No improvement in socioeconomic inequalities in birthweight and preterm birth over four decades: a population-based cohort study

Secular trends and age-period-cohort effect on adverse perinatal outcomes in Hubei, China (2011-2019)

The increasing trend in the incidence of adverse perinatal outcomes is a public health concern globally as well as in China. However, the causes of the increasing trend are not well understood. The present tertiary-hospital-based retrospective study (2011-2019) aims to determine the secular trends and age-period-cohort effect on adverse perinatal outcomes in Hubei, China. The age-standardized incidence rates of adverse perinatal outcomes significantly decreased such as preterm births by 22% [AAPC - 3.4% (95% CI - 7.8, - 1.2)], low birth weight (LBW) by 28.5% [AAPC - 4.7% (95% CI - 6.0, - 3.3)], and fetal distress by 64.2% [AAPC - 14.0% (95% CI - 17.8, - 10.0)] during 2011-2019. Both extremes of maternal age groups (18-20 years and 42-44 years) had a higher risk ratio for adverse perinatal outcomes including preterm birth, perinatal mortality, LBW, low ponderal index (LPI), low Apgar score, and congenital defect compared to the reference age group (30-32 years). A higher risk ratio for perinatal mortality, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and fetal distress and a lower risk ratio for preterm births and LBW were observed in the period 2017-2019. Both the young cohort (1997-1999) and the old cohort (1976-1969) had a higher risk ratio for preterm birth, perinatal mortality, macrosomia, and congenital defect compared to the reference cohort (1982-1984). In conclusion, some of the adverse perinatal outcomes incidence significantly decreased in the last 9 years in Hubei. However, extremes of maternal age groups and both young and old cohorts were associated with a higher risk of preterm birth, perinatal mortality, and congenital defect.

A Comprehensive Review on Social Inequalities and Pregnancy Outcome-Identification of Relevant Pathways and Mechanisms

Scientific literature tends to support the idea that the pregnancy and health status of fetuses and newborns can be affected by maternal, parental, and contextual characteristics. In addition, a growing body of evidence reports that social determinants, measured at individual and/or aggregated level(s), play a crucial role in fetal and newborn health. Numerous studies have found social factors (including maternal age and education, marital status, pregnancy intention, and socioeconomic status) to be linked to poor birth outcomes. Several have also suggested that beyond individual and contextual social characteristics, living environment and conditions (or "neighborhood") emerge as important determinants in health inequalities, particularly for pregnant women. Using a comprehensive review, we present a conceptual framework based on the work of both the Commission on Social Determinants of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO), aimed at describing the various pathways through which social characteristics can affect both pregnancy and fetal health, with a focus on the structural social determinants (such as socioeconomic and political context) that influence social position, as well as on intermediary determinants. We also suggest that social position may influence more specific intermediary health determinants; individuals may, on the basis of their social position, experience differences in environmental exposure and vulnerability to health-compromising living conditions. Our model highlights the fact that adverse birth outcomes, which inevitably lead to health inequity, may, in turn, affect the individual social position. In order to address both the inequalities that begin in utero and the disparities observed at birth, it is important for interventions to target various unhealthy behaviors and psychosocial conditions in early pregnancy. Health policy must, then, support: (i) midwifery availability and accessibility and (ii) enhanced multidisciplinary support for deprived pregnant women.

Job loss and fetal growth restriction: identification of critical trimesters of exposure

PURPOSE

Previous research suggests that job loss in a household during pregnancy may perturb fetal growth. However, this work often cannot rule out unmeasured confounding due to selection into job loss. Recent work using data on exogenous job loss (due to a plant closure) finds that a father's unexpected job loss during his spouse's pregnancy increases the risk of a low weight birth. Using a unique set of linked registries in Denmark, we build on this work and examine whether associations between a father's unexpected job loss and low birthweight differ by trimester of in utero exposure. We additionally examine trimester-specific associations of job loss with small-for-gestational-age, a proxy for restricted fetal growth, which may cause low birthweight.

METHODS

We apply a sibling control design to over 1.4 million live births in Denmark, 1980 to 2017, to examine whether this plausibly exogenous form of job loss corresponds with increased risk of low weight or small-for-gestational-age births, depending on the timing of displacement in the first, second, or third trimester.

RESULTS

Results indicate an elevated risk of low birthweight (OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.24, 2.62) and small-for-gestational-age (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.93) among gestations exposed to job loss in the second trimester of pregnancy. Sensitivity analyses using continuous outcome measures (e.g., birthweight in grams, birthweight for gestational age percentile) and maternal fixed effects analyses produce substantively similar inference.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings support the notion that unexpected job loss may affect fetal growth and that the second trimester in particular appears sensitive to this external stressor.

Ten-year time trends in preterm birth during a sociodemographic transition period: a retrospective cohort study in Shenzhen, China

OBJECTIVES

To investigate time trends of preterm birth and estimate the contributions of risk factors to the changes in preterm birth rates over a decade (2009-2018) of transitional period in Shenzhen, China.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study between 2009 and 2018.

SETTING

All births in Baoan during January 2009 and December 2018 registered in the Shenzhen Birth Registry Database.

PARTICIPANTS

478 044 live births were included with sociodemographic and medical records for both women and infants.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The incidence rate of preterm birth stratified by different maternal and infant characteristics. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify significant risk factors associated with preterm birth. The population attributable risk fraction of each factor was calculated to estimate its contribution to variations of preterm birth rate over the 10 years.

