1
|
Lopes TCP, da Silva Vieira AG, Cordeiro SA, Miralha AL, de Oliveira Andrade E, de Lima RL, do Valle Filho MF, Boechat AL, Gonçalves RL. Effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions in reducing pain in preterm infants: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Intensive Crit Care Nurs 2024; 84:103742. [PMID: 38852240 DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2024.103742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the most effective non-pharmacological measures for pain control in preterm infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). METHODS A Systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials published in English, Portuguese, and Spanish from April 2020 to December 2023. The data sources used were MedLine via PubMed, LILACS, EMBASE, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Pedro. We performed the risk of bias analysis with Rob 2 and the certainty of the evidence and strength of the recommendation using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. We assessed heterogeneity using the Higgins and Thompson I2 test, the classification of interventions using the P-score, and inconsistencies using the Direct Evidence Plot. RESULTS From 210 publications identified, we utilized 12 studies in analysis with 961 preterm infants, and we combined ten studies in network meta-analysis with 716 preterm infants, and 12 combinations of non-pharmacological measures. With moderate confidence, sensory saturation, sugars, non-nutritive sucking, maternal heart sound, lullaby, breast milk odor/taste, magnetic acupuncture, skin-to-skin contact, and facilitated tucking have been shown to reduce pain in preterm infants when compared to no intervention, placebo, proparacaine or standard NICU routine: sensory saturation [SMD 5,25 IC 95%: -8,98; -1,53], sugars [SMD 2,32 IC 95%: -3,86; -0,79], pacifier [SMD 3,74 IC 95%: -7,30; 0,19], and sugars and pacifier SMD [3,88 IC 95% -7,72; -0,04]. CONCLUSION Non-pharmacological measures are strongly recommended for pain management in preterm infants in the NICU. IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE The findings of this study have important implications for policy and practice. This is the only systematic review that compared the effectiveness of non-pharmacological measures, thus making it possible to identify which measure presents the best results and could be the first choice in clinical decision making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tainá Costa Pereira Lopes
- Program in Health Sciences (PPGCIS), Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Amazonas, UFAM, Brazil.
| | | | - Sarah Almeida Cordeiro
- Program in Health Sciences (PPGCIS), Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Amazonas, UFAM, Brazil
| | | | - Edson de Oliveira Andrade
- Program in Health Sciences (PPGCIS), Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Amazonas, UFAM, Brazil
| | - Raquel Lima de Lima
- Program in Health Sciences (PPGCIS), Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Amazonas, UFAM, Brazil
| | | | - Antônio Luiz Boechat
- Program in Health Sciences (PPGCIS), Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Amazonas, UFAM, Brazil
| | - Roberta Lins Gonçalves
- Program in Health Sciences (PPGCIS), Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Amazonas, UFAM, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Breton-Piette A, De Clifford-Faugère G, Aita M. Prolonged pain in premature neonates hospitalised in neonatal intensive care units: A scoping review. Int J Nurs Stud 2024; 155:104773. [PMID: 38718692 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2024.104773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to repetitive pain during the neonatal period has been shown to have important short and long-term effects on the neurodevelopment of the premature neonate and can contribute to experienced prolonged pain. A uniform taxonomy of neonatal prolonged pain is still lacking to this day which contributes to suboptimal prolonged pain management in neonatal intensive care units. Accordingly, a scoping review exploring the state of knowledge about prolonged pain in preterm neonates hospitalised in the neonatal intensive care unit will contribute to the developing field of neonatal prolonged pain and provide recommendations for clinical prolonged pain management. OBJECTIVE To determine the scope, extent, and nature of the available literature on prolonged pain in premature neonates hospitalised in neonatal intensive care units. DESIGN Scoping review. METHODS An electronic search was conducted from inception to November 2023 in the databases of CINAHL, PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, GeryLit.org and Grey Source Index. Included studies discussed concepts related to neonatal prolonged pain such as definitions of prolonged pain, indicators of prolonged pain, contexts that result in prolonged pain, prolonged pain evaluation tools, consequences of prolonged pain and interventions for prolonged pain management. RESULTS Key concepts of neonatal prolonged pain were identified in the 86 included articles of this scoping review such as definitions (n = 26), indicators (n = 39), contexts (n = 49), scales (n = 56), consequences of prolonged pain (n = 30) and possible interventions for prolonged pain management (n = 22). Whilst a consensus on a definition has yet to be achieved, no proximate event was shown to cause prolonged pain and a time criterion was identified by authors as being relevant in defining prolonged pain. Interestingly, the context of hospitalisation was identified as being the most indicative of prolonged pain in premature neonates and should guide its evaluation and management, whilst only limited pain management interventions and consequences were discussed. CONCLUSION The findings of this scoping review contribute to the foundation of growing knowledge in neonatal prolonged pain and shed light on the ambiguity that currently exists on this topic in the scientific literature. This review summarises knowledge of key concepts necessary for a better understanding of prolonged pain and stresses the importance of considering contexts of hospitalisation for prolonged pain evaluation and management in neonatal intensive care units, with the objective of improving developmental outcomes of premature neonates. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT A scoping review reveals that the contexts of prolonged pain in premature neonates hospitalised in the neonatal intensive care unit are essential in guiding its evaluation and management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Breton-Piette
- Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, Canada; Research Centre, CHU Sainte-Justine, Canada.
| | | | - Marilyn Aita
- Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, Canada; Research Centre, CHU Sainte-Justine, Canada; Quebec Network on Nursing Intervention Research (RRISIQ), Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Campbell-Yeo M, MacNeil M, McCord H. Pain in Neonates: Perceptions and Current Practices. Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am 2024; 36:193-210. [PMID: 38705688 DOI: 10.1016/j.cnc.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
All newborns experience pain during routine care, which can have long-lasting negative effects. Despite the availability of effective methods to prevent and reduce pain, most infants will receive ineffective or no treatment. Optimal pain management includes the reduction of the number of procedures performed, routine pain assessment and the use of effective pain-reducing interventions, most notably breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact and sweet-tasting solutions. Parents are an essential component of the comprehensive assessment and management of infant pain; however, a gap exists regarding the uptake of parent-led interventions and the engagement of families. Practice recommendations for infant pain care are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marsha Campbell-Yeo
- Faculty of Health, School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; MOM-LINC Lab, IWK Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
| | - Morgan MacNeil
- Faculty of Health, School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; MOM-LINC Lab, IWK Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. https://twitter.com/morganxmacneil
| | - Helen McCord
- Faculty of Health, School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; MOM-LINC Lab, IWK Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pezzotti E, Provenzi L, Naboni C, Capelli E, Ghirardello S, Borgatti R, Orcesi S. Masked or not, I smile to you: Exploring full-term and preterm infants' social smiles to adults wearing a protective facemask. Infant Behav Dev 2024; 75:101947. [PMID: 38593528 DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2024.101947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
The early emergence of social smiles is an important milestone of infants' socio-emotional development. Our aim was to assess how the use of protective facemasks by adults affects the display of social smiles in preterm (PT) and full-term (FT) infants at 3 months (corrected age for prematurity). We enrolled 30 FT and 30 PT infants (gestational age ≤ 32 weeks). Infants' social smiles displays were assessed at 2-3-month-age (corrected) across a three-episode (masked mother; unmasked mother; masked adult female stranger) videotaped interactive task. During each episode, the adult was instructed to maintain specific facial expressions (happy-smiling, sad-frowning, neutral-unresponsive) for 15 second windows and then instructed to interact spontaneously for 45 s (of which the first 15 s were coded). FT and PT infants did not differ in the display of social smiles. In both groups, social smiles were mostly exhibited in response to happy/smiling and spontaneously interacting partners. Overall, no effect of wearing a protective facemask emerged. The use of protective facemasks did not result in a lower display of social smiles. The findings suggest that FT and PT might be equally sensitive to their adult interactive partners in terms of social smiles displays at 2-3-month-age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Pezzotti
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Livio Provenzi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Developmental Psychobiology Lab, Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cecilia Naboni
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Early Neurodevelopment and Parenting Support, Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Capelli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Stefano Ghirardello
- Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Renato Borgatti
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Simona Orcesi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Early Neurodevelopment and Parenting Support, Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
van Dokkum NH, Bao M, Verkaik-Schakel RN, Reijneveld SA, Bos AF, de Kroon MLA, Plösch T. Neonatal stress exposure and DNA methylation of stress-related and neurodevelopmentally relevant genes: An exploratory study. Early Hum Dev 2023; 186:105868. [PMID: 37797474 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2023.105868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress exposure during Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) stay may have long-lasting effects on neurodevelopmental outcomes in extremely preterm infants. Altered DNA methylation of stress-related and neurodevelopmentally relevant genes may be an underlying mechanism. AIMS This exploratory study aimed to investigate the association between neonatal stress exposure and DNA methylation in these genes at two different time points: early during the NICU stay (7-14 days after birth) and later, at discharge from the NICU. SUBJECTS We included 45 extremely preterm infants in this prospective cohort study, gestational age 24-30 weeks. OUTCOME MEASURES We collected fecal samples at days 7-14 (n = 44) and discharge (n = 28) and determined DNA methylation status in predefined regions of NR3C1, SLC6A4, HSD11B2, OPRM1, SLC7A5, SLC1A2, IGF2, NNAT, BDNF and GABRA6 using pyrosequencing. Because of low DNA concentrations in some fecal samples, we could do so in 25-50 % of collected samples. We prospectively quantified daily neonatal stress exposure using the Neonatal Infant Stressor Scale (NISS) and explored associations between cumulative NISS scores and average DNA methylation status. RESULTS Rates of methylation of most genes were not statistically different between day 7-14 and discharge, except for OPRM1. We found moderately high and mostly negative correlation coefficients upon discharge with the cumulative NISS for the NR3C1, SLC6A4, SLC1A2, IGF2, BDNF and OPRM1 genes, albeit not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that expression of stress-related and neurodevelopmentally relevant genes may be differently regulated following higher neonatal stress exposure. Larger studies should challenge the findings of this study and ideally test the effects on gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nienke H van Dokkum
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Mian Bao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Rikst Nynke Verkaik-Schakel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sijmen A Reijneveld
- Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Arend F Bos
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marlou L A de Kroon
- Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Torsten Plösch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ten Barge JA, Moelchand M, van Dijk M, Simons SHP, van Rosmalen J, van den Akker ELT, Tibboel D, van den Bosch GE. The influence of intensive care treatment in infancy on cortisol levels in childhood and adolescence. Early Hum Dev 2023; 184:105823. [PMID: 37478692 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2023.105823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infants admitted to the intensive care unit experience numerous early-life stressors, which may have long-term effects on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning. AIMS To determine the effects of intensive care treatment and related exposure to stress, pain, and opioids in infancy on cortisol levels in childhood and adolescence. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS Children and adolescents aged 8 to 18 years with a history of intensive care treatment in infancy and healthy controls. The intensive care treatment cohort consisted of four subgroups with varying levels of exposure to stress, pain, and opioids in infancy. They received either mechanical ventilation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, major surgery, or excochleation of a giant congenital melanocytic nevus. OUTCOME MEASURES Between-group differences in stress reactivity to a study visit consisting of pain threshold testing and an MRI examination and diurnal cortisol levels, as measured in saliva. RESULTS After adjustment for age, sex, and gestational age, the diurnal cortisol output (AUCg) in the overall intensive care group (N = 76) was 18 % (approximately 1000 nmol/L) (95 % CI [-31 %, -3 %], P = 0.022) lower than that in the control group (N = 67). Cortisol awakening response, diurnal decline, and stress reactivity neither differed significantly between the overall intensive care group and control group, nor between the intensive care subgroups and control group. CONCLUSION Children and adolescents with a history of intensive care treatment in infancy have similar cortisol profiles to those of healthy controls, except for an 18 % lower diurnal cortisol output. The clinical relevance of this reduction is yet to be determined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judith A Ten Barge
