Intra-uterine physical growth in schizophrenia: 
evidence confirming excess of premature birth

Background. Many studies have suggested a possible aetiological role for obstetric complications in the development of schizophrenia. We focused on prenatal physical growth in schizophrenia, a contentious issue in the literature.Methods. We compared gestational age at birth, birth weight (BW) and birth head circumference (BHC) between 312 schizophrenics and 517 controls, and between 187 schizophrenics and their matched healthy siblings. Information on obstetric histories was obtained from the Maternal and Child Health Handbooks (i.e. contemporaneous records).Results. Gestational age at birth was significantly earlier in the schizophrenics than in the controls (P = 0·017). Pre-term birth (gestational age of 36 weeks or less) was more common in schizophrenics than in controls (8·0% v. 3·4%, P = 0·005, odds ratio 2·5). Low BW (2500 g or less) was more frequent in schizophrenics than in controls (9·6% v. 4·6%, P = 0·005, odds ratio 2·2). The schizophrenics had significantly lighter BW (P = 0·0003) and tended to have smaller BHC (P = 0·081) compared with controls. However, multiple regression analysis showed that there was no significant difference in BW or BHC between the schizophrenics and controls when gestational age and maternal weight were controlled. There was no significant difference in BW or BHC between schizophrenics and their siblings, although the schizophrenics tended to be born at earlier gestational age than their siblings.Conclusions. Our results suggest that prematurity at birth is associated with a risk of developing schizophrenia in adulthood. When gestational age and maternal body weight were allowed for, there was no evidence that schizophrenics tend to have lower mean BW or smaller BHC.

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Coeliac disease presenting atypically: A much wider spectrum

Tropical Doctor ◽

10.1177/0049475521991348 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 004947552199134

Author(s):

Avinash Lomash ◽

Abhinaya Venkatakrishnan ◽

Meenakshi Bothra ◽

Bhavna Dhingra ◽

Praveen Kumar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Coeliac Disease ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Dermatitis Herpetiformis ◽

Mode Of Delivery ◽

Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽

Stunted Growth ◽

Significant Difference ◽

High Index Of Suspicion ◽

Gestational Age At Birth ◽

Age At Birth

Atypical coeliac disease in young children is frequently missed when it presents atypically as non-gastrointestinal presentations to different specialties. There was a greater delay (54 months) in establishing the diagnosis in those with atypical coeliac disease (p < 0.001). No difference was observed in the mode of delivery or duration of breast feeding, but significant difference was observed between gestational age at birth (p < 0.001). Most cases showed stunted growth and underweight. Irritability, anaemia, rickets, dermatitis herpetiformis, alopecia and intussusception were other common predictors of atypical coeliac disease. Because of a myriad spectrum of non-gastrointestinal symptoms, at any age with diverse presentation, a high index of suspicion is therefore required.

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Environment, Genes, and Alcohol

PEDIATRICS ◽

10.1542/peds.71.6.989a ◽

1983 ◽

Vol 71 (6) ◽

pp. 989-990

Author(s):

NANCY L. GOLDEN

Keyword(s):

Socioeconomic Status ◽

Low Socioeconomic Status ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Control Groups ◽

Low Socioeconomic ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Infant Outcome ◽

Gestational Age At Birth ◽

And Control ◽

Age At Birth

In Reply.— Casey's point is well taken. An association between socioeconomic status and infant outcome has been documented. Our study and control groups were not matched on that factor, but on age, race, and gestational age at birth. A retrospective analysis of the socioeconomic status of study and control mothers indicates that they are all of low socioeconomic status (Hollingshead groups 4 and 5) and that there is no significant difference between the study and control groups.

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FAKTOR RISIKO BAYI BERAT LAHIR RENDAH DITINJAU DARI KUALITAS PELAYANAN KESEHATAN DAN FAKTOR KEHAMILAN (Studi di Puskesmas Margorejo dan Puskesmas Juwana di Kabupaten Pati)

Jurnal Litbang Media Informasi Penelitian Pengembangan dan IPTEK ◽

10.33658/jl.v12i1.51 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 41-50

Author(s):