RESULTS

A total of 27 829 preterm births from 478 044 (5.8%) live births were recorded and the preterm birth rate increased from 5.5% in 2009 to 6.2% in 2018. Medically induced preterm birth rate increased from 2.0% in 2009 to 3.4% in 2018 while spontaneous preterm labour rate decreased from 3.3% to 2.7% over the decade years. Risk factors including multiple pregnancy (0.28% increase) drove the rise of preterm birth rate, whereas changes in maternal educational attainment (0.22% reduction) and prenatal care utilisation (0.45% reduction) had contributed to the decline in preterm birth rate.

CONCLUSIONS

An uptrend of preterm birth rate was observed in an area under rapid sociodemographic transitions during 2009-2018 and the changes were associated with these sociodemographic transitions. Continued investments in girls' education and prenatal care have the potential of reducing preterm birth rate.

Quantile regression analysis of the socioeconomic inequalities in air pollution and birth weight

BACKGROUND

An association between maternal exposure to air pollution and the birth weight distribution has been reported, but the extent to which this relationship varies according to socioeconomic status (SES) is unknown. This study examined the relationship using the data from a Korean birth cohort.

METHODS

Data for singleton births in Seoul from 2007 to 2017 (n = 1739) were analyzed. Maternal exposures to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter <10 µm (PM₁₀) and <2.5 µm (PM_2.5), as well as to nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and ozone (O₃) for each trimester and the entire pregnancy were estimated using residential address, gestational age, and the birth date. The associations between the interquartile range (IQR) increases in pollutant concentrations and the changes in birth weight were examined using linear regression and quantile regression models. The socioeconomic disparities in the associations were investigated using a derived SES variable based on the composite of parental education and occupation. This SES variable was then interacted with the air pollutant.

RESULTS

In the gestational age-adjusted models, particulate air pollutants (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5) and O₃ were associated with birth weight decreases for the lower birth weight percentiles. For example, the decrease in mean birthweight per IQR increase in PM_2.5 during second trimester was -21.1 g (95% confidence interval (CI) = -41.8, -0.4), whereas the quantile-specific associations were: 10th percentile -27.0 g (95% CI = -46.6, -7.3); 50th percentile -22.2 g (95% CI = -39.6, -4.8); and 90th percentile -22.9 g (95% CI = -45.5, -0.2). Particulate air pollutants and O₃ showed a pattern of socioeconomic inequalities; the reduced birth weight was of greater magnitude for children from a low SES group.

CONCLUSIONS

Negative associations between particulate air pollutants and O₃ and birth weight were consistently greater at the lower quantiles of the birth weight distribution, especially in lower SES group.

Social gradient of birthweight in England assessed using the INTERGROWTH-21st gestational age-specific standard

OBJECTIVE

To determine the socioeconomic gradient of birthweights in England with reference to the prescriptive INTERGROWTH-21^st Birthweight Standard.

DESIGN

National cross-sectional study using data from Hospital Episode Statistics.

SETTING

National Health Service in England.

PARTICIPANTS

All singleton babies, live born between 34 weeks' gestation and 42 weeks' gestation, between 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2012.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Birthweight distribution of babies with a birthweight of <10th centile or >90th centile, that is, small for gestational age (SGA) or large for gestational age (LGA) using Index of Multiple Deprivation quintiles as a proxy for socioeconomic status.

RESULTS

Of 508 230 babies born alive between 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2012, 38 838 (7.6%) were SGA and 81 026 (15.9%) were LGA. Median birthweight was 3405 g, median z-score was 0.25 (SD 1.06). Birthweight z-score demonstrated a social gradient, from 0.26 (SD 1.1) in the most deprived areas to 0.53 (1.0) in the least deprived. Women in the most deprived areas were twice as likely to have SGA babies using the INTERGROWTH-21^st chart (OR 1.94; 95% CI 1.87 to 2.01) compared with those in the least deprived areas. If all women had the same rate of SGA equivalent to those living in the least deprived areas, approximately 12 410 (30%) fewer babies would be born SGA in England each year.

CONCLUSIONS

This study gives a measure of the social gradient in singleton SGA and LGA babies across England using an international standard of newborn size at birth.

Are socioeconomic inequalities in the incidence of small-for-gestational-age birth narrowing? Findings from a population-based cohort in the South of England

OBJECTIVES

To investigate socioeconomic inequalities, using maternal educational attainment, maternal and partner employment status, and lone motherhood indicators, in the risk of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) births, their time trend, potential mediation by maternal smoking and body mass index, and effect modification by parity.

DESIGN

Population-based birth cohort using routine antenatal healthcare data.

SETTING

Babies born at University Hospital Southampton, UK, between 2004 and 2016.

PARTICIPANTS

65 909 singleton live births born to mothers aged ≥18 years between 24-week and 42-week gestation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

SGA (birth weight <10th percentile for others born at the same number of completed weeks compared with 2013/2014 within England and Wales).

RESULTS

Babies born to mothers educated up to secondary school level (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.32, 99% CI 1.19 to 1.47), who were unemployed (aOR 1.27, 99% CI 1.16 to 1.38) or with unemployed partners (aOR 1.27, 99% CI 1.13 to 1.43), were at greater risk of being SGA. There was no statistically significant change in the magnitude of this risk difference by these indicators over time between 2004 and 2016, as estimated by linear interactions with year of birth. Babies born to lone mothers were not at higher risk compared with partnered mothers after adjusting for maternal smoking (aOR 1.05, 99% CI 0.93 to 1.20). The inverse association between maternal educational attainment and SGA risk appeared greater in multiparous (aOR 1.40, 99% CI 1.10 to 1.77) compared with primiparous women (aOR 1.28, 99% CI 1.12 to 1.47), and the reverse was true for maternal and partner's unemployment where the association was stronger in primiparous women.