- Department of Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Madhvi Moelchand
- Department of Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care, Division of Pediatric Intensive Care, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Monique van Dijk
- Department of Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care, Division of Pediatric Intensive Care, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sinno H P Simons
- Department of Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joost van Rosmalen
- Department of Biostatistics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Erica L T van den Akker
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dick Tibboel
- Department of Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care, Division of Pediatric Intensive Care, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gerbrich E van den Bosch
- Department of Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
McLean MA, Nakajima L, Chau CMY, Weinberg J, Synnes AR, Miller SP, Grunau RE. Cortisol levels are related to neonatal pain exposure in children born very preterm at age 18 months in two independent cohorts. PAEDIATRIC & NEONATAL PAIN 2023; 5:86-95. [PMID: 37744280 PMCID: PMC10514780 DOI: 10.1002/pne2.12112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to pain-related stress from frequent invasive procedures in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has been associated with altered physiological stress regulation, neurodevelopment, and behavior in children born very preterm (≤32 weeks gestation). Previously, in a cohort born 2003-2006 (Cohort 1), we found that, at 18 months corrected age (CA), children born extremely low gestational age (ELGA; 24-28 weeks) and very low gestational age (VLGA; 29-32 weeks), had higher pre-test cortisol levels and a different pattern of cortisol output across a developmental assessment involving cognitive challenge compared to children born full-term (FT; 39-41 weeks). Also, greater neonatal pain-related stress exposure among the preterm children was related to higher pre-test cortisol levels. Given the adverse long-term effects of neonatal pain in preterm infants and the ensuing rise in clinical concerns to appropriately manage pain in the NICU in recent years, we aimed to examine whether our findings from Cohort 1 would still be evident in an independent cohort (Cohort 2) born 2006-2011 and recruited from the same tertiary NICU in Vancouver, Canada. We also compared the cortisol patterns, clinical and socio-demographic factors, and their interrelationships between the two cohorts. In Cohort 2, our findings using multi-level modeling support and extend our earlier findings in Cohort 1, demonstrating that children born ELGA display higher pre-test cortisol levels than FT. As well, greater cortisol output across assessment was related to more anxiety/depressive behaviors in children born VLGA. Importantly, children born ELGA were exposed to less neonatal pain/stress, mechanical ventilation, and morphine in Cohort 2 than Cohort 1. In both cohorts, however, cortisol levels and patterns were related to neonatal pain/stress and clinical factors (days on mechanical ventilation, overall morphine exposure). Despite less exposure to pain/stress and adverse clinical factors in Cohort 2 compared to Cohort 1, cortisol levels and patterns across cognitive challenge in preterm children at 18-month CA were consistent across the two independent cohorts. These findings highlight that, despite improvements to neonatal care, children born extremely preterm continue to display altered HPA axis activity, which is associated with their poorer neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mia A. McLean
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of British ColumbiaBritish ColumbiaVancouverCanada
- BC Children's Hospital Research InstituteBritish ColumbiaVancouverCanada
- School of Psychology and NeuroscienceAuckland University of TechnologyAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Lisa Nakajima
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of British ColumbiaBritish ColumbiaVancouverCanada
| | - Cecil M. Y. Chau
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of British ColumbiaBritish ColumbiaVancouverCanada
- BC Children's Hospital Research InstituteBritish ColumbiaVancouverCanada
| | - Joanne Weinberg
- BC Children's Hospital Research InstituteBritish ColumbiaVancouverCanada
- Department of Cellular and Physiological SciencesUniversity of British ColumbiaBritish ColumbiaVancouverCanada
| | - Anne R. Synnes
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of British ColumbiaBritish ColumbiaVancouverCanada
- BC Children's Hospital Research InstituteBritish ColumbiaVancouverCanada
| | - Steven P. Miller
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of British ColumbiaBritish ColumbiaVancouverCanada
- BC Children's Hospital Research InstituteBritish ColumbiaVancouverCanada
| | - Ruth E. Grunau
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of British ColumbiaBritish ColumbiaVancouverCanada
- BC Children's Hospital Research InstituteBritish ColumbiaVancouverCanada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Cortisol reactivity and negative affect among preterm infants at 12 months during a mother-infant interaction task. Infant Behav Dev 2023; 70:101784. [PMID: 36401957 DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2022.101784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate correlates of preterm (PT) infant's cortisol reactivity and the association to infant negative affect, during a mother-infant interaction procedure. Participants included 48 infants born prematurely (gestational age < 37 weeks) and their mothers, assessed when infants were 12 months old corrected for prematurity. The examined variables comprised both neonatal and environmental dimensions including maternal interactive behavior. Infant negative affect and maternal interactive behavior were assessed with a standardized mother-infant interaction task. A baseline infant saliva sample was collected before the interaction began, and a second sample after the interaction episodes ended. Results revealed that decrease of infant's cortisol concentration was significantly associated with the exposure to more sensitive, and less intrusive maternal behaviors. However, once controlled for neonatal risk, family SES and maternal psychological distress, the associations were rendered non-significant. Although the association between cortisol reactivity and negative affect trended toward significance, maternal intrusiveness was the only significant predictor of observed infant negative affect. Findings suggest the importance of primary relational experiences on PT infants' early regulatory competencies.
Collapse
|
9
|
Lowe J, Fuller JF, Dempsey AG, Do B, Bann CM, Das A, Gustafson KE, Vohr BR, Hintz SR, Watterberg KL. Cortisol awakening response and developmental outcomes at 6-7 years in children born extremely preterm. Pediatr Res 2023; 93:689-695. [PMID: 35715492 PMCID: PMC9758271 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-02113-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extremely preterm (EPT) birth has been related to dysregulation of stress responses and behavioral/learning problems at school age. Early adverse experiences can blunt HPA axis reactivity. We hypothesized that an attenuated cortisol awakening response would be associated with developmental and behavioral problems at school age in EPT children. METHODS This secondary analysis of a sub-cohort of the SUPPORT study included children born between 24 and 27 weeks, evaluated at 6-7 years with a neurodevelopmental battery and cortisol measures. Differences were tested between EPT and a term-born group. Relationships of cortisol awakening response to test scores were analyzed. RESULTS Cortisol was measured in 110 EPT and 29 term-born 6-7 year olds. Unadjusted WISC-IV and NEPSY-II scores were significantly worse among EPT children only. Conners Parent Rating Scale behavior scores were significantly worse among EPT children. After adjusting for covariates, blunted cortisol awakening responses were found to be associated with poorer scores on memory tests and greater problems with inattention for the EPT group (p < 0.05) only. CONCLUSIONS Among children born EPT, we identified an association of blunted cortisol awakening response with memory and inattention problems. This may have implications related to stress reactivity and its relationship to learning problems in children born EPT. CLINICALTRIALS GOV ID Extended Follow-up at School Age for the SUPPORT Neuroimaging and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes (NEURO) Cohort: NCT00233324. IMPACT In children born EPT, stress reactivity may have a relationship to learning problems. Cortisol awakening response should be a component for follow-up in EPT born children. Components of executive function, such as memory and attention, are related to stress reactivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean Lowe
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Janell F Fuller
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
| | - Allison G Dempsey
- Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Barbara Do
- Social, Statistical and Environmental Sciences Unit, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Carla M Bann
- Social, Statistical and Environmental Sciences Unit, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Abhik Das
- Social, Statistical and Environmental Sciences Unit, RTI International, Rockville, MD, USA
| | | | - Betty R Vohr
- Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Susan R Hintz
- Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Kristi L Watterberg
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Stoye DQ, Boardman JP, Osmond C, Sullivan G, Lamb G, Black GS, Homer NZM, Nelson N, Theodorsson E, Mörelius E, Reynolds RM. Saliva cortisol diurnal variation and stress responses in term and preterm infants. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2022; 107:558-564. [PMID: 35256524 PMCID: PMC9411886 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2021-321593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if preterm birth is associated with adaptation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and whether HPA axis programming relates to the degree of prematurity (defined as extremely preterm birth at <28 weeks or very preterm birth at 28-32 weeks gestation). DESIGN This study reports findings from a prospective birth cohort. Saliva cortisol concentrations were measured prevaccination and postvaccination, and in the morning and evening, at 4 months chronological age. SETTING Infants born at a single Scottish hospital. PARTICIPANTS 45 term-born, 42 very preterm and 16 extremely preterm infants. OUTCOMES Cortisol stress response to vaccination (postvaccination minus prevaccination cortisol concentrations), diurnal slope (log-transformed morning minus log-transformed evening cortisol values) and mean log-transformed daily cortisol. RESULTS Compared with infants born at term, infants born extremely preterm had a blunted cortisol response to vaccination (5.8 nmol/L vs 13.1 nmol/L, difference in means: -7.3 nmol/L, 95% CI -14.0 to -0.6) and a flattened diurnal slope (difference in geometric means: -72.9%, 95% CI -87.1 to -42.8). In contrast, the cortisol response to vaccination (difference in means -2.7 nmol/L, 95% CI -7.4 to 2.0) and diurnal slope at 4 months (difference in geometric means: -33.6%, 95% CI -62.0 to 16.0) did not differ significantly in infants born very preterm compared with infants born at term. CONCLUSIONS Infants born extremely preterm have blunted cortisol reactivity and a flattened diurnal slope. These patterns of HPA axis regulation are commonly seen after childhood adversity and could contribute to later metabolic and neurodevelopmental phenotypes observed in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Q Stoye
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - James P Boardman
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Clive Osmond
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Gemma Sullivan
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Gillian Lamb
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Gill S Black
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Natalie Z M Homer
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Nina Nelson
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linkoping, Sweden
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elvar Theodorsson
- Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Evalotte Mörelius
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Rebecca M Reynolds
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ginnell L, O'Carroll S, Ledsham V, Jiménez Sánchez L, Stoye DQ, Sullivan G, Hall J, Homer NZM, Boardman JP, Fletcher-Watson S, Reynolds RM. Emotion regulation and cortisol response to the still-face procedure in preterm and full-term infants. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 141:105760. [PMID: 35447496 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In infancy, stress responses and emotion regulation are often coupled. Both are impacted by prematurity, though their relationship to one another in the case of infants born preterm is not fully understood. We investigated emotion regulation behaviours, cortisol reactivity and recovery and coupling between emotion regulation and cortisol reactivity to and recovery from a stressor in preterm infants. 53 preterm and 67 full-term infants with mean (range) gestational age at birth 29+3 (24+0-31+6) and 39+3 (36+2-42+0) weeks respectively were exposed to a socio-emotional stressor, the still-face (SF) paradigm, at 9 months of age (corrected for prematurity). The duration of negative affect and self-comforting behaviours exhibited in response to the SF, coded from a 10-minute video-taped interaction, were compared between groups. Saliva was collected from a subset (20 preterm, 24 term infants) at three timepoints: pre-SF and 20- and 30-minutes post SF. Cortisol concentrations at each timepoint were compared between groups. Associations between behavioural measures and cortisol concentrations were explored. There was no significant difference in duration of self-comforting behaviour between preterm and term infants. Preterm infants spent a significantly smaller proportion of time in a negative affective state compared to term infants (0.18 vs 0.25 s, p = 0.03). Salivary cortisol concentration was significantly higher in the preterm compared to the term group 30 min post SF (2.85 vs 1.77 nmol/L, p = 0.009), though findings were no longer significant after adjusting for time of day of sampling and socioeconomic deprivation. After controlling for time of day, greater negative affect was correlated with higher cortisol concentration 30 min post SF in the full-term (r = 0.58, p = 0.004) but not the preterm group (r = -0.01, p > 0.05). Our findings suggest altered response to an acute stressor in preterm infants, manifesting as a muted emotional response, and a lack of coupling between endocrine and behavioural stress response. Replication studies in larger samples would help to further understand biological stress repose in preterm infants and its relationship to behaviour, time of day and deprivation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorna Ginnell
- The University of Edinburgh, Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre. Kennedy Tower, Morningside Terrace, Edinburgh EH10 5HF, UK.
