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Weeks' Gestation (week + gestation)
Selected AbstractsLate Preterm Birth and Neonatal Outcome: Is 37 Weeks' Gestation a Threshold Level or a Road Marker on the Highway of Perinatal Risk?BIRTH, Issue 2 2010Russell S. Kirby PhD No abstract is available for this article. [source] Nursing and midwifery management of hypoglycaemia in healthy term neonatesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EVIDENCE BASED HEALTHCARE, Issue 7 2005Vivien Hewitt BSc(Hons) GradDipLib Executive summary Objectives The primary objective of this review was to determine the best available evidence for maintenance of euglycaemia, in healthy term neonates, and the management of asymptomatic hypoglycaemia in otherwise healthy term neonates. Inclusion criteria Types of studies The review included any relevant published or unpublished studies undertaken between 1995 and 2004. Studies that focus on the diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care devices for blood glucose screening and/or monitoring in the neonate were initially included as a subgroup of this review. However, the technical nature and complexity of the statistical information published in diagnostic studies retrieved during the literature search stage, as well as the considerable volume of published research in this area, suggested that it would be more feasible to analyse diagnostic studies in a separate systematic review. Types of participants The review focused on studies that included healthy term (37- to 42-week gestation) appropriate size for gestational age neonates in the first 72 h after birth. Exclusions ,,preterm or small for gestational age newborns; ,,term neonates with a diagnosed medical or surgical condition, congenital or otherwise; ,,babies of diabetic mothers; ,,neonates with symptomatic hypoglycaemia; ,,large for gestational age neonates (as significant proportion are of diabetic mothers). Types of intervention All interventions that fell within the scope of practice of a midwife/nurse were included: ,,type (breast or breast milk substitutes), amount and/or timing of feeds, for example, initiation of feeding, and frequency; ,,regulation of body temperature; ,,monitoring (including screening) of neonates, including blood or plasma glucose levels and signs and symptoms of hypoglycaemia. Interventions that required initiation by a medical practitioner were excluded from the review. Types of outcome measures Outcomes that were of interest included: ,,occurrence of hypoglycaemia; ,,re-establishment and maintenance of blood or plasma glucose levels at or above set threshold (as defined by the particular study); ,,successful breast-feeding; ,,developmental outcomes. Types of research designs The review initially focused on randomised controlled trials reported from 1995 to 2004. Insufficient randomised controlled trials were identified and the review was expanded to include additional cohort and cross-sectional studies for possible inclusion in a narrative summary. Search strategy The major electronic databases, including MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, LILACS, Cochrane Library, etc., were searched using accepted search techniques to identify relevant published and unpublished studies undertaken between 1995 and 2004. Efforts were made to locate any relevant unpublished materials, such as conference papers, research reports and dissertations. Printed journals were hand-searched and reference lists checked for potentially useful research. The year 1995 was selected as the starting point in order to identify any research that had not been included in the World Health Organisation review, which covered literature published up to 1996. The search was not limited to English language studies. Assessment of quality Three primary reviewers conducted the review assisted by a review panel. The review panel was comprised of nine nurses with expertise in neonatal care drawn from senior staff in several metropolitan neonatal units and education programs. Authorship of journal articles was not concealed from the reviewers. Methodological quality of each study that met the inclusion criteria was assessed by two reviewers, using a quality assessment checklist developed for the review. Disagreements between reviewers were resolved through discussion or with the assistance of a third reviewer. Data extraction and analysis Two reviewers used a data extraction form to independently extract data relating to the study design, setting and participants; study focus and intervention(s); and measurements and outcomes. As only one relevant randomised controlled trial was found, a meta-analysis could not be conducted nor tables constructed to illustrate comparisons between studies. Instead, the findings were summarised by a narrative identifying any relevant findings that emerged from the data. Results Seven studies met the inclusion criteria for the objective of this systematic review. The review provided information on the effectiveness of three categories of intervention , type of feeds, timing of feeds and thermoregulation on two of the outcome measures identified in the review protocol , prevention of hypoglycaemia, and re-establishment and maintenance of blood or plasma glucose levels above the set threshold (as determined by the particular study). There was no evidence available on which to base conclusions for effectiveness of monitoring or developmental outcomes, and insufficient evidence for breast-feeding success. Given that only a narrative review was possible, the findings of this review should be interpreted with caution. The findings suggest that the incidence of hypoglycaemia in healthy, breast-fed term infants of appropriate size for gestational age is uncommon and routine screening of these infants is not indicated. The method and timing of early feeding has little or no influence on the neonatal blood glucose measurement at 1 h in normal term babies. In healthy, breast-fed term infants the initiation and timing of feeds in the first 6 h of life has no significant influence on plasma glucose levels. The colostrum of primiparous mothers provides sufficient nutrition for the infant in the first 24 h after birth, and supplemental feeds or extra water is unnecessary. Skin-to-skin contact appears to provide an optimal environment for fetal to neonatal adaptation after birth and can help to maintain body temperature and adequate blood glucose levels in healthy term newborn infants, as well as providing an ideal opportunity to establish early bonding behaviours. Implications for practice The seven studies analysed in this review confirm the World Health Organisation's first three recommendations for prevention and management of asymptomatic hypoglycaemia, namely: 1Early and exclusive breast-feeding is safe to meet the nutritional needs of healthy term newborns worldwide. 2Healthy term newborns that are breast-fed on demand need not have their blood glucose routinely checked and need no supplementary foods or fluids. 