CONCLUSIONS

Socioeconomic inequalities in SGA risk by educational attainment and employment status are not narrowing over time, with differences in association strength by parity. The greater SGA risk in lone mothers was potentially explained by maternal smoking. Preventive interventions should target socially disadvantaged women, including preconception and postpartum smoking cessation to reduce SGA risk.

Women from racial or ethnic minority and low socioeconomic backgrounds receive more prenatal education: Results from the 2012 to 2014 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System

BACKGROUND

Racial or ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in adverse birth outcomes are well known, but few studies have examined disparities in the receipt of prenatal health education. The objectives of this study were to examine racial or ethnic and socioeconomic variations in receiving (1) comprehensive prenatal health education and (2) education about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, breastfeeding, alcohol, and smoking cessation from health care practitioners.

METHODS

Data were drawn from the 2012 to 2014 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS). Twenty-seven states were included with an analysis sample size of 68 025 participants. Receiving counseling on all listed health topics during prenatal care visits was denoted as comprehensive prenatal health education. Logistic regression was used to examine the association of racial or ethnic and socioeconomic variables with receiving comprehensive prenatal health education, and HIV testing, breastfeeding, alcohol, and smoking cessation advice separately.

RESULTS

Multivariable results showed that racial or ethnic minorities and women with a high school degree or less; receiving Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) assistance; and on Medicaid during pregnancy have higher odds of receiving comprehensive prenatal health education (all P  ≤0 .001). Results were similar for receiving HIV testing, breastfeeding, alcohol, and smoking counseling. Low household income was associated with receiving counseling on HIV testing, alcohol, and smoking (all P ≤ 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Despite reporting higher levels of prenatal health education on a variety of health-related topics, disadvantaged women continue to experience disparities in adverse birth outcomes suggesting that education is insufficient in promoting positive behaviors and birth outcomes.

Pockets of progress amidst persistent racial disparities in low birthweight rates

Racial disparities persist in adverse perinatal outcomes such as preterm birth, low birthweight (LBW), and infant mortality across the U.S. Although pervasive, these disparities are not universal. Some communities have experienced significant improvements in black (or African American) birth outcomes, both in absolute rates and in rate ratios relative to whites. This study assessed county-level progress on trends in black and white LBW rates as an indicator of progress toward more equal birth outcomes for black infants. County-level LBW data were obtained from the 2003 to 2013 U.S. Natality files. Black LBW rates, black-white rate ratios and percent differences over time were calculated. Trend lines were first assessed for significant differences in slope (i.e., converging, diverging, or parallel trend lines). For counties with parallel trend lines, intercepts were tested for statistically significant differences (sustained equality vs. persistent disparities). To assess progress, black LBW rates were compared to white LBW rates, and the trend lines were tested for significant decline. Each county's progress toward black-white equality was ultimately categorized into five possible trend patterns (n = 408): (1) converging LBW rates with reductions in the black LBW rate (decreasing disparities, n = 4, 1%); (2) converging LBW rates due to worsening white LBW rates (n = 5, 1%); (3) diverging LBW rates (increasing disparities, n = 9, 2%); (4) parallel LBW rates (persistent disparities, n = 373, 91%); and (5) overlapping trend lines (sustained equality, n = 18, 4%). Only four counties demonstrated improvement toward equality with decreasing black LBW rates. There is significant county-level variation in progress toward racial equality in adverse birth outcomes such as low birthweight. Still, some communities are demonstrating that more equitable outcomes are possible. Further research is needed in these positive exemplar communities to identify what works in accelerating progress toward more equal birth outcomes.

Pathways linking socioeconomic status to small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants among primiparae: a birth cohort study in China

OBJECTIVES

Evidence about the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants was insufficient among Chinese primiparae. In addition, factors that may mediate this relationship are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk of and mediators between SES and SGA.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Wuhan, Hubei, China.

METHOD

Participants were recruited from patients who gave birth in the maternity care hospital of Wuhan between September 2012 and October 2014. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between SES and SGA. Pathway analysis was performed to examine the contribution of maternal lifestyles and pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome (PIH) to the relationship between SES and SGA. Total effect, direct effect and indirect effect of SES on SGA were measured. Effect sizes were evaluated by unstandardised estimates (B) and standardised estimates (ß).

RESULTS

Among 8737 primiparae, 927 (10.61%) pregnant women had babies with SGA. High SES was inversely associated with risk of SGA (OR 0.856; 95% CI 0.737 to 0.995) after adjustment for potential confounders. Maternal obstetric characteristics, lifestyles and PIH completely mediated SES and SGA (indirect effect: B=-0.067, 95% CI -0.108 to -0.026). The indirect effect of SES was strengthened by PIH (B=-0.029), a multivitamin supplement (B=-0.021), prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) ≥18.50 (B=-0.009) and prepregnancy BMI ≥18.50 to gestational weight gain (GWG) not below the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations (B=-0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Women from high SES predicted lower risk of PIH, more chances to take a multivitamin supplement during early pregnancy, keeping prepregnancy BMI ≥18.50 kg/cm² and gaining adequate gestational weight which was not below IOM recommendations. Furthermore, lower risk of PIH, more chances to take a multivitamin supplement, prepregnancy BMI ≥18.50 kg/cm² and GWG not below IOM recommendations were associated with a lower risk of SGA infants.