| | - Sinéad O'Carroll
- The University of Edinburgh, Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre. Kennedy Tower, Morningside Terrace, Edinburgh EH10 5HF, UK.
| | - Victoria Ledsham
- The University of Edinburgh, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health. The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK.
| | - Lorena Jiménez Sánchez
- Translational Neuroscience PhD programme, Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre. Kennedy Tower, Morningside Terrace, Edinburgh EH10 5HF, UK.
| | - David Q Stoye
- The University of Edinburgh, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health. The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK.
| | - Gemma Sullivan
- The University of Edinburgh, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health. The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK.
| | - Jill Hall
- The University of Edinburgh, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health. The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK.
| | - Natalie Z M Homer
- Mass Spectrometry Core, Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility, University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK; The University of Edinburgh, BHF/Centre for Cardiovascular Science. The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK.
| | - James P Boardman
- The University of Edinburgh, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health. The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK.
| | - Sue Fletcher-Watson
- The University of Edinburgh, Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre. Kennedy Tower, Morningside Terrace, Edinburgh EH10 5HF, UK.
| | - Rebecca M Reynolds
- The University of Edinburgh, BHF/Centre for Cardiovascular Science. The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Voegtline KM, Dhaurali S, Wainger J, Lauzon S. Ontogeny of the Dyad: the Relationship Between Maternal and Offspring Neuroendocrine Function. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2022; 24:297-306. [PMID: 35451797 PMCID: PMC9648681 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-022-01337-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We review ontogeny of the maternal-offspring neuroendocrine relationship in human pregnancy. We present bidirectional genetic, physiological, and behavioral influences that enhance or disrupt HPA activity and its end product cortisol at the individual level and within the dyad. RECENT FINDINGS Consistent evidence supports that maternal mood and caregiving behavior are associated with maternal and offspring cortisol levels. Select studies support the buffering effects of antidepressant use and maternal positive affect on offspring cortisol. Growing research highlights evocative effects of fetal neuroendocrine activity, antenatal gene transfer, and infant behavioral distress and risk characteristics on maternal cortisol levels and dyadic attunement. There is potential to advance our understanding of the mother-offspring neuroendocrine relationship by consideration of other neuroactive steroids in addition to cortisol, and to consider developmental timing and measurement source in study design. Future study should emphasize in what context or for whom neuroendocrine attunement is adaptive versus maladaptive for mother and child.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M. Voegtline
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics,Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health
| | | | - Julia Wainger
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics
| | - Sylvie Lauzon
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mclean MA, Scoten OC, Yu W, Ye XY, Petrie J, Church PT, Soraisham AS, Mirea LS, Weinberg J, Synnes AR, O'Brien K, Grunau RE. Lower Maternal Chronic Physiological Stress and Better Child Behavior at 18 Months: Follow-Up of a Cluster Randomized Trial of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Family Integrated Care. J Pediatr 2022; 243:107-115.e4. [PMID: 34971651 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.12.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether Family Integrated Care (FICare) in the neonatal intensive care unit improves maternal chronic physiological stress and child behavior at 18 months of corrected age for infants born preterm. STUDY DESIGN Follow-up of a multicenter, prospective cluster-randomized controlled trial comparing FICare and standard care of children born at <33 weeks of gestation and parents, stratified by tertiary neonatal intensive care units, across Canada. Primary outcomes at 18 months of corrected age were maternal stress hormones (cortisol, ie, hair cumulative cortisol [HCC], dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA]) assayed from hair samples. Secondary outcomes included maternal reports of parenting stress, child behaviors (Internalizing, Externalizing, Dysregulation), and observer-rated caregiving behaviors. Outcomes were analyzed using multilevel modeling. RESULTS We included 126 mother-child dyads from 12 sites (6 FICare sites, n = 83; 6 standard care sites, n = 43). FICare intervention significantly lowered maternal physiological stress as indicated by HCC (B = -0.22 [-0.41, -0.04]) and cortisol/DHEA ratio (B = -0.25 [-0.48, -0.02]), but not DHEA (B = 0.01 [-0.11, 0.14]). Enrollment in FICare led to lower child Internalizing (B = -0.93 [-2.33, 0.02]) and Externalizing behavior T scores (B = -0.91 [-2.25, -0.01]) via improvements to maternal HCC (mediation). FICare buffered the negative effects of high maternal HCC on child Dysregulation T scores (B = -11.40 [-23.01, 0.21]; moderation). For mothers reporting high parenting stress at 18 months, FICare was related to lower Dysregulation T scores via maternal HCC; moderated mediation = -0.17 (-0.41, -0.01). CONCLUSIONS FICare has long-term beneficial effects for mother and child, attenuating maternal chronic physiological stress, and improving child behavior in toddlerhood. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT01852695.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mia A Mclean
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Olivia C Scoten
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Wayne Yu
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Xiang Y Ye
- Maternal-Infant Care Research Centre, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julie Petrie
- BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Paige T Church
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Joanne Weinberg
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Anne R Synnes
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Karel O'Brien
- Maternal-Infant Care Research Centre, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ruth E Grunau
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Dos Anjos FR, Nakato AM, Hembecker PK, Nohama P, Sarquis ALF. Effects of hydrotherapy and tactile-kinesthetic stimulation on weight gain of preterm infants admitted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. J Pediatr (Rio J) 2022; 98:155-160. [PMID: 34181888 PMCID: PMC9432265 DOI: 10.1016/j.jped.2021.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of hydrotherapy and tactile-kinesthetic stimulation on the birth weight of preterm infants admitted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. METHOD It was a randomized controlled trial, without blinding, in which 44 preterm infants of both sexes with gestational age between 32 and 34 weeks were included into two groups: hydrotherapy group (n = = 22) and tactile-kinesthetic stimulation group (n = 22). Weight gain was the parameter assessed daily. RESULTS In the tactile-kinesthetic stimulation group there was a variation in weight gain, but without significant difference (p = 0,43). However, in the hydrotherapy group, it was observed that increased weight gain started from the 2nd day (p < 0,001). CONCLUSIONS Hydrotherapy group presented significantly increased weight after the interventions, indicating that this technique can interfere with weight gain in preterm infants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franciane R Dos Anjos
- Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Hospital de Clínicas (HC), Departamento de Pediatria, Curitiba, PR, Brazil; Hospital do Rocio, Serviços Neonatais, Campo Largo, PR, Brazil.
| | - Adriane M Nakato
- Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia Biomédica, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Paula Karina Hembecker
- Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia Biomédica, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Percy Nohama
- Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia Biomédica, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Ana Lúcia F Sarquis
- Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Hospital de Clínicas (HC), Departamento de Pediatria, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Campbell-Yeo M, Eriksson M, Benoit B. Assessment and Management of Pain in Preterm Infants: A Practice Update. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:244. [PMID: 35204964 PMCID: PMC8869922 DOI: 10.3390/children9020244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Infants born preterm are at a high risk for repeated pain exposure in early life. Despite valid tools to assess pain in non-verbal infants and effective interventions to reduce pain associated with medical procedures required as part of their care, many infants receive little to no pain-relieving interventions. Moreover, parents remain significantly underutilized in provision of pain-relieving interventions, despite the known benefit of their involvement. This narrative review provides an overview of the consequences of early exposure to untreated pain in preterm infants, recommendations for a standardized approach to pain assessment in preterm infants, effectiveness of non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic pain-relieving interventions, and suggestions for greater active engagement of parents in the pain care for their preterm infant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marsha Campbell-Yeo
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- IWK Health, Halifax, NS B3K 6R8, Canada
| | - Mats Eriksson
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden;
| | - Britney Benoit
- Rankin School of Nursing, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS B2G 2N5, Canada;
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ferber SG, Als H, McAnulty G, Klinger G, Weller A. Multi-level hypothalamic neuromodulation of self-regulation and cognition in preterm infants: Towards a control systems model. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2022; 9:100109. [PMID: 35755927 PMCID: PMC9216652 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2021.100109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm infants, age-corrected for prematurity, score on average, 10 points lower on IQ tests than full-term infants tested at comparable ages. This review focuses on the potential contribution of the hypothalamus to cognitive neuro-regulatory development in preterm infants through its bidirectional neural connections with the prefrontal cortex and its neuroendocrine activity. It aims to clarify the central role of the hypothalamus in preterm high stress situations and in influencing cognitive development via its connectivity to the cerebral cortex. The review further evaluates epigenomic sensitivity to environmental inputs. Recent results suggest that an optimal range of DNA methylations (via a continuous process of decreasing levels of receptor methylations that are too high, and increasing levels that are too low) appears necessary in order to reach an adaptive level of receptor availability. Several studies have demonstrated amelioration of preterm infants' stress while in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICUs) and following discharge. The authors postulate that feedback mechanisms and correction signals are the basis for a hypothalamic homeostatic modulating function, a "hypothalamic resistance response", which may account for the stress reduction brought about by in- and post-NICU early interventions and their results of promoting self-regulation and cognition.