3Healthy term newborns do not develop ,symptomatic' hypoglycaemia as a result of simple underfeeding. If an infant develops signs suggesting hypoglycaemia, look for an underlying condition. Detection and treatment of the cause are as important as correction of the blood glucose level. If there are any concerns that the newborn infant might be hypoglycaemic it should be given another feed. Given the importance of thermoregulation, skin-to-skin contact should be promoted and ,kangaroo care' encouraged in the first 24 h after birth. While it is important to main the infant's body temperature care should be taken to ensure that the child does not become overheated. [source] Infection and fetal loss in the mid-second trimester of pregnancyAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 3 2010Ben ALLANSON Introduction:, Chorioamnionitis is a common cause of second trimester pregnancy loss, usually due to ascending infection. This study investigates the prevalence and bacteriology of chorioamnionitis in cases of spontaneous pregnancy loss in previable gestations (16,22 weeks). Methods:, Fetal losses between 16- and 22-week gestation were identified from the institutional database over a three-year period. Cases with an autopsy were identified, pathology reports reviewed, and maternal features noted (clinical symptoms, blood count and vaginal culture results). Second trimester medical termination for fetal abnormality during the same time period served as controls for the confounding influence of labour. Results:, A total of 101 cases of spontaneous non-anomalous non-macerated fetal losses and 103 control cases of induced loss for fetal anomaly were identified. Median gestation of cases was 19 weeks (interquartile range (IQR) 17, 21) and of controls was 20 weeks (IQR 19, 21). Maternal white cell count was higher in cases (median 13.6 IQR 10.8, 16.6) than in controls (9.9 IQR 7.6, 11.5) (P < 0.01). Seventy-eight (77.2%) of 101 cases and no controls had histological chorioamnionitis. A fetal reaction was identified in 48.7% of cases with chorioamnionitis, and the frequency of fetal reaction increased as gestation advanced (5.3% at 16-week gestation vs 33.3% at 22-week gestation). In cases with chorioamnionitis 36/76 (47.4%) were culture positive, whereas 4/25 (16%) without chorioamnionitis were culture positive. Conclusion:, In otherwise normal fetuses, chorioamnionitis is a common finding in mid-trimester pregnancy loss. Routine culture methods have a low sensitivity for isolation of the causative micro-organisms. This inflammatory process seems to predate the onset of labour and appears a primary mechanism in the aetiology of such losses. [source] Reference values of fetal orbital measurements by transvaginal scan in early pregnancyPRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, Issue 10 2002Paolo Rosati Abstract Objective To construct reference ranges of orbital diameters, measured in early pregnancy by transvaginal sonography. Methods The study group consisted of 2717 fetuses of pregnant women referred to our center and examined by transvaginal ultrasound between 11,16 week's gestation. Nomograms with confidence intervals (5th and 95th percentile) for each orbital measurement (orbital diameter, interocular and binocular distance) versus gestational age were produced. Results The orbital measurements increased in a linear fashion throughout early pregnancy with a good correlation with gestational age. Conclusion Transvaginal sonography is able to visualize and measure orbital diameters with accuracy in early pregnancy; reference ranges were developed that can be used to evaluate normal orbital development and can be helpful in the detection of syndromes with orbital growth defects and other associated fetal anomalies. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Ophthalmological, cognitive, electrophysiological and MRI assessment of visual processing in preterm children without major neuromotor impairmentDEVELOPMENTAL SCIENCE, Issue 5 2010Michelle O'Reilly Many studies report chronic deficits in visual processing in children born preterm. We investigated whether functional abnormalities in visual processing exist in children born preterm but without major neuromotor impairment (i.e. cerebral palsy). Twelve such children (< 33 weeks gestation or birthweight < 1000 g) without major neuromotor impairment and 12 born full-term controls were assessed at 8,12 years of age by means of ophthalmological assessment (visual acuity, colour vision, stereopsis, stereoacuity, visual fields, ocular motility, motor fusion), cognitive tests of visual-motor, visual-perceptual and visual-spatial skills and pattern-reversal visual evoked potentials (PR-VEPs). All participants also underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and neuromotor assessments. No significant differences were found between the groups on the ophthalmological, visual cognitive, neurological, neuromotor or MRI measures. The P100 component of the PR-VEP showed a significantly shorter latency in the preterm compared with the full-term participants. Whilst this P100 finding suggests that subtle abnormalities may exist at the neurophysiological level, we conclude that visual dysfunction is not systematically associated with preterm birth in the context of normal neurological status. [source] Methadone in pregnancy: treatment retention and neonatal outcomesADDICTION, Issue 2 2007Lucy Burns ABSTRACT Aim To examine the association between retention in methadone treatment during pregnancy and key neonatal outcomes. Design Client data from the New South Wales Pharmaceutical Drugs of Addiction System was linked to birth information from the NSW Midwives Data Collection and the NSW Inpatient Statistics Collection from 1992 to 2002. Measurements Obstetric and perinatal characteristics of women who were retained continuously on methadone maintenance throughout their pregnancy were compared to those who entered late in their pregnancies (less than 6 months prior to birth) and those whose last treatment episode ended at least 1 year prior to birth. Findings There were 2993 births to women recorded as being on methadone at delivery, increasing from 62 in 1992 to 459 births in 2002. Compared to mothers who were maintained continuously on methadone throughout their pregnancy, those who entered treatment late also presented later to antenatal services, were more likely to arrive at hospital for delivery unbooked, were more often unmarried, indigenous and smoked more heavily. A higher proportion of neonates born to late entrants were born at less than 37 weeks gestation and were admitted to special care nursery more often. Conclusion Continuous methadone treatment during pregnancy is associated with earlier antenatal care and improved neonatal outcomes. Innovative techniques for early engagement in methadone treatment by pregnant heroin using women or those planning to become pregnant should be identified and implemented. [source] Specific characteristic of radial glia in the human fetal