed meningitis with or without sepsis.
Compared with uninfected infants, those who were in any of the four infection groups were significantly more likely to develop cerebral palsy (range of significant odds ratio [OR], 1.4-1.7), low Bayley Scales of Infant Development II scores on the mental development index (OR, 1.3-1.6) and psychomotor development index (OR, 1.5-2.4), and vision impairment (OR, 1.3-2.2). Infants with sepsis and NEC were at highest risk for adverse outcomes.
Early preterm birth risk linked to low PlGF levels during pregnancy screening
November 20th 2024New research highlights that low levels of placental growth factor during mid-pregnancy screening can effectively predict early preterm birth, offering a potential tool to enhance maternal and infant health outcomes.
Read More
Major congenital malformations not linked to first trimester tetracycline use
November 20th 2024A large population-based study found that first-trimester tetracycline exposure does not elevate the risk of major congenital malformations, though specific risks for nervous system and eye anomalies warrant further research.
Read More
No link found between prenatal cannabis use and childhood developmental delay
November 5th 2024In a recent study, offspring of women with cannabis use in early pregnancy confirmed by self-report or toxicology test were not at an increased risk of childhood early developmental delay up to the age of 5.5 years.
Read More
Prenatal cannabis use not linked to offspring ASD development
November 1st 2024In a recent study, adjustments for maternal characteristics mediated the association between maternal prenatal cannabis use and offspring autism spectrum disorder, indicating no statistically significant increase in risk.
Read More
Importance of reproductive health services for adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic
October 30th 2024In a recent study, high rates of reproductive health service use were reported among adolescent mothers, indicating the benefits of this model for providing care when other options are unavailable.
Read More
