Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Pregnant Mothers (pregnant + mother)
Selected AbstractsMaternal depression and anxiety effects on the human fetus: Preliminary findings and clinical implications,INFANT MENTAL HEALTH JOURNAL, Issue 5 2008John N.I. Dieter Newborns of depressed and anxious mothers show biobehavioral abnormalities suggesting that maternal psychological distress has negative effects on the fetus. Two studies examined the fetuses of depressed and nondepressed mothers: (a) a cross-sectional investigation of fetal activity during the second and third trimesters and (b) an examination of behavioral and heart rate response to vibratory stimulation in late-gestation fetuses. Fetuses of depressed mothers were more active during the fifth, sixth, and seventh gestational months. Assessment of late-term fetuses consisted of a baseline, trials of vibratory stimulation directed towards measuring habituation, and a poststimulation period. During baseline, the fetuses of depressed mothers exhibited a lower heart rate. During stimulation trials, they showed less total movement and appeared to habituate more often. Approximately 35% of the variance in fetal behavior was accounted for by the mothers' depression and anxiety symptoms. Maternal depression may be linked to greater fetal activity during the second and third trimesters and decreased behavioral responsivity during late gestation. The response of late-term fetuses of depressed mothers to vibratory stimulation may reflect "receptor adaptation/effector fatigue" and not true habitation. Future studies should examine the value of clinical interventions provided to the pregnant mother. [source] Genetic and perinatal factors as risk for childhood type 1 diabetesDIABETES/METABOLISM: RESEARCH AND REVIEWS, Issue 6 2004Karin Larsson Abstract The mechanisms by which gestational infections, blood incompatibility, birth weight, mother's age and other prenatal or neonatal events increase the risk for type 1 diabetes are not understood. Studies so far have been retrospective, and there is a lack of population-based prospective studies. The possibility of identifying children at type 1 diabetes risk among first-degree relatives has resulted in prospective studies aimed at identifying postnatal events associated with the appearance of autoantibody markers for type 1 diabetes and a possible later onset of diabetes. However, the majority (85%) of new onset type 1 diabetes children do not have a first-degree relative with the disease. Population-based studies are therefore designed to prospectively analyse pregnant mothers and their offspring. One such study is DiPiS (Diabetes Prediction in Skåne), which is examining a total of about 10 000 pregnancies expected every year in the Skåne (Scania) region of Sweden that has 1.1 million inhabitants. Blood samples from all mothers in this region are obtained during pregnancy and at the time of delivery. Cord blood is analysed for HLA high-risk alleles and for autoantibodies against the 65 kD isoform of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GADA), the protein tyrosine phosphatase,related IA-2 antigen (IA-2A) and insulin (IAA) as a measure of prenatal autoimmune exposure. Identifying high-risk children by genetic, autoimmune and gestational risk factors followed by prospective analyses will make it possible to test the hypothesis that gestational events may trigger beta cell autoimmunity as a prerequisite for childhood type 1 diabetes. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Defective enamel ultrastructure in diabetic rodentsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, Issue 4 2004M. ATAR Summary. We investigated six different types of diabetic rodents. Four expressed a genetic obesity resulting in diabetes. One developed diabetes induced by a diet-dependent obesity, and one with genetic diabetes received anti-diabetic medication. The tooth samples were examined under a scanning electron microscope and with an energy dispersive microanalysis (EDX). The electron micrographs showed severe, varying degrees of damage within the six different diabetic animal types, such as irregular crystallite deposition and prism perforations in genetically obese animals compared to less-disordered prism structures in diet-dependent obesity. Anti-diabetic medication resulted in normal enamel ultrastructure. The EDX analysis revealed a reduction in the amount of calcium and phosphorus in all regions affected by diabetes. Based on these animal studies, we suggest that both juvenile diabetes type I (in infants) and adult diabetes type II (in pregnant mothers, affecting the developing foetus) may affect the normal development of teeth in humans. [source] Suppression of the Febrile Response in Late Gestation: Evidence, Mechanisms and OutcomesJOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 4 2008A. Mouihate Fever is a beneficial host defence response. However, fever caused by the immune stimulant, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), are attenuated in many species during pregnancy, particularly near term. A number of parallel mechanisms may be responsible, and these vary in magnitude according to the time of gestation, type