Could low birth weight and preterm birth be associated with significant burden of hip osteoarthritis? A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Approaches for the prevention and treatment of hip osteoarthritis (OA) remain limited. There are recent data suggesting that low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth may be risk factors for hip osteoarthritis. This has the potential to change the current paradigm of hip osteoarthritis prevention by targeting early life factors. The aim of this review was to examine the available evidence for an association of LBW and preterm birth with hip OA. The potential cost implications associated with total hip arthroplasty were also evaluated.

METHODS

Ovid Medline, EMBASE, and Cinahl were searched up until August 2017 using MeSH terms and key words. Methodological quality was evaluated using the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) quality assessment tool. Qualitative evidence synthesis was performed to summarise the results. Bradford Hill's criteria for causation including the temporal relationship, consistency, strength of the association, specificity, dose-response relationship, and analogy were used to assess the evidence for causation. Economic modelling was used to calculate the potential economic burden associated with LBW or preterm birth related total hip arthroplasty using Australian data from 2012 to 2015.

RESULTS

Five studies, ranging from high to low quality, were included. Hip bone shape abnormalities examined included developmental hip dysplasia and immature hip, and hip osteoarthritis included osteophytes and total hip arthroplasty. A causal link between low birth weight or preterm birth and hip osteoarthritis was found. Of the 30,477 total hip arthroplasties performed for hip osteoarthritis in Australia in 2015, 5791 were estimated to be born preterm and 5273 with low birth weight. This equated to a potential total hip arthroplasty cost of AU$145,136,082 and AU$132,150,222 for these subgroups, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Available data suggest that low birth weight and preterm birth are associated with hip bone shape abnormalities and hip osteoarthritis requiring total hip arthroplasty, with a substantial associated financial burden. Given the current lack of effective treatment and prevention strategies for hip osteoarthritis, this offers a new avenue for reducing the future burden of hip osteoarthritis.

Maternal socioeconomic factors and adverse perinatal outcomes in two birth cohorts, 1997/98 and 2010, in São Luís, Brazil

ABSTRACT: Several studies have identified social inequalities in low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth (PTB), and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), which, in recent years, have diminished or disappeared in certain locations. Objectives: Estimate the LBW, PTB, and IUGR rates in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil, in 2010, and check for associations between socioeconomic factors and these indicators. Methods: This study is based on a birth cohort performed in São Luís. It included 5,051 singleton hospital births in 2010. The chi-square test was used for proportion comparisons, while simple and multiple Poisson regression models with robust error variance were used to estimate relative risks. Results: LBW, PTB and IUGR rates were 7.5, 12.2, and 10.3% respectively. LBW was higher in low-income families, while PTB and IUGR were not associated with socioeconomic factors. Conclusion: The absence or weak association of these indicators with social inequality point to improvements in health care and/or in social conditions in São Luís.

Health of VLBW infants in Germany at five years of age: What do parents describe?

BACKGROUND

There are only few data on medical problems and utilization of health services of former very low birth weight (VLBW) children at preschool age.

STUDY DESIGN

At five years of age parents of a cohort of VLBW children (N=862) received questionnaires, a medical interview and examination. The results were compared to the KIGGS cohort (Deutscher-Kinder-und Jugendgesundheitssurvey, N=777).

RESULTS

Parents of the VLBW and KIGGS cohort reported a very good or good health in 95% in their children. When compared to the KIGGS cohort, families in the VLBW cohort had a lower social economic status. The VLBW cohort suffered more frequently from disabilities (9.6% vs. 1.4%), from chronic bronchitis (45% vs. 17%) and from recurrent pain (headaches (20% vs. 7%), ear (16% vs. 6%), throat (23% vs. 8%), tooth (10% vs. 3%)). The VLBW cohort received more specialized care (ophthalmologist, ENT, orthopaedics, paediatric neurologist).

CONCLUSION

Families of VLBW children report a good health status in their children, but they utilized more specialized care. Higher rates of pain are reported in the VLBW cohort. Chronic bronchitis and various upper respiratory infections cause an increased morbidity in former VLBW children. Follow up programs are needed to develop optimal treatment and prevention strategies for these problems.

Extremely low gestational age and very low birthweight for gestational age are risk factors for autism spectrum disorder in a large cohort study of 10-year-old children born at 23-27 weeks' gestation

BACKGROUND

No prospective cohort study of high-risk children has used rigorous exposure assessment and optimal diagnostic procedures to examine the perinatal antecedents of autism spectrum disorder separately among those with and without cognitive impairment.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to identify perinatal factors associated with increased risk for autism spectrum disorder with and without intellectual disability (intelligence quotient <70) in children born extremely preterm.