telencephalonGLIA, Issue 1 2004Nada Zecevic Abstract Phenotypic characteristics of cells in the developing human telencephalic wall were analyzed using electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry with various glial and neuronal cell markers. The results suggest that multiple defined cell types emerge in the neocortical proliferative zones and are differentially regulated during embryonic development. At 5,6 weeks gestation, three major cell types are observed. Most proliferating ventricular zone (VZ) cells are labeled with radial glial (RG) markers such as vimentin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and glutamate astrocyte-specific transporter (GLAST) antibodies. A subpopulation of these RG cells also express the neuronal markers , III-tubulin, MAP-2, and phosphorylated neurofilament SMI-31, in addition to the stem cell marker nestin, indicating their multipotential capacity. In addition, the presence of VZ cells that immunoreact only with neuronal markers indicates the emergence of restricted neuronal progenitors. The number of multipotential progenitors in the VZ gradually decreases, whereas the number of more restricted progenitors increases systematically during the 3-month course of human corticogenesis. These results suggest that multipotential progenitors coexist with restricted neuronal progenitors and RG cells during initial corticogenesis in the human telencephalon. Since the multipotential VZ cells disappear during the major wave of neocortical neurogenesis, the RG and restricted neuronal progenitors appear to serve as the main sources of cortical neurons. Thus, the diversification of cells in human VZ and overlying subventricular zone (SVZ) begins earlier and is more pronounced than in rodents. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Predicting Individual Differences in Recall by Infants Born Preterm and Full TermINFANCY, Issue 1 2006Carol L. Cheatham A heterogeneous sample of infants with preterm histories and infants born full term participated in a study of declarative memory and rate of encoding, as measured in an imitation task and an examining task, respectively. Here we report the comparisons of the performances of infants born very preterm (27,34 weeks gestation) and moderately preterm (35,37 weeks gestation) to infants born full term (38,41 weeks gestation) and tested at 12 months corrected age (from due date). Lower levels of recall were seen among the infants born very preterm. Rate of encoding, weeks gestation, and score on the Mental Development Index (MDI) of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development were tested as possible sources of individual differences in recall. Rate of encoding and MDI predicted delayed ordered recall. Implications for early detection of cognitive difficulties in children with preterm histories are discussed. [source] Histological study of fetal kidney with urethral obstruction and vesicoureteral reflux: A consideration on the etiology of congenital reflux nephropathyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 10 2003KENJI SHIMADA Purpose: A recent subject of interest regarding reflux nephropathy is the presence of renal abnormalities in neonates and infants who have no history of urinary tract infections. Debates have centered on the etiology of this renal abnormality , congenital reflux nephropathy; regarding whether it is the result of abnormal ureteral budding or of back pressure effect from sterile reflux. We examined the renal pathology of fetuses with urethral obstruction and vesicoureteral reflux, and we suggest herein a possible etiology of congenital reflux nephropathy. Methods: The renal pathology of seven autopsied fetuses with vesicoureteral reflux was studied. Reflux was demonstrated at autopsy by slow injection of contrast medium into the bladder. Severe urethral obstruction, either atresia or urethral valves, was evident in six of the subjects. Results: In six subjects, abnormality of the urinary tracts was detected by prenatal ultrasonography. Of these six subjects, three revealed characteristics of prune belly syndrome. Reflux was graded as moderate in five subjects, and severe in two. In three subjects autopsied at 21 weeks gestation or earlier, the kidneys were well-developed with normal corticomedullary configuration, and nephrogenesis was retained. In three cases autopsied at over 25 weeks of gestation, the kidneys were grossly cystic, and the nephrogenic zone was completely absent. Contrast medium was observed not only in the dilated ducts and tubules, but also in the subcapsular cysts. Extravasation of the contrast medium was seen in the peritubular space. In the last subject with normal lower urinary tract, abnormal segments among normal cortical structures were observed. Conclusion: Our findings of renal pathology in fetuses with reflux are quite similar to those seen in fetal hydronephrosis. Back pressure from reflux probably damages the developing kidney leading to a degeneration of the ampullae and a reduction in the number of nephrons. Both dilatation of the collecting ducts and tubules, and extravasation of the urine may result in interstitial fibrosis. We postulate that one of the important etiologies of congenital reflux nephropathy may be the result of back pressure from sterile reflux. [source] Prenatal growth and development of the modern human labyrinthJOURNAL OF ANATOMY, Issue 2 2004Nathan Jeffery Abstract The modern human bony labyrinth is morphologically distinct from that of all other primates, showing derived features linked with vestibular function and the overall shape of the cranial base. However, little is known of how this unique morphology emerges prenatally. This study examines in detail the developing fetal human labyrinth, both to document this basic aspect of cranial biology, and more specifically, to gain insight into the ontogenetic basis of its phylogenetically derived morphology. Forty-one post-mortem human fetuses, ranging from 9 to 29 weeks gestation, were investigated with high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging. Quantitative analyses of the labyrinthine morphology revealed a number of interesting age-related trends. In addition, our findings show that: (1) the prenatal labyrinth attains an adult equivalent size between 17 and 19 weeks gestation; (2) within the period investigated, shape changes to all or most of the labyrinth cease after the 17,19-week size maturation point or after the otic capsule ossifies; (3) fetal cochlea development correlates with the surrounding petrosal morphology, but not with the midline basicranium; (4) gestational age-related rotations of the ampullae and cochlea relative to the lateral canal, and posterior canal torsion are similar to documented phylogenetic trends whereas other trends remain distinct. Findings are discussed in terms of the ontogenetic processes and mechanisms that most likely led, in part, to the emergence of the phylogenetically derived adult modern human labyrinth. [source] Ontogeny of human