Collapse
Key Words
- Cognitive
- Controlled process variable, (CPV)
- Corticotropin-releasing hormone, (CRH)
- Epigenetics
- Hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis, (HPA axis)
- Hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis, (HPG axis)
- Hypothalamic pituitary thyroid axis, (HPT axis)
- Hypothalamus
- Lateral hypothalamus, (LH)
- Magnetic resonance imaging, (MRI)
- Neuro-regulatory development
- Newborn intensive care unit, (NICU)
- Oxytocin, (OT)
- Prefrontal cortex
- Prefrontal cortex, (PFC)
- Premature infants
- Set point, (SP)
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sari Goldstein Ferber
- Department of Psychology and the Leslie and Susan Gonda (Goldschmied) Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Heidelise Als
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gloria McAnulty
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gil Klinger
- Department of Neonatology, Schneider Children's Medical Center, Sackler Medical School, Tel Aviv University, Petach Tikvah, Israel
| | - Aron Weller
- Department of Psychology and the Leslie and Susan Gonda (Goldschmied) Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Rodrigues C, Zeitlin J, Carvalho AR, Gonzaga D, Barros H. Behavioral and emotional outcomes at preschool age in children born very preterm: The role of breast milk feeding practices. Early Hum Dev 2022; 165:105535. [PMID: 35038626 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2021.105535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast milk feeding (BMF) improved neurodevelopment in children born very preterm (VPT, <32 weeks of gestation), but knowledge about its effect on other mental health outcomes remains limited. OBJECTIVE To estimate the association of BMF practices with behavioral and emotional problems at preschool age in children born VPT. METHODS We studied 263 children born VPT during 2011-12 and enrolled in the Portuguese EPICE cohort. At the age of 3, information on BMF initiation and duration was collected and behavioral and emotional problems were assessed using the parents' completed Child Behavior Checklist 1.5-5 years (CBCL/1½-5). Children were categorized for all CBCL/1½-5 sub-scales and for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM5)-oriented scales. Risk ratios were estimated to assess the association of BMF with subclinical/clinical problems, fitting a Poisson regression. RESULTS Behavioral or emotional subclinical/clinical problems were found in almost 20% of children (11.8% in the clinical range). BMF was consistently associated with lower adverse behavioral and emotional outcomes, particularly risks of externalizing problems, somatic complaints, aggressive behavior, as well as autism spectrum and attention deficit/hyperactivity symptoms, although the magnitude of the unadjusted risks was attenuated by adjustment for relevant confounders and wider confidence intervals included the null. CONCLUSION Lower exposure to BMF seemed to increase the risk of adverse behavioral and emotional outcomes at preschool age in children born VPT. These results raise questions about explanatory pathways and strengthen evidence underpinning BMF promotion for VPT children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carina Rodrigues
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal.
| | - Jennifer Zeitlin
- Université de Paris, CRESS, Obstetrical, Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team (EPOPé), INSERM, INRA, F-75004 Paris, France
| | - Ana Raquel Carvalho
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Diana Gonzaga
- Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte, Centro Hospital Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Henrique Barros
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ståhlberg T, Upadhyaya S, Polo-Kantola P, Khanal P, Luntamo T, Hinkka-Yli-Salomäki S, Sourander A. Associations Between Delivery Modes, Birth Outcomes and Offspring Anxiety Disorders in a Population-Based Birth Cohort of Children and Adolescents. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:917299. [PMID: 35911234 PMCID: PMC9326080 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.917299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mode of delivery and well-being markers for newborn infants have been associated with later psychiatric problems in children and adolescents. However, only few studies have examined the association between birth outcomes and anxiety disorders and the results have been contradictory. METHODS This study was a Finnish population-based register study, which comprised 22,181 children and adolescents with anxiety disorders and 74,726 controls. Three national registers were used to collect the data on exposures, confounders and outcomes. Mode of delivery, the 1-min Apgar score, umbilical artery pH and neonatal monitoring were studied as exposure variables for anxiety disorders and for specific anxiety disorders. Conditional logistic regression was used to examine these associations. RESULTS Unplanned and planned cesarean sections increased the odds for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents (adjusted OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.02-1.15 and aOR 1.12, 95% CI 1.05-1.19, respectively). After an additional adjustment for maternal diagnoses, unplanned cesarean sections remained statistically significant (aOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.04-1.18). For specific anxiety disorders, planned cesarean sections and the need for neonatal monitoring increased the odds for specific phobia (aOR 1.21, 95% CI 1.01-1.44 and aOR 1.28, 95% CI 1.07-1.52, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Birth by cesarean section increased the odds for later anxiety disorders in children and adolescents and unplanned cesarean sections showed an independent association. Further studies are needed to examine the mechanisms behind these associations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiia Ståhlberg
- Research Center for Child Psychiatry, INVEST Flagship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Subina Upadhyaya
- Research Center for Child Psychiatry, INVEST Flagship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Päivi Polo-Kantola
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Prakash Khanal
- Research Center for Child Psychiatry, INVEST Flagship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Terhi Luntamo
- Research Center for Child Psychiatry, INVEST Flagship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Child Psychiatry, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Andre Sourander
- Research Center for Child Psychiatry, INVEST Flagship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Child Psychiatry, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Mariani Wigley ILC, Mascheroni E, Fontana C, Giorda R, Morandi F, Bonichini S, McGlone F, Fumagalli M, Montirosso R. The role of maternal touch in the association between SLC6A4 methylation and stress response in very preterm infants. Dev Psychobiol 2021; 63 Suppl 1:e22218. [PMID: 34964498 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Very preterm (VPT) infants requiring hospitalization in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are exposed to several stressful procedural experiences. One consequence of NICU-related stress is a birth-to-discharge increased serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) methylation that has been associated with poorer stress regulation at 3 months of age. Maternal touch is thought to support infants' stress response, but its role in moderating the effects of SLC6A4 methylation changes is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the role of maternal touch in moderating the association between increased SLC6A4 methylation and stress response in 3-month-old VPT infants. Twenty-nine dyads were enrolled and at 3 months (age corrected for prematurity), participated in the Face-to-Face Still-Face paradigm to measure infants' stress response (i.e., negative emotionality) and the amount of maternal touch (i.e., dynamic and static). Results showed that low level of maternal touch is associated with high level of negative emotionality during social stress. Furthermore, during NICU stay SLC6A4 methylation in VPT exposed to low level of maternal touch at 3 months was associated with increased negative emotionality. Thus, low levels of maternal static touch can intensify the negative effects of SLC6A4 epigenetic changes on stress response in 3-month-old VPT infants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Eleonora Mascheroni
- 0-3 Center for the at-Risk Infant, Scientific Institute IRCCS "Eugenio Medea", Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Camilla Fontana
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, NICU, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Giorda
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Scientific Institute IRCCS "Eugenio Medea", Lecco, Italy
| | | | - Sabrina Bonichini
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Francis McGlone
- School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK.,Institute of Psychology Health & Society, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Monica Fumagalli
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, NICU, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Rosario Montirosso
- 0-3 Center for the at-Risk Infant, Scientific Institute IRCCS "Eugenio Medea", Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Gomes CI, Barr GA. Local injury and systemic infection in infants alter later nociception and pain affect during early life and adulthood. Brain Behav Immun Health 2021; 9:100175. [PMID: 34589906 PMCID: PMC8474633 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2020.100175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Newborns in intensive care are regularly exposed to minor painful procedures at developmental time points when noxious stimulation would be normally absent. Pain from these interventions is inconsistently treated and often exists concurrently with systemic infection, a common comorbidity of prematurity. Our understanding of the independent and combined effects of early painful experiences and infection on pain response is incomplete. The main goals of this research therefore were to understand how pain and infection experienced early in life influence future nociceptive and affective responses to painful stimuli. Rat pups were infected with E-coli on postnatal day 2 (PN2) and had left hind paw injury with carrageenan on PN3. Standard thermal tests for acute pain, formalin tests for inflammatory pain, and conditioned place aversion testing were performed at different ages to assess the nociceptive and affective components of the pain response. Early E-coli infection and early inflammatory injury with carrageenan both independently increased pain scores following hind paw reinjury with formalin on PN8, with effects persisting into adulthood in the carrageenan exposed group. When experienced concurrently, early E-coli infection and carrageenan exposure also increased conditioned aversion to pain in adults. Effect of sex was significant only in formalin testing, with males showing higher pain scores in infancy and females showing higher pain scores as adults. These findings demonstrate that infection experienced early in life can alter both the nociceptive and affective components of the pain response and that there is a cumulative effect of local and systemic pro-inflammatory processes on the aversive component of pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carly I Gomes
- Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gordon A Barr
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3615 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, 425 S. University Avenue, Stephen A. Levin Building, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Upadhyaya S, Sourander A, Luntamo T, Matinolli HM, Chudal R, Hinkka-Yli-Salomäki S, Filatova S, Cheslack-Postava K, Sucksdorff M, Gissler M, Brown AS, Lehtonen L. Preterm Birth Is Associated With Depression From Childhood to Early Adulthood. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2021; 60:1127-1136. [PMID: 33068750 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2020.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There have been inconsistent findings on the associations among prematurity, poor fetal growth, and depression. We examined the associations among gestational age, poor fetal growth, and depression in individuals aged 5 to 25 years. METHOD We identified 37,682 case subjects based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code 2961 and International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes F32.0-F32.9 and F33.0-F33.9 from the Care Register for Health Care, and 148,795 matched controls from the Finnish Central Population Register. Conditional logistic regression examined the associations between gestational age by each gestational week, poor fetal growth, and depression. The associations were adjusted for parental age and psychopathology, paternal immigrant status, maternal substance abuse, depression, number of previous births, marital status, socio-economic status, smoking during pregnancy, and the infant's birthplace. RESULTS In the adjusted models, increased risk of depression was found in children born ≤25 weeks (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.89, 95% CI 1.08-3.31), at 26 weeks (aOR 2.62, 95% CI 1.49-4.61), at 27 weeks (aOR 1.93, 95% CI 1.05-3.53), and ≥42 weeks (aOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.05-1.19). In girls, extremely preterm birth was associated with depression diagnosed at 5 to 12 years (aOR 2.70, 95% CI 1.83-3.98) and 13 to 18 years (aOR 2.97, 95% CI 1.84-4.78). In boys, postterm birth (≥42 weeks) was associated with depression diagnosed at 19 to 25 years (aOR 1.28, 95% CI 1.07-1.54). Poor fetal growth was associated with an increased risk of depression in full-term infants (aOR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03-1.10) and postterm infants (aOR 1.24, 95% CI 1.08-1.43). CONCLUSION Preterm birth before 28 weeks of gestation appeared to play a role in the development of childhood depression. Smaller effects were also seen in postterm births, especially in boys.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andre Sourander
- University of Turku, Finland; Turku University Hospital, Finland; Columbia University, New York.