STUDY DESIGN

This prospective multicenter (14 institutions in 5 states) birth cohort study included children born at 23-27 weeks' gestation in 2002 through 2004 who were evaluated for autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability at age 10 years. Pregnancy information was obtained from medical records and by structured maternal interview. Cervical-vaginal "infection" refers to maternal report of bacterial infection (n = 4), bacterial vaginosis (n = 30), yeast infection (n = 62), mixed infection (n = 4), or other/unspecified infection (n = 43; eg, chlamydia, trichomonas, or herpes). We do not know the extent to which infection per se was confirmed by microbial colonization. We use the terms "fetal growth restriction" and "small for gestational age" interchangeably in light of the ongoing challenge to discern pathologically from constitutionally small newborns. Severe fetal growth restriction was defined as a birthweight Z-score for gestational age at delivery <-2 (ie, ≥2 SD below the median birthweight in a referent sample that excluded pregnancies delivered for preeclampsia or fetal indications). Participants were classified into 4 groups based on whether or not they met rigorous diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability (autism spectrum disorder+/intellectual disability-, autism spectrum disorder+/intellectual disability+, autism spectrum disorder-/intellectual disability+, and autism spectrum disorder-/intellectual disability-). Temporally ordered multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine the information conveyed by perinatal factors about increased risk for autism spectrum disorder and/or intellectual disability (autism spectrum disorder+/intellectual disability-, autism spectrum disorder+/intellectual disability+, and autism spectrum disorder-/intellectual disability+).

RESULTS

In all, 889 of 966 (92%) children recruited were assessed at age 10 years, of whom 857 (96%) were assessed for autism spectrum disorder; of these, 840 (98%) children were assessed for intellectual disability. Autism spectrum disorder+/intellectual disability- was diagnosed in 3.2% (27/840), autism spectrum disorder+/intellectual disability+ in 3.8% (32/840), and autism spectrum disorder-/intellectual disability+ in 8.5% (71/840). Maternal report of presumed cervical-vaginal infection during pregnancy was associated with increased risk of autism spectrum disorder+/intellectual disability+ (odds ratio, 2.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-6.4). The lowest gestational age category (23-24 weeks) was associated with increased risk of autism spectrum disorder+/intellectual disability+ (odds ratio, 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-6.6) and autism spectrum disorder+/intellectual disability- (odds ratio, 4.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.7-11). Severe fetal growth restriction was strongly associated with increased risk for autism spectrum disorder+/intellectual disability- (odds ratio, 9.9; 95% confidence interval, 3.3-30), whereas peripartum maternal fever was uniquely associated with increased risk of autism spectrum disorder-/intellectual disability+ (odds ratio, 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-6.7).

CONCLUSION

Our study confirms that low gestational age is associated with increased risk for autism spectrum disorder irrespective of intellectual ability, whereas severe fetal growth restriction is strongly associated with autism spectrum disorder without intellectual disability. Maternal report of cervical-vaginal infection is associated with increased risk of autism spectrum disorder with intellectual disability, and peripartum maternal fever is associated with increased risk for intellectual disability without autism spectrum disorder.

Transforming Life: A Broad View of the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease Concept from an Ecological Justice Perspective

The influential scientist Rene J. Dubos (1901–1982) conducted groundbreaking studies concerning early-life environmental exposures (e.g., diet, social interactions, commensal microbiota, housing conditions) and adult disease. However, Dubos looked beyond the scientific focus on disease, arguing that “mere survival is not enough”. He defined mental health as fulfilling human potential, and expressed concerns about urbanization occurring in tandem with disappearing access to natural environments (and elements found within them); thus modernity could interfere with health via “missing exposures”. With the advantage of emerging research involving green space, the microbiome, biodiversity and positive psychology, we discuss ecological justice in the dysbiosphere and the forces—financial inequity, voids in public policy, marketing and otherwise—that interfere with the fundamental rights of children to thrive in a healthy urban ecosystem and learn respect for the natural environment. We emphasize health within the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) rubric and suggest that greater focus on positive exposures might uncover mechanisms of resiliency that contribute to maximizing human potential. We will entrain our perspective to socioeconomic disadvantage in developed nations and what we have described as “grey space”; this is a mental as much as a physical environment, a space that serves to insidiously reinforce unhealthy behavior, compromise positive psychological outlook and, ultimately, trans-generational health. It is a dwelling place that cannot be fixed with encephalobiotics or the drug-class known as psychobiotics.

Ultrasound Measurement of the Fetal Adrenal Gland as a Predictor of Spontaneous Preterm Birth

OBJECTIVE

To estimate whether ultrasound measurement of the fetal adrenal gland remote from delivery in asymptomatic women can accurately predict spontaneous preterm birth.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective multicenter observational nested cohort study of asymptomatic nulliparous women with a singleton pregnancy to study adverse pregnancy outcomes. Between 22 0/7 and 30 6/7 weeks of gestation, credentialed ultrasonographers measured the width (width), length (length), and, when able, depth (depth) of the "fetal zone" of the fetal adrenal gland as well as the width (Width), length (Length), and depth (Depth) of the total gland. We used the ratios of each measurement (width/Width, length/Length, and depth/Depth) to control for variation in adrenal size by gestational age. The accuracy of each ratio measurement in predicting spontaneous preterm birth at less than 37 0/7 weeks of gestation and spontaneous preterm birth at less than 34 0/7 weeks of gestation was assessed by receiver operating characteristic curves using area under the curve.

RESULTS

Pregnancy outcomes were available for 1,697 women with one or more fetal adrenal gland measurements. Spontaneous preterm birth at less than 37 0/7 weeks of gestation and spontaneous preterm birth at less than 34 0/7 weeks of gestation occurred in 82 (4.8%) and six women (0.4%), respectively. None of the fetal adrenal gland measurements distinguished spontaneous preterm birth from term birth. The areas under the curve (95% confidence intervals) for spontaneous preterm birth at less than 37 0/7 weeks of gestation were 0.51 (0.45-0.58), 0.50 (0.44-0.56), and 0.52 (0.41-0.63) for width/Width, length/Length, and depth/Depth ratios, respectively. The areas under the curve for spontaneous preterm birth at less than 34 0/7 weeks of gestation were 0.52 (0.25-0.79) and 0.55 (0.31-0.79) for width/Width and length/Length ratios, respectively. Additionally, none of the means of the gland measurements were statistically different between those delivering at term and spontaneous at preterm (P>.05).