hepatic cytochromes P450JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR TOXICOLOGY, Issue 4 2007Ronald N. Hines Abstract Significant changes in drug-metabolizing enzyme (DME) expression occur during ontogeny. Such changes can have a profound effect on therapeutic efficacy in the fetus and child, as well as the risk for adverse drug reactions. To gain a better understanding of DME ontogeny, enzyme contents for six key cytochromes P450 were measured in 240 human liver samples representing ages from 8 weeks gestation to 18 years. Where possible, both quantitative western blotting and activity assays with probe substrates were performed. Although oversimplified, the DME can be grouped into one of three categories. As typified by CYP3A7, some enzymes are expressed at their highest level during the first trimester and either remain at high concentrations or decrease during gestation and are silenced or expressed at low levels within 1,2 years after birth. These data cause one to query whether these enzymes have an important endogenous function. Representatives of a second group, CYP3A5 and CYP2C19, are expressed at relatively constant levels throughout gestation. Postnatal increases in CYP2C19 are observed within the first year, but not for CYP3A5. CYP2C9, 2E1, and 3A4 are more typical of a third group of enzymes that are not expressed or are expressed at low levels in the fetus with the onset of expression generally in either the second or third trimester. Substantial increases in expression are observed within the first 1,2 years after birth; however, considerable interindividual variability is observed in the immediate postnatal (1,6 months) onset or increase in expression of these enzymes, often resulting in a window of hypervariability. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 21:169,175, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20179 [source] Peak Bone Mass After Exposure to Antenatal Betamethasone and Prematurity: Follow-up of a Randomized Controlled Trial,JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 8 2006Stuart R Dalziel Abstract Small birth size is associated with reduced adult bone mass. We determined if antenatal betamethasone exposure, birth weight, or prematurity affects peak bone mass in 174 adults. Antenatal betamethasone exposure did not. Lower birth weight and prematurity predicted reduced adult height. Slower fetal growth rather than prematurity predicted lower bone mass, but this lower bone mass was appropriate for reduced adult height. Introduction: Small size at birth is reported to be associated with lower bone mass in adulthood. However, previous studies have not distinguished the relative contributions of length of gestation and fetal growth to size at birth. Fetal exposure to excess glucocorticoids has been proposed as a core mechanism underlying the associations between birth size and later disease risk. Antenatal glucocorticoids are given to pregnant women at risk for preterm delivery for the prevention of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome in their infants. We determined the relationship of antenatal exposure to betamethasone, birth weight, and prematurity to peak bone mass and femoral geometry in the adult survivors of the first randomized trial of antenatal glucocorticoids. Materials and Methods: We studied 174 young adults (mean age, 31 years) whose mothers participated in a randomized trial of antenatal betamethasone. Mothers received two doses of intramuscular betamethasone or placebo 24 h apart. Two thirds of participants were born preterm (<37 weeks gestation). We measured indices of bone mass and size and derived estimates of volumetric density and bone geometry from DXA assessments of the lumbar spine, femur, and total body. Results: There were no differences between betamethasone-exposed and placebo-exposed groups in any of the lumbar spine, femur, or total body DXA measures. There was no effect of antenatal betamethasone on adult height, although leg length was increased relative to trunk length (p = 0.002). A lighter birth weight (p , 0.001) and lower gestational age (p = 0.013) were associated with shorter stature (height Z scores) at age 31 years. Prematurity had no effect on peak bone mass or femoral geometry. However, lower birth weight, independent of gestational age, was associated with lower later bone mass (p < 0.001 for lumbar spine and total body, p = 0.003 for femoral neck BMC). These effects on bone mass were related to bone size and not to estimates of volumetric density. In the femur, lower birth weight, independent of gestational age, was associated with narrowing of the upper shaft and narrow neck regions. Conclusions: Antenatal betamethasone exposure does not affect peak bone mass or femoral geometry in adulthood. Birth weight and prematurity predict adult height, but it is slower fetal growth, rather than prematurity, that predicts lower peak bone mass. The lower peak bone mass in those born small is appropriate for their adult height. [source] A Detailed Assessment of Alterations in Bone Turnover, Calcium Homeostasis, and Bone Density in Normal PregnancyJOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 3 2000A. J. Black Abstract The effects of pregnancy on bone turnover and the potential risk of developing an osteoporotic fracture in pregnancy are controversial. Utilizing biochemical markers of bone formation and resorption and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), bone turnover before, during, and after pregnancy was studied in detail. Ten women (mean age 30 years; range 23,40) were recruited. Prepregnancy data were obtained and then a review was performed at 2-week intervals, once pregnancy was confirmed, until 14 weeks of gestation and thereafter monthly until term. Bone mineral density (BMD) was estimated by DEXA scanning of hip, spine, and forearm preconception and postpartum. In addition, BMD of the forearm at 14 weeks and 28 weeks gestation was obtained. All pregnancies had a successful outcome. Urinary free pyridinium cross-links, free pyridinoline (fPyr) and free deoxypyridinoline (fDPyr), were normal prepregnancy (mean [±SD]) 14.6 nmol/mmol (1.8) and 5.0 nmol/mmol (1.0) creat, respectively. By 14 weeks, they had increased to 20.8 nmol/mmol (4.3) and 6.1 nmol mmol (1.4) (both p < 0.02) and by 28 weeks to 26.3 nmol/mmol (5.6) and 7.4 nmol/mmol (1.6) (both p < 0.01). The ratio of fPyr to fDPyr remained constant. A similar significant increase was observed in N-telopeptide (NTx). Bone formation was assessed by measurement of carboxy-terminal propeptide of type 1 collagen (P1CP) and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP). Neither were altered significantly before 28 weeks, but subsequently mean P1CP increased from 110 ,g/liter (23) to 235 ,g/liter (84) at 38 weeks and mean BSAP increased from 11.1 U/liter (5.0) to 28.6 U/liter (11.1) (p < 0.01 for both variables). Lumbar spine (L1,L4) BMD decreased from a prepregnancy mean of 1.075 g/cm (0.115) to 1.054 g/cm2 (0.150) postpartum (p < 0.05). Total