Aeda Ernawati

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Health Workers ◽

Hyperemesis Gravidarum ◽

Risk Estimation ◽

Maternal Weight ◽

Chi Square ◽

Gestational Age At Birth ◽

Age At Birth

ENGLISHQuality of health care and pregnancy factors affect the development of the fetus. The purpose of this study is to analyze the quality of health care and pregnancy factors on the incidence of Low Birth Weight (LBW) including: antenatal completeness, the frequency of antenatal, maternal weight during pregnancy, a history of hyperemesis gravidarum, and gestational age at birth. This study uses case control design with sample of 32 cases and 32 controls. Statistical test uses chi square and risk estimation uses odds ratios. The results show that antenatal completeness (OR = 4.911 and p = 0.009), gestational age at birth (OR = 4.592 and p = 0.010) and hyperemesis gravidarum experienced by the mother during pregnancy (OR = 4.200 and p = 0.029) are risk factors of LBW in Public Health Center Juwana and Margorejo. The cooperation among health workers is needed to improve knowledge of pregnant women regarding the importance of completed antenatal care. In addition, it is important to raise awareness for pregnant women about the problems during pregnancy so that the problems can be addressed immediately. INDONESIAKualitas pelayanan kesehatan dan faktor kehamilan berpengaruh terhadap pertumbuhan dan perkembangan janin. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis faktor kualitas pelayanan kesehatan dan faktor kehamilan terhadap kejadian Berat Bayi Lahir Rendah (BBLR) yang meliputi: kelengkapan pemeriksaan antenatal, frekuensi pemeriksaan antenatal, kenaikan berat badan ibu saat hamil, riwayat hiperemesis gravidarum, dan umur kehamilan pada saat bayi lahir. Penelitian ini menggunakan desain kasus kontrol dengan jumlah sampel masing-masing 32 responden. Uji statistik menggunakan chi square dan estimasi risiko menggunakan odd rasio. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan kelengkapan pemeriksaan antenatal (OR = 4,911 dan p = 0,009), umur kehamilan saat bayi dilahirkan (OR = 4,592 dan p = 0,010) dan hiperemesis gravidarum yang dialami ibu selama hamil (OR = 4,200 dan p = 0,029) menjadi faktor risiko kejadian BBLR di Puskesmas Juwana dan Puskesmas Margorejo. Perlu kerja sama semua tenaga kesehatan untuk meningkatkan informasi kepada ibu hamil tentang pentingnya pemeriksaan antenatal secara lengkap serta memotivasi ibu hamil dan keluarganya untuk meningkatkan kepekaan terhadap masalah yang dihadapi selama kehamilan sehingga jika ada masalah dapat segera diatasi.

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Retinopathy of prematurity in a tertiary facility: an initial report of a screening programme

Nigerian Journal of Paediatrics ◽

10.4314/njp.v47i2.1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 47 (2) ◽

pp. 55-60

Author(s):

B.A. Olusanya ◽

T.S. Oluleye ◽

O.O. Tongo ◽

M.O. Ugalahi ◽

Y.O. Babalola ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Birth Weight ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Retinopathy Of Prematurity ◽

Screening Criteria ◽

Screening Programs ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Gestational Age At Birth ◽

Age At Birth ◽

Rop Screening

Background: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening in Nigeria is at a nascent stage and at the moment there are no National guidelines for ROP screening in Nigeria. Thus it is desirable for screening programs to report findings amongst screened preterm infants in order to facilitate the development of national ROP screening criteria and guidelines. The aim of this report is to describe the frequency, severity and risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) among preterm and very low-birth-weight babies screened within the first year of initiating an ROP screening program at a Nigerian tertiary facility. Methods: A cross-sectional study of infants born at less than 34 weeks gestational age; or with birth weight less than 1500g between May 2016 and May 2017. ROP screening examinations were performed by ophthalmologists with the use of an indirect ophthalmoscope, after pupillary dilation, in collaboration with the neonatology team. Information on gestational age at birth, birth weight, oxygen therapy and presence of other risk factors were recorded and analyzed. Results: A total of 74 infants were screened during the period. There were 36 (48.6%) males. Mean gestational age at birth was 29.6 (±2.35) weeks. Mean birth weight was 1.26 (±0.27) kg with a range of 800 to 1950g. ROP was detected in 9 (12.2%) infants. Two (22.2%) of these had Threshold ROP. There was no significant difference between the mean birth weight and mean gestational age of the infants who had ROP compared to those without ROP. The two infants with Threshold ROP were treated with intravitreal Bevazicumab and had regression of ROP. Conclusion: Retinopathy of prematurity was diagnosed in at risk infants in this facility. There is, therefore, a need to establish ROP screening programs in all neonatal units across the country. In addition, established programs need to evaluate their screening criteria with a view towards developing country-specific screening guidelines. Keywords: Retinopathy; Prematurity; Preterm; Neonates; Nigeria; Africa

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Paternal antidepressant use as a negative control for maternal use: assessing familial confounding on gestational length and anxiety traits in offspring

International Journal of Epidemiology ◽

10.1093/ije/dyz170 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 48 (5) ◽

pp. 1665-1672 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jacqueline M Cohen ◽

Mollie E Wood ◽

Sonia Hernández-Díaz ◽

Eivind Ystrom ◽

Hedvig Nordeng

Keyword(s):

Gestational Age ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Child Behavior Checklist ◽