CONCLUSION

Fetal adrenal size, as measured by ultrasonography between 22 0/7 and 30 6/7 weeks of gestation, is not predictive of spontaneous preterm birth in asymptomatic nulliparous women.

The income-based disparities in preeclampsia and postpartum hemorrhage: a study of the Korean National Health Insurance cohort data from 2002 to 2013

There is limited evidence on the effects of relatively low socioeconomic status on maternal health. Additionally, the global economic recession that began in 2008 could have worsened disparities in maternal complications. To explore disparities in maternal health, we analyzed the occurrence of preeclampsia and postpartum hemorrhage according to level of household income. A population-based cohort data set from the Korean National Health Insurance was used to calculate the age-adjusted incidence, slope index of inequality, and Kunst and Mackenbach relative index of inequality (RII_KM) for preeclampsia and postpartum hemorrhage from 2002 to 2013. In the aggregated data of 65,479 live births, women with lower household income showed a higher risk of developing preeclampsia and postpartum hemorrhage than those with higherhigher incomes after adjusting for conventional risk factors. The absolute and relative inequalities for both complications showed no significant change over the period from 2002 to 2013. Considering the difference in the trends and risks of major obstetric complications according to level of household income, policies to monitor and reduce disparities in maternal health across different economic levels need to be implemented.

City-Specific Spatiotemporal Infant and Neonatal Mortality Clusters: Links with Socioeconomic and Air Pollution Spatial Patterns in France

Infant and neonatal mortality indicators are known to vary geographically, possibly as a result of socioeconomic and environmental inequalities. To better understand how these factors contribute to spatial and temporal patterns, we conducted a French ecological study comparing two time periods between 2002 and 2009 for three (purposefully distinct) Metropolitan Areas (MAs) and the city of Paris, using the French census block of parental residence as the geographic unit of analysis. We identified areas of excess risk and assessed the role of neighborhood deprivation and average nitrogen dioxide concentrations using generalized additive models to generate maps smoothed on longitude and latitude. Comparison of the two time periods indicated that statistically significant areas of elevated infant and neonatal mortality shifted northwards for the city of Paris, are present only in the earlier time period for Lille MA, only in the later time period for Lyon MA, and decrease over time for Marseille MA. These city-specific geographic patterns in neonatal and infant mortality are largely explained by socioeconomic and environmental inequalities. Spatial analysis can be a useful tool for understanding how risk factors contribute to disparities in health outcomes ranging from infant mortality to infectious disease-a leading cause of infant mortality.

Prevalence and associated features of autism spectrum disorder in extremely low gestational age newborns at age 10 years

We sought to estimate the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children born extremely preterm relative to the U.S. population risk of 1.5% [CDC, 2014] using the best-available diagnostic procedures and minimizing confounding with other neurodevelopmental impairments. Eight hundred and eighty nine of 966 (92%) 10-year-old children from the Extremely Low Gestational Age Newborn birth cohort, delivered at 23-27 weeks gestation in 2002-2004, participated. Children meeting ASD screening criteria on the Social Communication Questionnaire were evaluated with the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R). Those meeting ADI-R criteria were assessed with the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2). A positive ADOS-2 score was the criterion for ASD. Twenty-six participants were not assessed for ASD because of severe sensory or motor impairment. In the remaining sample, 61 children met criteria for ASD, resulting in a prevalence of 7.1% (95% CI = 5.5-9.0). ASD risk decreased with increasing gestational age, from 15.0% (95% CI = 10.0-21.2) for 23-24 weeks, 6.5% (95% CI = 4.2-9.4) for 25-26 weeks, to 3.4% (95% CI = 1.6-6.1) for 27 weeks gestational age, and this association was independent of IQ. Among children with ASD, 40% had intellectual disability. The male-to-female ratio of children with ASD was 2.1:1 (95% CI = 1.2:1-3.5:1), lower than in the general population (4:1). ASD prevalence in the ELGAN cohort was four times higher than in the general population, and was strongly associated with gestational age, underscoring the need for enhanced ASD screening of children born preterm, and suggesting that some risk factors associated with preterm birth may also play a role in the etiology of autism. Autism Res 2017, 10: 224-232. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The Relevance of Maternal Socioeconomic Characteristics for Low Birth Weight - a Case-Control Study

Introduction: The number of children born underweight (low birth weight, LBW) is increasing despite extensive prevention and screening programmes. The cost is high for the health system, and affected children are burdened with health predictors that can affect them negatively throughout their lives. This study investigates to what extent socioeconomic factors, in addition to known medical causes and the health behaviour of pregnant women, influence LBW. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study 131 mothers of singletons with a birth weight ≤ 2500 g (cases) and 323 mothers of normal birth weight babies (controls) were interviewed with respect to socioeconomic status, health behaviour and stress in the workplace. Medical data were collected by specialist staff using a questionnaire. Results: Independent of medical diagnosis and health behaviour, women with lower level education (OR [95 % CI] = 2.24 [1.12; 4.51]) and those who were not working (OR [95 % CI] = 1.82 [1.10; 3.00]) were more likely to have an LBW baby. No effect was shown for immigrant background (OR [95 % CI] = 1.14 [0.59; 2.21]) or stress in the workplace (OR [95 % CI] = 1.17 [0.90; 1.51]). Discussion and Conclusion: These results show that the association between social and health inequalities starts from before birth. In order to reduce the rising number of babies born underweight, socioeconomic determinants in the care and supervision of pregnant women should systematically receive more attention to enable appropriate early preventive strategies to be implemented.