hip BMD decreased from a prepregnancy mean of 0.976 g/cm2 (0.089) to 0.941 g/cm2 (0.097) (p < 0.05). Forearm BMD at midradius, one-third distal and ultradistal decreased but did not reach statistical significance. As assessed by these bone markers, in the first 2 trimesters of pregnancy, bone remodeling is uncoupled with a marked increase in bone resorption. A corresponding increase in formation markers is not observed until the third trimester. Spinal BMD exhibits a significant decrease from prepregnancy to the immediate postpartum period with a mean reduction in BMD of 3.5% in 9 months. [source] Evaluating effects of a prenatal web-based breastfeeding education programme in TaiwanJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 8 2007Mei Zen Huang MS Aims., The objectives of this study were to evaluate a web-based breastfeeding education programme provided to primigravida in the third trimester of pregnancy with the aim of deepening breastfeeding knowledge and enhancing skills. The study was conducted at a hospital in Taiwan. Background., Education is the cornerstone supporting the framework of lactation and breastfeeding. Web-based instruction is an efficient way to provide education. Design., A quasi-experimental design was used. Methods., The target population was women at 29,36 weeks gestation using the Internet on regular basis. The primigravida were assigned to either the control group (n = 60) or the experimental group (n = 60) according to time sequence. Results., Women who received web-based breastfeeding education had a higher mean breastfeeding knowledge score and more positive attitude about breastfeeding. In addition, generalized estimating equations (GEE) model was used to examine the breastfeeding rate at different time points. After adjusting for the time trend and infant birth weight, there was a significant effect in exclusive breastfeeding for the experimental group. On the other hand, the web-based breastfeeding education programme also had a significant effect on mixed feeding rate for the experimental group. Conclusion., Results suggest that web-based breastfeeding education may contribute to breastfeeding knowledge and attitude and improved breastfeeding rate. Relevance to clinical practice., Web-based breastfeeding education programme can achieve success in promoting breastfeeding and provide health professionals with an evidence-based intervention. [source] Indices for studying urinary incontinence and levator ani function in primiparous womenJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 4 2003Cathy L. Antonakos PhD Summary ,,Urinary incontinence (UI) is a complex phenomenon that is prevalent in pregnant and parous women and requires the use of sophisticated measures to adequately reflect functioning of the continence system. ,,The purpose of this study was to develop reliable and valid measures of UI and levator ani function for use in research and clinical settings. ,,A Leakage Index (LI) and a Levator Ani Function Index (LAFI) were developed using data from a longitudinal study of primiparous women. Reliability and validity tests were conducted to: (i) estimate the internal consistency reliability of each index, (ii) determine whether the indices captured change in continence status and pelvic floor function during pregnancy through 1 year postpartum, and (iii) estimate association between the indices as a test of predictive validity. ,,Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.72 to 0.84 for the LI and from 0.53 to 0.79 for the LAFI across the six data collection time points of the study. Average LI scores increased late in pregnancy and decreased postpartum, though not significantly. Average LAFI scores decreased significantly at 35 weeks gestation (t = 4.84, P = 0.000) and increased significantly at 12 months postpartum (t = ,3.51, P = 0.002) relative to baseline. The LI and LAFI were significantly associated at 20 weeks gestation (Pearson r = ,0.40, P = 0.007) and at 6 weeks postpartum (Pearson r = ,0.33, P = 0.029). ,,The findings suggest the LI and LAFI are reliable and valid measures of UI and levator ani function in primiparous women, which can be used with confidence in clinical and research settings. [source] Expression patterns of MITF during human cutaneous embryogenesis: evidence for bulge epithelial expression and persistence of dermal melanoblastsJOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 7 2008Briana C. Gleason Background:, The mechanisms whereby melanocytes populate the epidermis and developing hair follicles during embryogenesis are incompletely understood. Recent evidence implicates an intermediate mesenchymal stage in this evolutionary process in which HMB-45-positive melanocyte precursors (,melanoblasts') exist both in intradermal as well as intraepithelial and intrafollicular compartments. The melanocyte master transcriptional regulator, microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF), identifies mature melanocytes as well as melanocyte precursor stem cells that reside in the bulge region of the hair follicle. Methods:, To better define the use of MITF expression in the evaluation of melanocyte ontogeny, human embryonic and fetal skin samples (n = 28) at 6,24 weeks gestation were studied immunohistochemically for expression of MITF and Mart-1. Adjacent step sections were evaluated to correlate staining patterns with cell localization in the intraepidermal, intrafollicular and intradermal compartments. Results:, At 6,8 weeks, MITF and Mart-1-positive cells were primarily intradermal with only rare positive cells in the epidermis. By 12,13 weeks, most of these cells had migrated into the epidermis, predominantly the suprabasal layers. Between 15,17 weeks, these cells localized to the basal layer and colonized developing hair follicles. Rare intradermal MITF and Mart-1 positive cells were found as late as week 20. At 18,24 weeks, MITF and Mart-1 positive cells were identified in the outer root sheath, bulge, and follicular bulge epithelium, in addition to the epidermis. Unexpectedly, weak but diffuse nuclear MITF expression was also present in the keratinocytes of the bulge area. Conclusions:, The in situ migratory fate of MITF/Mart-1-expressing cells in fetal skin involves a well-defined progression from intradermal to intraepidermal to intrafollicular localization. Occasional intradermal melanocytes may persist after the intraepithelial stages are completed, a finding of potential significance to melanocytic proliferations that may arise de novo within the dermis. Because MITF may play a role in stem cell maintenance, the presence of MITF in bulge epithelial cells suggests that it may be a novel marker for follicular stem cells of both epithelial and melanocytic lineage. [source] Human herpesvirus-8 infection in pregnancy and labor: Lack of evidence of vertical transmissionJOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 3 2004Loredana Sarmati Abstract To investigate whether vertical transmission of the human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) may