Child Anxiety ◽

Negative Control ◽

Gestational Length ◽

Antidepressant Use ◽

Gestational Age At Birth ◽

Age At Birth ◽

In Pregnancy

Abstract Background Maternal antidepressant use in pregnancy has been associated with both shorter gestational length and child anxiety. We employed paternal antidepressant use as a negative-control exposure to indirectly assess whether confounding by genetic or shared familial environmental factors associated with depression may explain these associations. Methods The study sample came from the population-based Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) that recruited participants from 1999 to 2008. We included 70 959 families where the father completed a questionnaire about medication use in the 6 months prior to pregnancy. In 42 511 infants who completed the 3-year follow-up, we computed Z-scores for the anxiety domain of the Child Behavior Checklist. We used linear and logistic regression to assess the association between paternal antidepressant use, gestational age at birth and child anxiety. Results Antidepressants were used by 1.1% (n = 755) of fathers. Paternal antidepressant use was not associated with gestational age at birth [β = 0.63 days, 95% confidence interval (CI) –1.56, 0.31] whereas it was positively associated with a child anxiety symptom Z-score and high anxiety symptoms (odds ratio 1.33, 95% CI 0.90, 1.97) in unadjusted analyses. This association was attenuated when controlling for maternal and paternal history of depression and other measured factors (odds ratio 1.14, 95% CI 0.76, 1.69). Conclusions These results support the suggested effect of maternal use of antidepressants in pregnancy on shorter gestation; however, they suggest familial confounding could explain the association between maternal use of antidepressants and anxiety traits in the offspring.

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Does Fetal Gender Really Affects Neonatal Birth Weight and Gestational Age at Birth? A Prospective Cohort Study

International Journal of Childbirth ◽

10.1891/ijcbirth-d-19-00013 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 203-210

Author(s):

Naina Kumar ◽

Ashu Yadav

Keyword(s):

Birth Weight ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Apgar Scores ◽

Fetal Gender ◽

Neonatal Birth Weight ◽

Tertiary Center ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Gestational Age At Birth ◽

The Impact ◽

Age At Birth

OBJECTIVEThe objective of this study was to understand the impact of fetal gender on neonatal birth weight for the gestational age at the time of birth. Only neonates with a gestational age of 28 weeks or more than 28 weeks were included in the study.METHODSThis prospective study was conducted within the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of a rural tertiary center in Northern India. The study was conducted after ethical clearance and informed consent from participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Data collection included neonatal gender, birth weight, Apgar scores, and gestational age. Neonates were delivered vaginally or by cesarean section at 28 or more weeks of gestation. Statistical analysis was done using version SPSS-22 software.RESULTSOf 2,997 live fetuses, 1,574 (52.5%) were male, 1,421 (47.4%) were female, and 2 (0.07%) had ambiguous genitalia. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) for male neonate's birth weight was 2.79 ± 0.503 kg (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.76–2.81), for females 2.67 ± 0.485 kg (95% CI: 2.64–2.69) respectively (p = .000). Males had lower Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes of age compared to females (7.06 ± 0.859, 8.83 ± 0.838 vs. 7.12 ± 0.645, 8.88 ± 0.612). There were no significant difference between fetal gender and gestational age at birth (18% females were preterm vs. 15.4% males, 81.8% females were term vs. 84.2% males, 0.1% females post-term vs. 0.4% males; p = .079).CONCLUSIONFetal gender was related to birth weight. Male neonates had a higher birth weight, but lower Apgar scores than female neonates. Fetal gender was not correlated with gestational age at the time of birth.

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Foetal haemoglobin concentration at postmenstrual age is unaffected by gestational age at birth

Annals of Clinical Biochemistry International Journal of Laboratory Medicine ◽

10.1177/0004563217721253 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 55 (3) ◽

pp. 400-403 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yuki Watanabe ◽

Kayo Osawa ◽

Itsuko Sato ◽

Sota Iwatani ◽

Ruri Kono ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gestational Age ◽

Haemoglobin Concentration ◽

Foetal Haemoglobin ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Postmenstrual Age ◽

Gestational Age At Birth ◽

Age At Birth

Background Our aim was to determine whether the postnatal age or postmenstrual age is a more appropriate criterion for evaluating foetal haemoglobin concentrations. Methods Blood samples ( n = 1095) were obtained from 394 infants and were divided into two groups based on gestational age at birth: <37 weeks ( n = 491) and ≥37 weeks ( n = 604). (1) Foetal haemoglobin concentrations divided by one month at age after birth were compared between the groups. (2) Foetal haemoglobin concentrations divided into ≤9 months from last menstruation and one month thereafter were compared between the groups. Results In samples from infants ≥37 weeks’ gestational age at birth, the median foetal haemoglobin concentrations were 69.5%, 21.4% and 3.6% at 0–1 month, 2–3 months and ≥5 months after birth, respectively. The median foetal haemoglobin concentrations in infants <37 weeks’ gestational age at birth were 75.5%, 62.7% and 5.1% at 0–1 month, 2–3 months and ≥5 months after birth, respectively. The median foetal haemoglobin concentrations in infants <37 weeks’ gestational age at birth were significantly higher than that in infants ≥37 weeks’ gestational age at birth at all postnatal age points. (2) There was no significant difference between the groups at all age points after nine months of postmenstrual age: 72.5 and 75.3% at 9–10 months, 25.1 and 26.6% at 11–12 months and 5.5 and 4.6% at >13 months after last menstruation in infants ≥37 and <37 weeks’ gestational age at birth, respectively. Conclusions Evaluation of foetal haemoglobin concentrations at postmenstrual age is unaffected by gestational age at birth.

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