Pregestational diabetes is associated with adverse outcomes in twin pregnancies: a regional register-based study

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of pregnancies complicated by twinning and diabetes is increasing in the UK. This is a worrying trend as both diabetes and twin gestations are associated with a high risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The few studies that have specifically addressed how twinning and pregestational diabetes in the same pregnancy may affect outcome have reported conflicting results.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We analyzed data on 27 women with a twin pregnancy and pregestational diabetes (54 babies) and 6407 women with a twin pregnancy without diabetes (12 814 babies) from the Northern Survey of Twin and Multiple Pregnancy during 1998-2010. A composite adverse pregnancy outcome (comprising fetal loss before 24 weeks, termination of pregnancy, stillbirth, infant death or any major congenital anomaly), extended perinatal mortality (stillbirths and neonatal deaths) and major congenital anomaly were the main outcome measures. Adjusted rate ratios were estimated using generalized estimating equations for Poisson regression controlling for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Mothers with twin pregnancies with diabetes were older (p = 0.001) and had higher body mass indices (p < 0.0001) than those without diabetes. Their twins were more likely to be delivered earlier (p = 0.026), be delivered by cesarean section (80.4% vs. 49.7%; p < 0.0001), be large-for-gestational-age (p < 0.0001) and require admission to a special care baby unit (p < 0.0001). Pregestational diabetes was associated with significantly increased rates of the composite adverse outcome and major congenital anomalies in twins (adjusted rate ratios 2.66, 95% confidence interval 1.14-6.20 and adjusted rate ratios 3.51, 95% confidence interval 1.31-9.40, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Maternal pregestational diabetes in twin pregnancies is associated with a significantly increased risk of an adverse pregnancy outcome.

MATERNAL AND CHILD RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH NEONATAL MORTALITY

ABSTRACT This was a cross-sectional study that investigated maternal and child factors associated with neonatal mortality. Data was obtained from the Live Births and Mortality Information Systems integrated by linkage. A total of 9,349 live births and 78 deaths in the neonatal period, which occurred in 2010 in Cuiabá-MT were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyzes were performed. In the multiple logistic regression, neonatal mortality was associated with: maternal age less than 20 years; prematurity; low birth weight; Apgar score less than seven at 1 and 5 minutes; and presence of congenital anomaly. The results highlight the need to improve the quality of prenatal care in order to prevent low birth weight and prematurity. The association between neonatal death and low Apgar score at 1 and 5 minutes indicates the importance of investments in delivery care.

What contributes to disparities in the preterm birth rate in European countries?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In countries with comparable levels of development and healthcare systems, preterm birth rates vary markedly--a range from 5 to 10% among live births in Europe. This review seeks to identify the most likely sources of heterogeneity in preterm birth rates, which could explain differences between European countries.

RECENT FINDINGS

Multiple risk factors impact on preterm birth. Recent studies reported on measurement issues, population characteristics, reproductive health policies as well as medical practices, including those related to subfertility treatments and indicated deliveries, which affect preterm birth rates and trends in high-income countries. We showed wide variation in population characteristics, including multiple pregnancies, maternal age, BMI, smoking, and percentage of migrants in European countries.

SUMMARY

Many potentially modifiable population factors (BMI, smoking, and environmental exposures) as well as health system factors (practices related to indicated preterm deliveries) play a role in determining preterm birth risk. More knowledge about how these factors contribute to low and stable preterm birth rates in some countries is needed for shaping future policy. It is also important to clarify the potential contribution of artifactual differences owing to measurement.

Behavioural and emotional problems in moderately preterm children with low socioeconomic status: a population-based study

Moderately preterm (MP) birth is associated with higher rates of behavioural and emotional problems. To determine the extent to which low socioeconomic status (SES) contributes to these higher rates, we assessed independent and joint effects of MP birth and low SES, overall and by gender. Dutch preventive child health care centres provided a population-based sample of 915 MP children (32-36 weeks gestation) and 543 term-born children, born in 2002/2003. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, we determined the risk of behavioural and emotional problems per standard deviation (SD) decrease in gestational age and SES, using standardized measures for both. We also assessed three SES categories, being low (1SD or more below mean of standardized SES), intermediate (mean ± 1SD), and high (greater than mean + 1SD). The Child Behavior Checklist for 1.5-5 years was used to assess behavioural (externalizing), emotional (internalizing), and total problems at age 4 years. MP children with low SES had significantly higher total problem scores than those with high SES (11.3 vs. 5.1%, respectively). Each SD decrease in SES was associated with a 42% higher odds of elevated total problem scores (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.14-1.77). No joint effects were found, meaning that lower gestational age independently added to the risk of behaviour problems (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.00-1.56). Effects of MP birth and low SES were more pronounced in girls. In conclusion, MP birth and low SES multiply the risk of behavioural and emotional problems. The combination of risk factors identifies children who could benefit greatly from early intervention.