| | | | - Hanna-Maria Matinolli
- University of Turku, Finland; Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mika Gissler
- University of Turku, Finland; Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland; Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Liisa Lehtonen
- University of Turku, Finland; Turku University Hospital, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Berretta E, Guida E, Forni D, Provenzi L. Glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) methylation during the first thousand days: Environmental exposures and developmental outcomes. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 125:493-502. [PMID: 33689802 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The first 1000 days from conception are a sensitive period for human development programming. During this period, environmental exposures may result in long-lasting epigenetic imprints that contribute to future developmental trajectories. The present review reports on the effects of adverse and protective environmental conditions occurring during the first 1000 days on glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) regulation in humans. Thirty-four studies were included. Wide variations emerged for biological tissues, number and position of analyzed CpG sites, and age at methylation and outcomes assessment. Increased NR3C1 methylation associated with first 1000 days stress exposures. Maternal caregiving behaviors significantly buffered precocious stress exposures. A less robust pattern of findings emerged for the association of NR3C1 methylation with physical health, neurobehavioral and neuroendocrine outcomes. Although drawing comprehensive conclusions is partially hindered by methodological limitations, the present review underlines the relevance of the first 1000 days from conception as a time window for developmental plasticity. Prospective cohort studies and epigenome-wide approaches may increase our understanding of dynamics epigenetic changes and their consequences for child development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erica Berretta
- Experimental and Behavioral Neurophysiology Lab, Scientific Institute IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy
| | - Elena Guida
- 0-3 Center for the At-Risk Infant, Scientific Institute IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Diego Forni
- Bioinformatics, Scientific Institute IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Livio Provenzi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Lammertink F, Vinkers CH, Tataranno ML, Benders MJNL. Premature Birth and Developmental Programming: Mechanisms of Resilience and Vulnerability. Front Psychiatry 2021; 11:531571. [PMID: 33488409 PMCID: PMC7820177 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.531571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The third trimester of pregnancy represents a sensitive phase for infant brain plasticity when a series of fast-developing cellular events (synaptogenesis, neuronal migration, and myelination) regulates the development of neural circuits. Throughout this dynamic period of growth and development, the human brain is susceptible to stress. Preterm infants are born with an immature brain and are, while admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit, precociously exposed to stressful procedures. Postnatal stress may contribute to altered programming of the brain, including key systems such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the autonomic nervous system. These neurobiological systems are promising markers for the etiology of several affective and social psychopathologies. As preterm birth interferes with early development of stress-regulatory systems, early interventions might strengthen resilience factors and might help reduce the detrimental effects of chronic stress exposure. Here we will review the impact of stress following premature birth on the programming of neurobiological systems and discuss possible stress-related neural circuits and pathways involved in resilience and vulnerability. Finally, we discuss opportunities for early intervention and future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Femke Lammertink
- Department of Neonatology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Christiaan H. Vinkers
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Anatomy & Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Maria L. Tataranno
- Department of Neonatology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Manon J. N. L. Benders
- Department of Neonatology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
McLean MA, Niknafs N, Scoten OC, Chau CMY, MacKay M, Weinberg J, Synnes A, Miller SP, Grunau RE. Sensory processing and cortisol at age 4 years: Procedural pain-related stress in children born very preterm. Dev Psychobiol 2020; 63:915-930. [PMID: 33377181 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Children born preterm display altered sensory processing, which may manifest as hyper- and/or hypo-sensitivity to sensory information. In this vulnerable population, exposure to neonatal pain-related stress is associated with altered stress regulation, as indexed by alterations in cortisol levels. It is unknown whether sensory processing behaviors are also affected by early life adversity, and whether dysregulated cortisol is related to sensory processing problems in preterm children. We examined relationships between neonatal pain-related stress, sensory processing profiles and cortisol levels at age 4 years, and whether pathways were sex-specific. In a longitudinal prospective cohort study, N = 146 infants born 24-32 weeks gestational age were recruited from BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada; neonatal factors were collected from daily chart review. At age 4 years, saliva to assay cortisol was collected three times across cognitive assessment (pre-test, during, end) and parents completed the Short Sensory Profile questionnaire. Using generalized linear modeling, independent of other neonatal factors, higher number of invasive procedures (pain/stress) was associated with more sensory processing problems (total, hypo- and hyper-sensitivity) for girls only. After accounting for neonatal factors, greater cortisol output across the assessment was associated with more total sensory processing problems in girls only, and hypersensitivity to sensory input in both boys and girls. Findings suggest that in children born very preterm, how a child responds to sensory input and cortisol reactivity to stress are related but may have different precursors. Girls may be somewhat more susceptible to neonatal pain-related stress exposure in relation to sensory processing at preschool age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mia A McLean
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nikoo Niknafs
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Olivia C Scoten
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Cecil M Y Chau
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Joanne Weinberg
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Anne Synnes
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Steven P Miller
- Department of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ruth E Grunau
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Lee HJ, Kwon H, Kim JI, Lee JY, Lee JY, Bang S, Lee JM. The cingulum in very preterm infants relates to language and social-emotional impairment at 2 years of term-equivalent age. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2020; 29:102528. [PMID: 33338967 PMCID: PMC7750449 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2020.102528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Maturation of specific WM tracts in preterm individuals differs from those of term controls. The elastic net logistic regression model was used to identify altered white matter tracts in the preterm brain. The alteration of the cingulum in the preterm at near-term correlate with neurodevelopmental scores at 18–22 months of age.
Background Relative to full-term infants, very preterm infants exhibit disrupted white matter (WM) maturation and problems related to development, including motor, cognitive, social-emotional, and receptive and expressive language processing. Objective The present study aimed to determine whether regional abnormalities in the WM microstructure of very preterm infants, as defined relative to those of full-term infants at a near-term age, are associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes at the age of 18–22 months. Methods We prospectively enrolled 89 very preterm infants (birth weight < 1500 g) and 43 normal full-term control infants born between 2016 and 2018. All infants underwent a structural brain magnetic resonance imaging scan at near-term age. The diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics of the whole-brain WM tracts were extracted based on the neonatal probabilistic WM pathway. The elastic net logistic regression model was used to identify altered WM tracts in the preterm brain. We evaluated the associations between the altered WM microstructure at near-term age and motor, cognitive, social-emotional, and receptive and expressive language developments at 18–22 months of age, as measured using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Third Edition. Results We found that the elastic net logistic regression model could classify preterm and full-term neonates with an accuracy of 87.9% (corrected p < 0.008) using the DTI metrics in the pathway of interest with a 10% threshold level. The fractional anisotropy (FA) values of the body and splenium of the corpus callosum, middle cerebellar peduncle, left and right uncinate fasciculi, and right portion of the pathway between the premotor and primary motor cortices (premotor-PMC), as well as the mean axial diffusivity (AD) values of the left cingulum, were identified as contributive features for classification. Increased adjusted AD values in the left cingulum pathway were significantly correlated with language scores after false discovery rate (FDR) correction (r = 0.217, p = 0.043). The expressive language and social-emotional composite scores showed a significant positive correlation with the AD values in the left cingulum pathway (r = 0.226 [p = 0.036] and r = 0.31 [p = 0.003], respectively) after FDR correction. Conclusion Our approach suggests that the cingulum pathways of very preterm infants differ from those of full-term infants and significantly contribute to the prediction of the subsequent development of the language and social-emotional domains. This finding could improve our understanding of how specific neural substrates influence neurodevelopment at later ages, and individual risk prediction, thus helping to inform early intervention strategies that address developmental delay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Ju Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Division of Neonatology and Developmental Medicine, Seoul Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyeokjin Kwon
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Johanna Inhyang Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea; Division of Neonatology and Developmental Medicine, Seoul Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Joo Young Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji Young Lee
- Department of Radiology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - SungKyu Bang
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jong-Min Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Griffith T, White-Traut R, Janusek LW. A Behavioral Epigenetics Model to Predict Oral Feeding Skills in Preterm Infants. Adv Neonatal Care 2020; 20:392-400. [PMID: 32868589 DOI: 10.1097/anc.0000000000000720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm infants experience a multitude of prenatal and postnatal stressors, resulting in cumulative stress exposure, which may jeopardize the timely attainment of developmental milestones, such as achieving oral feeding. Up to 70% of preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit experience challenges while initiating oral feeding. Oral feeding skills require intact neurobehavioral development. Evolving evidence demonstrates that cumulative stress exposure results in epigenetic modification of glucocorticoid-related genes. Epigenetics is a field of study that focuses on phenotypic changes that do not involve alterations in the DNA sequence. Epigenetic modification of glucocorticoid-related genes alters cortisol reactivity to environmental stimuli, which may influence neurobehavioral development, and is the essence of the evolving field of Preterm Behavioral Epigenetics. It is plausible that early-life cumulative stress exposure and the ensuing epigenetic modification of glucocorticoid-related genes impair neurobehavioral development required for achievement of oral feeding skills in preterm infants. PURPOSE The purpose of this article is to build upon the evolving science of Preterm Behavioral Epigenetics and present a conceptual model that explicates how cumulative stress exposure affects neurobehavioral development and achievement of oral feeding skills through epigenetic modification of glucocorticoid-related genes. METHODS/RESULTS Using the Preterm Behavioral Epigenetics framework and supporting literature, we present a conceptual model in which early-life cumulative stress exposure, reflected by DNA methylation of glucocorticoid-related genes and altered cortisol reactivity, disrupts neurobehavioral development critical for achievement of oral feeding skills. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH Future investigations guided by the proposed conceptual model will benefit preterm infant outcomes by introducing epigenetic-based approaches to assess and monitor preterm infant oral feeding skills. Furthermore, the proposed model can guide future investigations that develop and test epigenetic protective interventions to improve clinical outcomes, representing an innovation in neonatal care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thao Griffith