occur during pregnancy or at delivery, we enrolled 295 women recruited attending the Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology of a University Teaching of Rome Tor Vergata, S. Eugenio Hospital. The study population was divided in two groups: 245 pregnant women who underwent amniocentesis for genetic screening at 16,18 weeks gestation (group 1) and 50 women at the childbirth (group 2). Maternal blood was obtained from all women. Amniotic fluid (group 1) and cord blood (group 2) were obtained at midtrimester and at delivery, respectively. The presence of anti-HHV-8 antibodies in serum samples was investigated by an immunfluorescence assay. All amniotic fluids, maternal blood, and cord blood samples from HHV-8 seropositive women were tested for the presence of HHV-8 DNA sequences by the polymerase chain reaction. Thirty women, 27 of the group 1 and three of the group 2, were found to have anti-HHV-8 antibodies. Two neonates of the three seropositive mothers of the group 2 had anti-HHV-8 antibodies in cord blood. HHV-8 DNA sequences were detected in the blood of one woman of the group 2. None of the amniotic fluid and cord blood samples had detectable HHV-8 DNA sequences. This study suggests that vertical transmission of HHV-8 is unlikely or, at least, very rare. J. Med. Virol. 72:462,466, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Alternative isoforms of myelin/oligodendrocyte glycoprotein with variable cytoplasmic domains are expressed in human brainJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2007Chantal Allamargot Abstract The human myelin/oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) gene is encoded by 10 exons that exhibit a complex pattern of alternative splicing. This report demonstrates that several MOG-specific alternative splice variants are indeed expressed in human oligodendrocytes (OLs) and myelin during perinatal development and are retained through adulthood. While all forms possess the common extracellular Ig-like domain, these alternative MOG structures differ significantly in their respective cytoplasmic domains. Peptide-specific antibodies were generated to facilitate detection of these different MOG moieties. The fidelity of these antibodies is shown using N20 OLs expressing individual MOG variants. These antibodies also only co-localize with another well-characterized marker of OLs and myelin , PLP/DM20 proteins. Among the human tissue samples tested, very limited expression occurred by 36 weeks gestation for 2,3 MOG variants, and the remaining MOG isoforms were not evident until shortly after birth. This study represents the first evidence of alternative translation products from the MOG gene. To date, it is believed that alternative splicing of MOG is limited to primates. Recent completion of various genome projects has revealed that alternative splicing is much more prevalent than originally estimated, and species-specific alternative splicing is now being shown to be highly relevant to expanding proteomic diversity. [source] Optimal Body Temperature in Transitional Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants Using Heart Rate and Temperature as IndicatorsJOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC, GYNECOLOGIC & NEONATAL NURSING, Issue 1 2010Robin B. Knobel ABSTRACT Objective: To explore body temperature in relationship to heart rate in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants during their first 12 hours to help identify the ideal set point for incubator control of body temperature. Design: Within subject, multiple-case design. Setting: A tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in North Carolina. Participants: Ten infants born at fewer than 29 weeks gestation and weighing 400 to 1,000 g. Methods: Heart rate and abdominal body temperature were measured at 1-minute intervals for 12 hours. Heart rates were considered normal if they were between the 25th and 75th percentile for each infant. Results: Abdominal temperatures were low throughout the 12-hour study period (mean 35.17-36.68 °C). Seven of 10 infants had significant correlations between abdominal temperature and heart rate. Heart rates above the 75th percentile were associated with low and high abdominal temperatures; heart rates less than the 25th percentile were associated with very low abdominal temperatures. The extent to which abdominal temperature was abnormally low was related to the extent to which the heart rate trended away from normal in 6 of the 10 infants. Optimal temperature control point that maximized normal heart rate observations for each infant was between 36.8 °C and 37 °C. Conclusions: Hypothermia was associated with abnormal heart rates in transitional ELBW infants. We suggest nurses set incubator servo between 36.8 °C and 36.9 °C to optimally control body temperature for ELBW infants. [source] The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Yoga During Pregnancy on Maternal Psychological and Physical DistressJOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC, GYNECOLOGIC & NEONATAL NURSING, Issue 3 2009Amy E. Beddoe ABSTRACT Objective: To examine the feasibility and level of acceptability of a mindful yoga intervention provided during pregnancy and to gather preliminary data on the efficacy of the intervention in reducing distress. Design: Baseline and post-treatment measures examined state and trait anxiety, perceived stress, pain, and morning salivary cortisol in a single treatment group. Postintervention data also included participant evaluation of the intervention. Setting: The 7 weeks mindfulness-based yoga group intervention combined elements of Iyengar yoga and mindfulness-based stress reduction. Participants: Sixteen healthy pregnant nulliparous women with singleton pregnancies between 12 and 32 weeks gestation at the time of enrollment. Methods: Outcomes were evaluated from pre- to postintervention and between second and third trimesters with repeated measures analysis of variance and post hoc nonparametric tests. Results: Women practicing mindful yoga in their second trimester reported significant reductions in physical pain from baseline to postintervention compared with women in the third trimester whose pain increased. Women in their third trimester showed greater reductions in perceived stress and trait anxiety. Conclusions: Preliminary evidence supports yoga's potential efficacy in these areas, particularly if started early in the pregnancy. [source] Stability of the Infant Car Seat Challenge and Risk Factors for Oxygen Desaturation EventsJOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC, GYNECOLOGIC & NEONATAL NURSING, Issue 4 2007Michele DeGrazia Objectives:, To explore the stability of the one-point Infant Car Seat Challenge and risk factors that may be associated with oxygen desaturation events. Design, Setting, and Participants:, This descriptive, nonexperimental, observational study examined the responses of 49 premature infants during two 90-minute Infant Car Seat Challenges at a