of inflammatory stimulus and species of animal. Some studies report a reduction in the plasma levels of circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-,, interleukin-1, and interleukin-6 along with increased levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. Associated with the attenuated febrile response to LPS is a reduction in the activation of the prostaglandin synthesising enzyme, cyclo-oxygenase 2, resulting in reduced levels of the obligatory prostaglandin mediators of the febrile response in the brain. There is also a reduction in the sensitivity of the brain to the pyrogenic action of prostaglandins, which does not appear to be due to a change in the levels of hypothalamic EP3 prostaglandin receptors. The suppression of fever at term may be important for the health of the neonate because fever in pregnant mothers may be harmful to the late-term foetus and neonate. [source] Maternal experiences of peanut avoidance during pregnancy/lactation: An in-depth qualitative studyPEDIATRIC ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 6 2005Joanna Turke In 1998 the Department of Health Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment issued a report to British general practitioners, which advised that pregnant mothers with a family history of atopy may wish to avoid peanuts during pregnancy/lactation. To explore the lived-in experience of mothers who avoided/did not avoid peanuts during pregnancy/lactation in the light of the information issued. A qualitative approach, using unstructured in-depth interviews to explore what it was like for mothers to have a particular experience. A purposive sample frame was designed to ensure a maximum variation of participants. Forty-two interviews were conducted: 25 participants avoided peanuts; 15 with a family history of atopy and 10 with no such history. Seventeen participants did not avoid peanuts; 10 with a family history of atopy and seven with no such history. Emergent themes included: variations in information provision, a lack of clarity in relation to information and advice about peanut avoidance, the risks entailed and the introduction of peanuts to the developing child's diet; the importance of atopy in influencing participants' decisions to avoid peanuts and the importance of individual's choice in the decision making process. There was a significant difference in family size with respect to avoidance behaviour with ,avoider' families being smaller (p = 0.007). Avoidance was more likely in single child families (71% vs. 53%) although this difference was not significant. Improvements to the experience of avoidance and/or non-avoidance were primarily focused around provision of information and advice. In particular, a need for clear, consistent factual information and advice about the real risks associated with peanut consumption during pregnancy/lactation, and to whom these risks apply. [source] Factors determining prenatal HIV testing for prevention of mother to child transmission in Dar Es Salaam, TanzaniaPEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2007MAYUMI KOMINAMI Abstract Background: The objectives of the study were (i) to evaluate the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) services in Temeke district, Tanzania and (ii) to identify factors for non-acceptance of HIV testing among pregnant mothers in the area. Methods: A structured questionnaire was used in face-to-face interviews at five health centers in the district. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association of the refusal of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing with risk factors. Results: Two hundred and seventy-three (68.1%) of the participants had already had HIV testing, while 128 (31.9%) had not. Participants' general knowledge of HIV was high, but specific knowledge of mother to child transmission (MTCT) was relatively low. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, frequencies of antenatal clinic visits, awareness of MTCT and intensive family support were significantly and inversely associated with the refusal of HIV testing. Conclusions: Frequency of antenatal care visits, spreading information on HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome especially MTCT, and husbands' intensive support are significant factors for increase of HIV test acceptance among pregnant women in the study area. [source] Transport of Benzo[,]pyrene in the Dually Perfused Human Placenta Perfusion Model: Effect of Albumin in the Perfusion MediumBASIC AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Line Mathiesen Foetal exposure to this substance is highly relevant but is difficult to estimate. The human placenta is unique compared to other species; since it is available without major ethical obstacles, we have used the human placenta perfusion model to study transport from mother to foetus. Placentas were donated after births at Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen from pregnant mothers who signed an informed consent. BaP is lipophilic and studies using cell culture medium in 6-hr placenta perfusions showed minimal transport through the placenta. To increase the solubility of BaP in perfusion medium and to increase physiological