- Department of Health Promotion, Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois (Drs Griffith and Janusek); Nursing Research, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (Dr White-Traut); and Department of Women, Children, and Family Health Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago (Dr White-Traut)
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Mehler K, Giebisch C, Abele J, Roth B, Huenseler C. Pain response to vaccination in newborn infants of diabetic mothers. Early Hum Dev 2020; 149:105139. [PMID: 32763751 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2020.105139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Response to pain is altered in infants who were exposed to pain- and stressful events in the neonatal period. Infants of diabetic mothers receive several heel sticks after birth for measuring blood glucose and thus may show changes in their behavioral and physiologic response to pain. Moreover, maternal hyperglycemia may alter activity of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis reactivity. STUDY DESIGN In total, 43 infants of diabetic mothers and 30 control infants were included into the study. Response to pain was assessed at 3 months of age following two intramuscular injections for vaccination. We assessed behavioral (Bernese pain scale), physiologic (heart rate) and hormonal (salivary cortisol) pain response to vaccination as well as spinal sensitization (flexion withdrawal reflex). RESULTS Infants of diabetic mothers received a median number of 5 [4-19] painful events compared to 1 [1-3] in the control group. Heart rate reactivity differed significantly between groups. Infants of diabetic mothers had higher peaks (p = 0.002) and needed more time to recover to baseline (p < 0.001). Moreover, infants of diabetic mothers showed higher peak cortisol (p = 0.001) and a higher relative cortisol increase (p = 0.015). Flexor withdrawal reflex thresholds were significantly lower in infants of diabetic mothers (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION The increase of physiologic and hormonal responses to pain in infants of diabetic mothers is probably caused by repeated painful events and an altered metabolic profile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Mehler
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Pediatrics, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Christina Giebisch
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Pediatrics, Cologne, Germany
| | - Julia Abele
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Pediatrics, Cologne, Germany
| | - Bernhard Roth
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Pediatrics, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christoph Huenseler
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Pediatrics, Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Provenzi L, Fumagalli M, Scotto di Minico G, Giorda R, Morandi F, Sirgiovanni I, Schiavolin P, Mosca F, Borgatti R, Montirosso R. Pain-related increase in serotonin transporter gene methylation associates with emotional regulation in 4.5-year-old preterm-born children. Acta Paediatr 2020; 109:1166-1174. [PMID: 31670854 DOI: 10.1111/apa.15077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
AIM The main goal of this study was to assess the association between pain-related increase in serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) methylation and emotional dysregulation in 4.5-year-old preterm children compared with full-term matched counterparts. METHODS Preterm (n = 29) and full-term (n = 26) children recruited from two Italian hospitals were followed-up from October 2011 to December 2017. SLC6A4 methylation was assessed from cord blood at birth from both groups and peripheral blood at discharge for preterm ones. At 4.5 years, emotional regulation (ie, anger, fear and sadness) was assessed through an observational standardised procedure. RESULTS Preterm children (18 females; mean age = 4.5, range = 4.3-4.8) showed greater anger display compared with full-term controls (14 females; mean age = 4.5, range = 4.4-4.9) in response to emotional stress. Controlling for adverse life events occurrence from discharge to 4.5 years and SLC6A4 methylation at birth, CpG-specific SLC6A4 methylation in the neonatal period was predictive of greater anger display in preterm children but not in full-term ones. CONCLUSION These findings contribute to highlight how epigenetic regulation of serotonin transporter gene in response to NICU pain exposure contributes to long-lasting programming of anger regulation in preterm children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Livio Provenzi
- Scientific Institute IRCCS E. Medea Bosisio Parini Lecco Italy
| | - Monica Fumagalli
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milan Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health University of Milan Milan Italy
| | | | - Roberto Giorda
- Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MedeaMolecular Biology Lab Bosisio Parini Lecco Italy
| | | | - Ida Sirgiovanni
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milan Italy
| | - Paola Schiavolin
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milan Italy
| | - Fabio Mosca
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milan Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health University of Milan Milan Italy
| | - Renato Borgatti
- Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MedeaNeuropsychiatry and Neurorehabilitation Unit Bosisio Parini Lecco Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Puhakka IJA, Peltola MJ. Salivary cortisol reactivity to psychological stressors in infancy: A meta-analysis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 115:104603. [PMID: 32171123 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Measurement of salivary cortisol is a practical and non-invasive tool for studying stress reactivity to various types of stressors even in young infants. Whereas studies using physical stressors during the first months of life have found robust cortisol responses to painful stimuli, research with older infants using psychological stressors (e.g., parental separation) has produced mixed findings, limiting our understanding of potential developmental changes in cortisol reactivity across infancy. In the present study, we used meta-analysis to systematically investigate whether psychological stressor paradigms are associated with measurable cortisol responses in infants under 18 months of age and whether the magnitude of the responses is moderated by the type of psychological stressor (i.e., separation, frustration, novelty, or disruption of parental interaction), infant age, and other potential moderators. Across 47 studies (N = 4095, age range: 3-18 months), we found that commonly used psychological stressor paradigms are associated with a small (Hedges' g = .11) increase in salivary cortisol levels in typically developing infants. Stressor type moderated the effect sizes, and when effect sizes in each category were analyzed separately, only the separation studies were associated with a consistent increase in cortisol following the stressor. Age did not moderate the effect sizes either in the full set of studies or within the separate stressor types. These meta-analytic results indicate that the normative cortisol response to psychological stressors across infancy is small and emphasize the need for standardized stressor paradigms to assess cortisol responses systematically across infancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilmari J A Puhakka
- Faculty of Education and Culture, Tampere University, Finland; Human Information Processing Laboratory, Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, 33014, Finland
| | - Mikko J Peltola
- Human Information Processing Laboratory, Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, 33014, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hair cortisol is a measure of chronic or repeated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation in response to physical or psychological stressors. Hair cortisol has been successfully used as a measure of chronic stress in adults and children; however, its use as a valid measure in preterm infants has been limited by challenges in measuring cortisol in the low mass samples collectable from these infants. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this report is to present a novel protocol for the measurement of hair cortisol in very low mass hair samples. METHODS Small changes were made to previously published protocols. After washing and pulverizing the hair samples, a double methanol cortisol extraction was performed. Samples were spiked with a known quantity of cortisol and analyzed in duplicate using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Hair cortisol was detectable in samples weighing between 0.4 and 10.9 mg. The mean cortisol level was 23.74 pg/mg hair (SD = 26.38). DISCUSSION With small changes to previously published laboratory protocols, cortisol is quantifiable in low mass hair samples from preterm infants. This technical advance is an important step toward quantifying the stress experiences of hospitalized preterm infants.
Collapse
|
31
|
Montirosso R, McGlone F. The body comes first. Embodied reparation and the co-creation of infant bodily-self. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 113:77-87. [PMID: 32145222 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
During infancy relational experiences of body-to-body exchanges (i.e., embodied interactions) contribute to the infant's bodily perception. Early embodied interactions are based on countless multimodal reciprocal exchanges, in which mother and infant contribute to interpersonal rhythmic cycles of co-regulation (i.e., attunement). However, it remains unclear how infants and their mothers actually accomplish attunement in their exchanges. Interactions between mothers and their infants typically fluctuate between attuned and misattuned states and recovery attunement states by a process called 'reparation'. Here, we discuss recent neuroscientific evidence that provides insight into the mechanisms underpinning the concepts of attunement and misattunement in early embodied interactions. We propose that a process of embodied reparation might be achieved within the dyad through tactile contact behaviors (e.g., skin-to-skin, affectionate touch) and maternal interoceptive sensitivity (i.e., ability to perceive internal input about the state of one's own body). We describe how these elements that mothers provide during embodied interactions with their infants, might contribute not only to bodily attunement, but also to co-create the infant bodily-self.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Montirosso
- 0-3 Center for the at-Risk Infant, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini (Lecco), Italy.
| | - Francis McGlone
- School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, LiverpoolJohn Moores University, Liverpool, UK; Institute of Psychology Health & Society, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Cassiano RGM, Provenzi L, Linhares MBM, Gaspardo CM, Montirosso R. Does preterm birth affect child temperament? A meta-analytic study. Infant Behav Dev 2020; 58:101417. [PMID: 31927307 DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2019.101417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The present meta-analytic study was conducted to examine differences in temperament between preterm and full-term children, considering behavior style and psychobiological approaches. Moreover, we explored the potential moderators of the associations between prematurity and temperament. A systematic literature search was performed on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL. Twenty-two studies were analyzed. Preterm children showed a higher Activity level as well as lower Attentional Focusing and Attention Span/Persistence, in comparison with their full-term counterparts. Extremely preterm children showed a higher Activity level than other preterm levels. These findings support the conclusion that preterm children present with a less regulated temperament relative to those born full term.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela G M Cassiano
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Tenente Catão Roxo, 2260, Ribeirão Preto, SP, CEP: 14051-140, Brazil.