tertiary health care institution. Main Outcome Measures:, Three Infant Car Seat Challenge outcomes were explored: (a) pass/fail rates following two Infant Car Seat Challenge observation periods, (b) oxygen saturation and desaturation patterns during two Infant Car Seat Challenges, and (c) the association between oxygen desaturation events and infants' chronological, gestational, and corrected gestational ages. Results:, The findings indicated that 86% of premature infants had stable results, 8% passed Infant Car Seat Challenge 1 but not Infant Car Seat Challenge 2, and 6% failed Infant Car Seat Challenge 1 and passed Infant Car Seat Challenge 2. In addition, the odds for oxygen desaturation events increased for infants born at less than or equal to 34 weeks gestation and hospitalized longer than 7 days. Conclusions:, The Infant Car Seat Challenge success rate for identifying infants at risk for oxygen desaturation events was equal to or better than that of other screening tests for newborn medical conditions. The findings of this study will assist neonatal health care providers in making appropriate recommendations for infants' safe travel at discharge. JOGNN, 36, 300-307; 2007. DOI: 10.1111/J.1552-6909.2007.00161.x [source] Nursing Update on Retinopathy of PrematurityJOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC, GYNECOLOGIC & NEONATAL NURSING, Issue 3 2007Kristi Coe One of the problems that plagues premature infants is retinopathy of prematurity, a potentially blinding disease that occurs because the retina is immature before 34 weeks gestation and must develop in a suboptimal environment when a baby is born early. Prevention by minimizing oxygen exposure has been somewhat effective, but survival of the tiniest babies has led to a recent resurgence in cases. Oxygen targeting and early surgery show promise to reduce the risk of blindness in the smallest premature infants. Nurses play an important role in oxygen management and parental support. JOGNN, 36, 288-292; 2007. DOI: 10.1111/J.1552-6909.2007.00151.x [source] Safe Criteria and Procedure for Kangaroo Care With Intubated Preterm InfantsJOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC, GYNECOLOGIC & NEONATAL NURSING, Issue 5 2003FAAN professor, Susan M. Ludington-Hoe CNM Kangaroo care (KC) was safely conducted with mechanically ventilated infants who weighed less than 600 grams and were less than 26 weeks gestation at birth. These infants, ventilated for at least 24 hours at the time of the first KC session, were considered stable on the ventilator at low settings (intermittent mandatory ventilation < 35 breaths per minute and FiO2 < 50%), had stable vital signs, and were not on vasopressors. A protocol for implementation of KC with ventilated infants that uses a standing transfer, with two staff members assisting to minimize the possibility of extubation, is presented. Also discussed is the positioning of the ventilator tubing during KC. This protocol was implemented without any accidental extubation throughout an experimental research study. The criteria and protocol were compared to those available in published reports and revealed many similar elements, providing additional support for the recommended protocol. No adverse events occurred with the criteria and protocol reported here, suggesting that they can be adopted for broader use. [source] The Effects of Heparin Versus Normal Saline for Maintenance of Peripheral Intravenous Locks in Pregnant WomenJOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC, GYNECOLOGIC & NEONATAL NURSING, Issue 4 2003Kathryn M. Niesen MSN, RN director of clinical nursing Objective: To compare the efficacy of two available preparations (heparin, 10 U/mL, 1 mL, vs. normal saline, 1 mL) used for maintaining patency in peripheral intravenous (IV) locks during pregnancy. Design: Prospective, randomized, and double-blind. Eligible patients who were to receive a peripheral intermittent IV lock were randomly assigned to receive either heparin flushes or normal saline flushes for IV lock maintenance. IV locks were flushed after each medication administration, or at least every 24 hours, with the assigned blinded flush solution. Intermittent IV lock sites were also evaluated every 12 hours for the development of phlebitis. Setting: A large academic medical center in the Midwest that has both community-based and regional-referral obstetric practices with more than 2,000 deliveries per year. Participants: A convenience sample included 73 hospitalized pregnant women who were between 24 and 42 weeks gestation. Exclusions from the study were women with significant abnormalities in the fetal heart tracing on admission, cervical dilation > 4 cm, presence of hypersensitivity to heparin, presence of clotting abnormalities, and anticoagulation therapy (including low-dose aspirin). Results: Data indicate there were no statistically significant differences in IV lock patency nor in phlebitis between heparin or normal saline flushes. Conclusions: This study provides support that both normal saline and heparin in the doses studied may be equally effective in the maintenance of peripheral IV locks. Due to small sample size, additional studies are needed to determine optimal therapy over time. [source] Uterine rupture at scar of prior laparoscopic cornuostomy after vaginal delivery of a full-term healthy infantJOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 4pt2 2008Chi Feng Su Abstract A 30-year-old, gravida 2, para 0 woman who had a history of a laparoscopic cornuostomy for a left interstitial pregnancy was admitted for a vaginal delivery due to labor pains at 40 weeks gestation. A prolonged placental delivery, persistent abdominal pain, and hemorrhagic shock were noted after the delivery of the infant. An emergency laparotomy was carried out, and the diagnosis of a uterine rupture at the scar of a prior cornuostomy was confirmed. The entire placenta extruded through the rupture wound into the abdominal cavity. A Medline computer search revealed that a similar case of a uterine rupture after full-term vaginal delivery has yet to be reported. In order to prevent a uterine rupture, we suggest that a planned cesarean delivery, before the onset of labor in a subsequent pregnancy, may be safer for a patient with a scarred uterus from a prior cornuostomy for an interstitial pregnancy. [source] Role of uterine artery velocimetry using color-flow Doppler and electromyography of uterus in prediction of preterm laborJOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 6 2004Neera Agarwal Abstract Aim:, To evaluate the role of Doppler waveforms of uterine vessels and electromyography (EMG) of the uterus in predicting preterm labor. Methods:, One hundred ante-natal women at ,24 weeks of gestation who fulfilled the selection criteria were included in the study. A single Doppler recording for bilateral uterine vessels was taken at ,26 weeks gestation using the transvaginal route. Transabdominal EMG of the uterus was recorded serially at 4-week intervals from 24 weeks