relevance, perfusions were also performed with albumin added to the perfusion medium [2 and 30 mg/ml bovine serum albumin (BSA) and 30 mg/ml human serum albumin (HSA)]. The addition of albumin resulted in increased transfer of BaP from maternal to foetal reservoirs. The transfer was even higher in the presence of an HSA formulation containing acetyltryptophanate and caprylate, resulting in a foetal,maternal concentration (FM) ratio of 0.71 ± 0.10 after 3 hr and 0.78 ± 0.11 after 6 hr, whereas the FM ratio in perfusions without albumin was only 0.05 ± 0.03 after 6 hr of perfusion. Less BaP accumulated in placental tissue in perfusions with added albumin. This shows that transplacental transport of the pro-carcinogenic substance BaP occurs, and emphasizes the importance of adding physiological concentrations of albumin when studying the transport of lipophilic substances. [source] Hygiene interventions for prevention of cytomegalovirus infection among childbearing women: systematic reviewCHILD: CARE, HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 1 2009Richard Reading Hygiene interventions for prevention of cytomegalovirus infection among childbearing women: systematic review . HarveyJ. & DennisC.-L. ( 2008 ) Journal of Advanced Nursing , 63 , 440 , 450 . Aim This paper is a report of a systematic review to examine the effectiveness of preventive interventions to reduce congenital cytomegalovirus transmission and infection among women of childbearing age. Background Congenital cytomegalovirus has been identified as the leading infectious cause of damage to the growing fetus in developed countries, including Down's syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome and spina bifida. Despite the prevalence and consequences of this infection, it has a low profile and pregnant mothers are often unaware of the risks and protective behaviours related to its transmission. Women with children in day care and nurses working with children are particularly at risk of acquiring the virus. Data sources A computerized literature search for papers up to 1 December 2007 was performed using MEDLINE (from 1950), EMBASE (from 1980) and CINAHL (from 1982). Review methods Both authors independently reviewed studies that met inclusion criteria and assigned a quality rating determined by the number of validity criteria met. Differences were discussed until consensus was reached. Findings Differences in hygiene behaviour changes were most statistically significant for pregnant, seronegative women. Although the methodological quality of the three included studies was not strong, seroconversion rates consistently decreased as cytomegalovirus education and support increased. Conclusion Nurses can act as preventive agents for cytomegalovirus infection through education about hygiene precautions during antenatal care and through preventive measures in the workplace. The review findings suggest that educational interventions in hygiene practices have the potential to be a feasible, large-scale, primary prevention strategy. [source] Blackcurrant seed oil for prevention of atopic dermatitis in newborns: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trialCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGY, Issue 8 2010P. Linnamaa Summary Background The present increased incidence of atopic diseases has been associated with an altered intake of essential fatty acids (EFAs). The composition of blackcurrant seed oil (BCSO) corresponds to the recommended dietary intake of EFAs, and as a dietary supplement could, in small doses, modify the imbalance of EFAs in an efficient way. Objective To assess the effect of dietary supplementation with BCSO on the prevalence of atopy at 12 months of age. Methods Three hundred and thirteen pregnant mothers were randomly assigned to receive BCSO (151) or olive oil as placebo (162). The first doses were administered at 8th,16th weeks of pregnancy and were continued until the cessation of breastfeeding, followed by supplementation to the infants until the age of 2 years. Atopic dermatitis and its severity (SCORAD index) were evaluated, serum total IgE was measured and skin tests were performed at the age of 3, 12 and 24 months. Results Parental atopy was common (81.7%) among study subjects, making them infants with increased atopy risk. There was a significantly lower prevalence of atopic dermatitis in the BCSO group than in the olive oil group at the age of 12 months (33.0% vs. 47.3%, P=0.035). SCORAD was also lower in the BCSO group than in the olive oil group at 12 months of age (P=0.035). No significant differences in the prevalence of atopic dermatitis were observed between the groups at the age of 24 months (P=0.18). Conclusion Dietary supplementation with BCSO was well tolerated and it transiently reduced the prevalence of atopic dermatitis. It could therefore be one potential tool in the prevention of atopic symptoms when used at an early stage of life. (Registration number SRCTN14869647, http://www.controlled-trials.com) Cite this as: P. Linnamaa, J. Savolainen, L. Koulu, S. Tuomasjukka, H. Kallio, B. Yang, T. Vahlberg and R. Tahvonen, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 1247,1255. [source] | |||||||||||||