| | - Livio Provenzi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria Beatriz Martins Linhares
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Tenente Catão Roxo, 2260, Ribeirão Preto, SP, CEP: 14051-140, Brazil
| | - Claudia M Gaspardo
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Tenente Catão Roxo, 2260, Ribeirão Preto, SP, CEP: 14051-140, Brazil
| | - Rosario Montirosso
- 0-3 Center for the at-Risk Infant, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, via Don Luigi Monza 20, 23842 Bosisio Parini, LC, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Stroustrup A, Bragg JB, Spear EA, Aguiar A, Zimmerman E, Isler JR, Busgang SA, Curtin PC, Gennings C, Andra SS, Arora M. Cohort profile: the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Hospital Exposures and Long-Term Health (NICU-HEALTH) cohort, a prospective preterm birth cohort in New York City. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e032758. [PMID: 31772104 PMCID: PMC6887035 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Hospital Exposures and Long-Term Health (NICU-HEALTH) longitudinal preterm birth cohort studies the impact of the NICU exposome on early-life development. NICU-HEALTH collects multiple biospecimens, complex observational and survey data and comprehensive multisystem outcome assessments to allow measurement of the impact of modifiable environmental exposures during the preterm period on neurodevelopmental, pulmonary and growth outcomes. PARTICIPANTS Moderately preterm infants without genetic or congenital anomalies and their mothers are recruited from an urban academic medical centre level IV NICU in New York City, New York, USA. Recruitment began in 2011 and continues through multiple enrolment phases to the present with goal enrolment of 400 infants. Follow-up includes daily data collection throughout the NICU stay and six follow-up visits in the first 2 years. Study retention is 77% to date, with the oldest patients turning age 8 in 2019. FINDINGS TO DATE NICU-HEALTH has already contributed significantly to our understanding of phthalate exposure in the NICU. Phase I produced the first evidence of the clinical impact of phthalate exposure in the NICU population. Further study identified specific sources of exposure to clinically relevant phthalate mixtures in the NICU. FUTURE PLANS Follow-up from age 3 to 12 is co-ordinated through integration with the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) programme. The NICU-HEALTH cohort will generate a wealth of biomarker, clinical and outcome data from which future studies of the impact of early-life chemical and non-chemical environmental exposures can benefit. Findings from study of this cohort and other collaborating environmental health cohorts will likely translate into improvements in the hospital environment for infant development. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS This observational cohort is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01420029 and NCT01963065).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Stroustrup
- Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA
- Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Jennifer B Bragg
- Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Emily A Spear
- Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Andrea Aguiar
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Emily Zimmerman
- Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joseph R Isler
- Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Stefanie A Busgang
- Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Paul C Curtin
- Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Chris Gennings
- Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Syam S Andra
- Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Manish Arora
- Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Erickson SJ, Kubinec N, Vaccaro S, Moss N, Rieger R, Rowland A, Lowe JR. The association between maternal interaction and infant cortisol stress reactivity among preterm and full term infants at 4 months adjusted age. Infant Behav Dev 2019; 57:101342. [PMID: 31421390 DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2019.101342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the association between maternal interactive behavior and infant cortisol stress reactivity in response to the Still Face paradigm (SF) in a cohort of four-month old infants (adjusted age) born preterm (<32 weeks gestation, N = 22) compared with infants born full term (>37 weeks gestation, N = 28). Infant cortisol reactivity was calculated as area under the curve (AUC) from baseline to the third cortisol sample (30 min post-SF) using the trapezoidal rule, while the percent of time mothers spent using a contingent interaction style was measured (0-100%) during episodes 1 (Play; baseline), 3 (Reunion#1), and 5 (Reunion#2) while mother-infant dyads participated in the SF paradigm. We hypothesized that because infants born preterm are at increased risk for dysregulation, they would show, compared to full-term infants, a blunted stress response, involving under-responsiveness. We found blunted cortisol stress reactivity among the preterm infants. We also found that mothers of preterm infants demonstrated less contingent maternal interaction during Renion#1 of the SF; and that contingent maternal interaction at Reunion#2 of the SF was protective against cortisol stress reactivity in response to the SF. However, we did not find that the influence of maternal interaction on cortisol reactivity was moderated by gestational age group (full term vs preterm): the association between contingent maternal interaction and stress reactivity was similar for both gestational groups across episodes. In order to improve self-regulation and longer term social and cognitive developmental outcomes in medically at-risk infants, future research is warranted to determine how these findings relate to infants' stress reactions in naturalistic settings, and the directionality and temporal relationship between cortisol stress responses and maternal interactive behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Erickson
- Department of Psychology, Logan Hall, University of New Mexico, MSC03 2220, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, United States.
| | - Nicole Kubinec
- Department of Psychology, Logan Hall, University of New Mexico, MSC03 2220, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, United States
| | - Suzanne Vaccaro
- Department of Psychology, Logan Hall, University of New Mexico, MSC03 2220, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, United States
| | - Natalia Moss
- Department of Psychology, Logan Hall, University of New Mexico, MSC03 2220, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, United States
| | - Rebecca Rieger
- Department of Psychology, Logan Hall, University of New Mexico, MSC03 2220, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, United States
| | - Andrew Rowland
- UNM College of Population Health, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, United States
| | - Jean R Lowe
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, United States
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Peña-Bautista C, Escrig R, Lara I, García-Blanco A, Cháfer-Pericás C, Vento M. Non-invasive monitoring of stress biomarkers in the newborn period. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2019; 24:101002. [PMID: 30981693 DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The neonatal period is a highly sensitive time span during which stressful experiences may have an influence on later health outcomes. Medical procedures applied to newborn babies during hospitalization are stressors that trigger a physiological and psychological stress response. Stress response has been traditionally evaluated using scores based on behavioural signs such as facial expressions, limb movements, crying, etc., which are subjectively interpreted. Only few studies have employed measurable physiological signs to objectively evaluate the stress response to specific interventions. The aim of this review is to inform of recently developed biochemical methods that allow clinicians to evaluate the stress response to medical procedures performed in the neonatal period in biological samples non-invasively obtained. Stress biomarkers are based on the physiological stress response mediated by the hypophysis-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic-adreno-medullary systems. Cortisol is at present the most widely employed laboratory determination to measure stress levels. In recent years, sequentially determined salivary cortisol levels have allowed non-invasive monitoring of newborn infants under stressful conditions in the NICU.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Peña-Bautista
- Neonatal Research Unit, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - R Escrig
- Division of Neonatology, University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - I Lara
- Division of Neonatology, University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - A García-Blanco
- Neonatal Research Unit, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - C Cháfer-Pericás
- Neonatal Research Unit, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
| | - M Vento
- Neonatal Research Unit, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain; Division of Neonatology, University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Barello S, Savarese M, Giusti L, Brambilla M, Scotto DI Minico G, Provenzi L. More than words: methodological potentials of graphical elicitation with parents of preterm infants. Minerva Pediatr (Torino) 2019; 73:307-315. [PMID: 31271273 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5276.19.05517-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Word-based tools, such as interviews, can only partially provide access to the lived experience of parents of preterm infants. This study explores the lived experience of parents of preterm infants between 3 and 6 months after discharge by means of visual method (i.e., graphical elicitation). METHODS A qualitative study with graphic elicitation analysis was used to assess the lived experience of four parental couples of very preterm infants in a home-based session occurred between 3 and 6 months after Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) discharge. RESULTS The use of graphical elicitation revealed three dimensions of the experience of being parents of preterm infants: 1) different use of time-lining elements suggested a different involvement of cognitive and/or emotional coping mechanisms in facing the unexpected birth and NICU stay; 2) the explicit or implicit use of emotional graphical elements and words was suggestive of different degrees of openness to disclose their experience; 3) the role of textual elements in support or substitution of graphical elements indicated different levels of integration of cognitive and emotional representations. CONCLUSIONS The use of visual methods holds the potentials for revealing specific aspects of the parental experience of preterm birth and NICU stay. The clinical implications of this approach are further discussed with reference to its potential implementation within parental support intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serena Barello
- Faculty of Psychology, EngageMinds HUB - Consumer, Food & Health Engagement Research Center, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Savarese
- Faculty of Psychology, EngageMinds HUB - Consumer, Food & Health Engagement Research Center, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Giusti
- Faculty of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Livio Provenzi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy -
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Hospitalising preterm infants in single family rooms versus open bay units: a systematic review and meta-analysis. THE LANCET CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2019; 3:147-157. [DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(18)30375-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
38
|
Provenzi L, Giusti L, Fumagalli M, Frigerio S, Morandi F, Borgatti R, Mosca F, Montirosso R. The dual nature of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation in dyads of very preterm infants and their mothers. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 100:172-179. [PMID: 30343183 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The co-regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in mother-infant dyads is thought to be key for infant and child development. Nonetheless, previous literature presents some inconsistencies that might at least partially be due to the presence of risk conditions and the use of different statistical approaches to measure HPA axis co-regulation. Very preterm (VPT) birth represents one of these risk conditions as the early foundation of mother-infant interaction is disrupted. Both VPT infants and their mothers present evidence of altered HPA axis regulation. Nonetheless, the comparison of mother-infant HPA axis co-regulation in VPT infants compared to full-term (FT) ones has not been previously investigated. In this study, 3-month-old (corrected age) VPT infants and FT counterparts with their mothers took part in a well-validated stress-inducing laboratory task (i.e., double Face-to-Face Still-Face, FFSF paradigm). Salivary cortisol samples were obtained before (Baseline) and after (Early reactivity, Late reactivity and Recovery) the FFSF procedure. Dyadic HPA axis co-regulation was assessed at each sample time-point (i.e., in-moment coupling) as well as across samples (i.e., in-time synchrony). Significant in-moment coupling emerged at Baseline, Late reactivity and Recovery for FT infants' dyads only. An overlying pattern of salivary cortisol trajectories emerged between mothers and infants in the VPT group, whereas a more complex pattern of reciprocal and complementary co-regulation was found for FT infants' dyads. Although both groups gave evidence of HPA axis co-regulation, dyads of VPT infants appear to be less able to adapt reciprocally and dynamically to stressful conditions. These findings suggest that multiple approaches to account for dyadic HPA axis co-regulation should be used in order to depict the complex pattern of biological rhythms coordination in mother-infant dyads.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Livio Provenzi
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, 0-3 Center for the at-Risk Infant, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Giusti
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, 0-3 Center for the at-Risk Infant, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Monica Fumagalli
- NICU, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, MI, Italy
| | - Susanna Frigerio
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, 0-3 Center for the at-Risk Infant, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Francesco Morandi
- Pediatric Unit, Sacra Famiglia Hospital Fatebenefratelli, Erba, CO, Italy
| | - Renato Borgatti
- Neuropsychiatry and Neurorehabilitation Unit, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Lecco, Italy
| | - Fabio Mosca
- NICU, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, MI, Italy
| | - Rosario Montirosso
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, 0-3 Center for the at-Risk Infant, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Provenzi L, Giorda R, Fumagalli M, Brambilla M, Mosca F, Borgatti R, Montirosso R. Telomere length and salivary cortisol stress reactivity in very preterm infants. Early Hum Dev 2019; 129:1-4. [PMID: 30530269 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
During the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) stay, very preterm (VPT) infants are exposed to life-saving yet pain-inducing skin-breaking procedures (i.e., NICU pain-related stress) which contribute to the programming of hypo-responsive HPA axis development during the first months of life. Unfortunately, to date the mechanisms linking NICU pain-related stress and altered HPA axis regulation are only limitedly known. Telomere length (TL) regulation is an epigenetic mechanism previously shown to be affected by early stress exposures and capable of associating with HPA axis reactivity in children. In VPT infants, NICU pain-related stress was found to associate with decreased TL from birth to discharge, but there is no evidence for the association between TL and HPA axis in these infants. In this study, we prospectively examined the relationship between NICU pain-related stress and HPA axis reactivity to an age-appropriate socio-emotional condition (i.e., the Still-Face Procedure, SFP) in healthy VPT infants at 3-month corrected age. NICU pain-related stress was computed as the ratio between the number of skin-breaking procedures and length of NICU stay. A differential score (i.e., ∆TL) was obtained subtracting TL at birth from TL at discharge. A normalized (log10) cortisol reactivity index (CRI) was obtained by averaging post-stress (20 min after SFP) salivary cortisol sample on baseline value. A regression model controlling for neonatal and socio-demographic confounders showed that ∆TL was the only significant predictor of CRI. Although preliminary, these findings contribute to our knowledge of the mechanisms linking early exposures to adversity and later in life regulation of the HPA axis in VPT infants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Livio Provenzi
- 0-3 Center for the at-Risk Infant, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, via Don Luigi Monza 20, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy.