Early language processing efficiency predicts later receptive vocabulary outcomes in children born preterm

As rates of prematurity continue to rise, identifying which preterm children are at increased risk for learning disabilities is a public health imperative. Identifying continuities between early and later skills in this vulnerable population can also illuminate fundamental neuropsychological processes that support learning in all children. At 18 months adjusted age, we used socioeconomic status (SES), medical variables, parent-reported vocabulary, scores on the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (third edition) language composite, and children's lexical processing speed in the looking-while-listening (LWL) task as predictor variables in a sample of 30 preterm children. Receptive vocabulary as measured by the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (fourth edition) at 36 months was the outcome. Receptive vocabulary was correlated with SES, but uncorrelated with degree of prematurity or a composite of medical risk. Importantly, lexical processing speed was the strongest predictor of receptive vocabulary (r = -.81), accounting for 30% unique variance. Individual differences in lexical processing efficiency may be able to serve as a marker for information processing skills that are critical for language learning.

Premature guinea pigs: a new paradigm to investigate the late-effects of preterm birth

Preterm birth is common and the associated short-term morbidity well described. The adult-onset consequences of preterm birth are less clear, but cardiovascular and metabolic health may be adversely affected. Although large animal models of preterm birth addressing important short-term issues exist, long-term studies are hampered by significant logistical constraints. Current small animal models of prematurity require terminal caesarean section of the mother; both caesarean birth and early maternal care modify offspring adult cardio-metabolic function. We describe a novel method for inducing preterm labour in guinea pigs. With support comparable to that received by moderately preterm human infants, preterm pups are viable. Growth trajectories between preterm and term-born pups differ significantly; between term equivalent age and weaning ex-preterm animals demonstrate increased weight and ponderal index. We believe this novel paradigm will significantly improve our ability to investigate the cardio-metabolic sequelae of preterm birth throughout the life course and into the second generation.

Mortality after parental death in childhood: a nationwide cohort study from three Nordic countries

BACKGROUND

Bereavement by spousal death and child death in adulthood has been shown to lead to an increased risk of mortality. Maternal death in infancy or parental death in early childhood may have an impact on mortality but evidence has been limited to short-term or selected causes of death. Little is known about long-term or cause-specific mortality after parental death in childhood.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

This cohort study included all persons born in Denmark from 1968 to 2008 (n = 2,789,807) and in Sweden from 1973 to 2006 (n = 3,380,301), and a random sample of 89.3% of all born in Finland from 1987 to 2007 (n = 1,131,905). A total of 189,094 persons were included in the exposed cohort when they lost a parent before 18 years old. Log-linear Poisson regression was used to estimate mortality rate ratio (MRR). Parental death was associated with a 50% increased all-cause mortality (MRR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.43-1.58). The risks were increased for most specific cause groups and the highest MRRs were observed when the cause of child death and the cause of parental death were in the same category. Parental unnatural death was associated with a higher mortality risk (MRR = 1.84, 95% CI 1.71-2.00) than parental natural death (MRR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.24-1.41). The magnitude of the associations varied according to type of death and age at bereavement over different follow-up periods. The main limitation of the study is the lack of data on post-bereavement information on the quality of the parent-child relationship, lifestyles, and common physical environment.

CONCLUSIONS

Parental death in childhood or adolescence is associated with increased all-cause mortality into early adulthood. Since an increased mortality reflects both genetic susceptibility and long-term impacts of parental death on health and social well-being, our findings have implications in clinical responses and public health strategies. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary.

Outcomes in preterm infants

Preterm birth is defined as birth before 37 completed weeks gestation, and it is estimated that each day, across the world over 41,000 infants are born before this gestational age. The risk of adverse consequences declines with increasing gestational age. While this paper focuses on the consequences of preterm birth, the adverse consequences for infants born at 38 and 39 weeks gestation are also of a higher risk than those for infants born at 40 weeks gestation, with the neonatal mortality risk increasing again in infants born beyond the 42nd week of gestation.

Disparities in use of laparoscopic hysterectomies: a nationwide analysis

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To determine patient and hospital characteristics that were associated with undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy compared with abdominal hysterectomy.

DESIGN

Canadian Task Force Classification II-3.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed the 2010 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. All women who underwent laparoscopic or abdominal hysterectomy for either menorrhagia or leiomyoma were included based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision coding. A linear model with binomial distribution and logit link function was used to determine patient and hospital characteristics associated with hysterectomy approach.

MAIN RESULTS

A total of 32 436 patients were included in this study. Of these, 32% patients underwent laparoscopic hysterectomies, and 67% underwent abdominal hysterectomies. With regard to patient characteristics, women younger than 35 years old were more likely to undergo laparoscopic hysterectomy when compared with each of the other age categories (p < .001). White women were more likely to undergo laparoscopic hysterectomy than black women, Hispanic women, or women classified as "other" races (p < .001 for all comparisons). With regard to median income, patients from the lowest national quartile were less likely to undergo laparoscopic hysterectomy when compared with each of the other 3 national quartiles for income (p = .01, p < .001, p = .001, respectively). Payment by private insurance was associated with laparoscopic hysterectomy when compared with payment by Medicare or payment by insurance category "other" (p < .001 for both). With regard to hospital characteristics, hospitals in the Northeast were more likely to have laparoscopic hysterectomies than hospitals in the Midwest or South (p < .001 for both comparisons); urban hospitals were more likely than rural hospitals (p < .001); teaching hospitals were more likely than nonteaching hospitals (p < .001); and government-owned hospitals were less likely than private, nonprofit or private, investor owned (p < .001 for both comparisons).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the increased popularity of and training in laparoscopic hysterectomies, there remains an obvious disparity in its delivery with regard to patient and hospital characteristics. Further investigation is needed on the etiology of this disparity and interventions that may alleviate it.