until delivery or until 37 weeks were completed. Results:, Women with a sensation of heaviness in the lower abdomen during pregnancy had a significant association with preterm delivery. Of the three Doppler indices, the systolic/diastolic ratio and the resistivity index of uterine vessels were found to have a sensitivity as high as 83,95% for the prediction of preterm labor. The electrical activity of uterine musculature, as recorded using EMG, showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the electrical activity recorded for the two groups at 31 weeks and later, while the duration of burst activity was significantly longer in the preterm group at 26 weeks and later. Conclusions:, Patients with a dull aching sensation in the lower abdomen should not be neglected. Doppler of the uterine vessels and EMG of the uterus could prove to be a good predictor of preterm labor. [source] Intrauterine treatment for an acardiac twin with alcohol injection into the umbilical arteryJOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 2 2002Theera Tongsong Abstract An acardiac twin is a unique complication of monochorionic twinning, in which a normal pump twin perfuses the acardiac twin. The mortality rate of the pump twin is greater than 50%. Herein we present the successful treatment of an acardiac twin with alcoholization as follows. An acardiac twin was diagnosed at 24 weeks gestation. Circulation interruption of the acardiac twin was successfully achieved by injection of absolute alcohol (5 mL) into the intra-abdominal umbilical artery. Serial ultrasound after the procedure revealed normal growth of the pump twin, whereas the acardiac twin was shrinking. Spontaneous premature delivery at 34 weeks gestation resulted in a normal surviving female baby weighing 2410 g and an acardiac female fetus weighing 300 g. This experience suggests that this simple technique may be an alternative treatment for an acardiac twin. [source] A Comparative Study of Intraplacental Villous Arteries by Latex Cast Model in vitro and Color Doppler Flow Imaging in vivo,JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 5 2001Junwu Mu Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether color Doppler sonogram can accurately depict the placental vascular structures using a latex cast model of the placental vessels, and to make a nomogram of several blood flow parameters according to the vascular structures. Methods: First, we made 9 latex cast models of placental arteries and performed morphologic observation and measurement. Second, the comparative anatomical observation of placental vessels by color flow mapping was performed for all 9 patients from whom the latex models were made. Third, a total of 102 uncomplicated pregnant women between 18 and 40 weeks gestation were examined by color Doppler imaging. The resistance indices (RI) and peak systolic velocity (PSV) were measured. Results: In the latex cast model of placentas, cotyledons could be differentiated by the presence of independent vascular structure units. First, second, third and fourth branches were noted in one cotyledon. Cotyledons were easily identified and counted by color Doppler imaging. Each cotyledon contained only one first branch of the intraplacental villous artery (IPVA). The number of IPVA-1 on color Doppler imaging was equal to the number of the cotyledon calculated from the latex model. RI exhibited a negative, and PSV a positive correlation with gestational age (p < 0.05 in both cases). At any given gestational age, both RI and PSV in the peripheral arteries were significantly lower (p < 0.01) than those in the upstream arteries. Conclusions: Color Doppler flow sonography is a valuable tool for detecting the blood flow of intraplacental villous arteries in vivo and the images agree with the vascular anatomy of placenta in vitro. These results may also provide the basic parameters for future studies of some complicated pregnancies. [source] Cardiac outcomes of hydrops as a result of twin,twin transfusion syndrome treated with laser surgeryJOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 1-2 2009Peter H Gray Aim: To determine cardiac outcomes of foetal hydrops as a result of twin,twin transfusion syndrome treated with laser surgery. Methods: Hydrops identified in 16 recipient foetuses with twin,twin transfusion syndrome was treated with laser ablation surgery to anastomotic vessels. Prior to laser surgery, the foetuses were assessed by echocardiography for cardiac abnormalities and ventricular and valvular dysfunction. After delivery, echocardiography was performed on 15 of the 16 newborn infants. Results: Foetal echocardiography indicated impaired biventricular function in the 16 hydropic foetuses. Five foetuses had little or no forward flow through the pulmonary valve, while four had pulmonary regurgitation. Following laser surgery performed at a mean of 22.9 weeks gestation, hydrops resolved in all cases. Delivery occurred at a mean of 33.6 weeks gestation. Post-natal echocardiography revealed cardiac abnormalities in five neonates, of whom three had right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. One preterm infant with severe pulmonary stenosis died with intractable cardiac failure. Conclusion: The majority of hydropic infants with twin,win transfusion syndrome have normal cardiac outcomes following intrauterine laser surgery. As up to one-third may have cardiac abnormalities, cardiological monitoring is recommended during the first year of life. [source] Chronic lung disease of prematurity and respiratory outcome at eight years of ageJOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 1-2 2007Karthikeyan Kulasekaran Aim: The study aimed to determine the respiratory outcome of children who had chronic lung disease of prematurity (CLD) compared with a preterm control group of children at school age. Methods: Fifty-two preterm infants with CLD born between 26 and 33 weeks gestation were assessed regarding respiratory illness with 47 having lung function testing. Information regarding respiratory illness was obtained from 52 children in the birthweight-matched control group of whom 45 had lung function testing. The results were compared between the CLD and control groups. Results: There was no difference in respiratory symptomatology between CLD groups and control preterm infants. On lung function testing, a significantly lower mean forced expiratory flow at 25,75% of vital capacity was identified compared with the preterm controls (P = 0.024). This significant difference did not persist after bronchodilator therapy. There was no evidence of increased air trapping or bronchial hyper-reactivity in the CLD children compared with the controls. Conclusion: Lung function in CLD children is largely normal in comparison with preterm controls, apart from some evidence of reversible small airway obstruction. Respiratory symptomatology is not increased in chronic disease children in comparison with control preterm children. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||