| | - Roberto Giorda
- Molecular Biology Lab, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, via Don Luigi Monza 20, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Monica Fumagalli
- NICU, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via della Commenda 12, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Maddalena Brambilla
- 0-3 Center for the at-Risk Infant, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, via Don Luigi Monza 20, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Fabio Mosca
- NICU, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via della Commenda 12, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Renato Borgatti
- Neuropsychiatry and Neurorehabilitation Unit, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, via Don Luigi Monza 20, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Rosario Montirosso
- 0-3 Center for the at-Risk Infant, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, via Don Luigi Monza 20, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Casavant SG, Cong X, Fitch RH, Moore J, Rosenkrantz T, Starkweather A. Allostatic Load and Biomarkers of Stress in the Preterm Infant: An Integrative Review. Biol Res Nurs 2019; 21:210-223. [DOI: 10.1177/1099800418824415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: Every year, an estimated 15 million babies are born preterm (<37 weeks’ gestational age) globally. These preterm infants are exposed to repeated stressful and often painful procedures as part of routine life-saving care within the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Low thresholds for tactile and nociceptive input make it more difficult for neonates to discriminate between noxious and nonnoxious stimuli, which can result in continuous activation of stress responses in an attempt to achieve stability through adaptation, or allostasis. Rapidly reoccurring stressors can render stress-response systems over- or underactive, creating wear and tear, or allostatic load. A better understanding of biomarkers related to allostatic load might aid in early detection and prevention/alleviation of allostatic load in this population. Purpose: To identify stress biomarkers that have been studied in preterm infants at different time points in the NICU and as long-term outcome measures. Method/search Strategy: Systematic searches were conducted of PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and PsychInfo databases. Findings/results: Twenty-one studies met inclusion criteria for this review. Several putative biomarkers were identified, including cortisol levels, epigenetic markers, brain microstructure, markers of oxidative stress, and the brain–gut–microbiome axis. Conclusion: The interaction of disease with therapeutic interventions may inadvertently increase infant allostatic load. In addition to human studies, future research should leverage newly available large data sets to conduct additional analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon G. Casavant
- School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The Hospital of Central Connecticut, New Britain, CT, USA
| | - Xiaomei Cong
- School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Roslyn H. Fitch
- Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - James Moore
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, Hartford, CT, USA
- University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Ted Rosenkrantz
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, Hartford, CT, USA
- University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Rogers CE, Lean RE, Wheelock MD, Smyser CD. Aberrant structural and functional connectivity and neurodevelopmental impairment in preterm children. J Neurodev Disord 2018; 10:38. [PMID: 30541449 PMCID: PMC6291944 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-018-9253-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite advances in antenatal and neonatal care, preterm birth remains a leading cause of neurological disabilities in children. Infants born prematurely, particularly those delivered at the earliest gestational ages, commonly demonstrate increased rates of impairment across multiple neurodevelopmental domains. Indeed, the current literature establishes that preterm birth is a leading risk factor for cerebral palsy, is associated with executive function deficits, increases risk for impaired receptive and expressive language skills, and is linked with higher rates of co-occurring attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, and autism spectrum disorders. These same infants also demonstrate elevated rates of aberrant cerebral structural and functional connectivity, with persistent changes evident across advanced magnetic resonance imaging modalities as early as the neonatal period. Emerging findings from cross-sectional and longitudinal investigations increasingly suggest that aberrant connectivity within key functional networks and white matter tracts may underlie the neurodevelopmental impairments common in this population. Main body This review begins by highlighting the elevated rates of neurodevelopmental disorders across domains in this clinical population, describes the patterns of aberrant structural and functional connectivity common in prematurely-born infants and children, and then reviews the increasingly established body of literature delineating the relationship between these brain abnormalities and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. We also detail important, typically understudied, clinical, and social variables that may influence these relationships among preterm children, including heritability and psychosocial risks. Conclusion Future work in this domain should continue to leverage longitudinal evaluations of preterm infants which include both neuroimaging and detailed serial neurodevelopmental assessments to further characterize relationships between imaging measures and impairment, information necessary for advancing our understanding of modifiable risk factors underlying these disorders and best practices for improving neurodevelopmental trajectories in this high-risk clinical population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia E Rogers
- Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8504, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - Rachel E Lean
- Departments of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8504, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Muriah D Wheelock
- Departments of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8504, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Christopher D Smyser
- Departments of Neurology, Pediatrics and Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8111, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Kinoshita M, Iwata S, Okamura H, Tsuda K, Saikusa M, Harada E, Yamashita Y, Saitoh S, Iwata O. Feeding-Induced Cortisol Response in Newborn Infants. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2018; 103:4450-4455. [PMID: 30085188 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2018-01052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Understanding the biological rhythms and stress response in sick newborns is important to minimize the negative effects of intensive care. Salivary cortisol has been used as a noninvasive surrogate marker of adrenal function; however, understanding of its control variables is insufficient. OBJECTIVE To investigate the presence of feeding-induced cortisol response and its control variables in newborns. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS Fifty-three newborn infants, who were between 30 and 40 weeks' corrected age and were on 3-hourly regular oral/enteral feeding, were recruited between January 2013 and June 2014. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Saliva samples were collected before and 1 hour after regular feeding. Dependence of cortisol levels (adjusted for postnatal age) and their feeding-related elevation on clinical variables was assessed by using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS Higher cortisol levels were associated with corrected age ≥37 weeks and saliva samples collected after feeding (both P < 0.001). Oral feeding was associated with a greater feeding-induced cortisol response compared with exclusive enteral feeding (P = 0.034), whereas a prolonged feeding duration (≥30 minutes) was associated with a reduced cortisol response compared with brief feeding (<30 minutes) (P < 0.001). Gestational age, corrected age, antenatal/postnatal glucocorticoids, type of milk, and daily feeding volume had no effect on cortisol response. CONCLUSIONS Feeding-induced cortisol response was observed in newborns. The cortisol response was more prominent following oral feeding and was reduced with prolonged feeding. Future studies may investigate whether feeding-induced cortisol response plays a role in the acquisition of adrenal ultradian and diurnal rhythms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Kinoshita
- Centre for Developmental and Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Kurume University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Sachiko Iwata
- Center for Human Development and Family Science, Department of Neonatology and Pediatrics, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hisayoshi Okamura
- Centre for Developmental and Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Kurume University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kennosuke Tsuda
- Center for Human Development and Family Science, Department of Neonatology and Pediatrics, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Aichi, Japan
| | - Mamoru Saikusa
- Centre for Developmental and Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Kurume University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Eimei Harada
- Centre for Developmental and Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Kurume University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yushiro Yamashita
- Centre for Developmental and Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Kurume University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shinji Saitoh
- Center for Human Development and Family Science, Department of Neonatology and Pediatrics, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Aichi, Japan
| | - Osuke Iwata
- Centre for Developmental and Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Kurume University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan
- Center for Human Development and Family Science, Department of Neonatology and Pediatrics, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Aichi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Provenzi L, Carli PD, Fumagalli M, Giorda R, Casavant S, Beri S, Citterio A, D'Agata A, Morandi F, Mosca F, Borgatti R, Montirosso R. Very preterm birth is associated with PLAGL1 gene hypomethylation at birth and discharge. Epigenomics 2018; 10:1121-1130. [PMID: 30070601 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2017-0123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Recent findings show that DNA methylation is susceptible to very preterm (VPT) birth and to the experience of the early stay in the neonatal intensive care unit. The aim of the study was to compare PLAGL1 methylation between VPT and full-term (FT) infants at birth as well as between VPT infants at discharge and FT infants at birth. METHODS DNA was collected from cord blood of 56 VPT and 27 FT infants at birth and from peripheral blood in VPT infants at neonatal intensive care unit discharge. Sociodemographic and neonatal variables were considered. RESULTS PLAGL1 methylation at birth and at discharge were highly correlated in VPT infants. Lower methylation emerged in VPT infants at birth and discharge compared to FT counterparts. CONCLUSION PLAGL1 hypomethylation emerged as a potential epigenetic mark of VPT birth. Future research is warranted to assess the functional consequences of PLAGL1 diminished methylation in VPT infants' development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Livio Provenzi
- 0-3 Center for the at-Risk Infant, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 238422, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Pietro De Carli
- 0-3 Center for the at-Risk Infant, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 238422, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Monica Fumagalli
- NICU, Department of Clinical Sciences & Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 201223, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Giorda
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 238424, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Sharon Casavant
- School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 060325, USA
| | - Silvana Beri
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 238424, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Andrea Citterio
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 238424, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Amy D'Agata
- College of Nursing, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 028816, USA
| | | | - Fabio Mosca
- NICU, Department of Clinical Sciences & Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 201223, Milan, Italy
| | - Renato Borgatti
- Neuropsychiatry & Neurorehabilitation Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 238422, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Rosario Montirosso
- 0-3 Center for the at-Risk Infant, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 238422, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Provenzi L. Early career investigator highlight-June. Pediatr Res 2018; 83:1086. [PMID: 29584712 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2018.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Livio Provenzi
- 0-3 Center for the at-Risk Infant, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini LC, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
De Bernardo G, Riccitelli M, Giordano M, Proietti F, Sordino D, Longini M, Buonocore G, Perrone S. Rooming-in Reduces Salivary Cortisol Level of Newborn. Mediators Inflamm 2018; 2018:2845352. [PMID: 29706798 PMCID: PMC5863308 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2845352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rooming-in practice improves breastfeeding and reduces newborn stress reactivity. When this modality is not available, partial rooming-in after birth can be considered. Salivary cortisol levels (SCLs) are considered reliable biomarkers to indicate stress. OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that rooming-in duration impacts neonatal stress response in hospitalized newborns. DESIGN/METHODS Forty term newborns, enrolled in the Neonatology and Obstetrics Nursing, C.G. Ruesch, Naples, Italy, were divided, according to the mother's choice, into the study (SG; n = 20) and control (CG; n = 20) groups if they received full (24 hs) or partial (14 hs) rooming-in care, respectively. Saliva samples were collected from all babies between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. of the 3rd day of life by using oral swab. Salivary cortisol levels were measured using an enzyme immunoassay kit (Salimetrics LLC, PA, USA). RESULTS A statistically significant difference in the SCLs between SG and CG was found (median: 258 ng/dl versus 488.5 ng/dl; p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS Data support the practice of full rooming-in care compared with partial rooming-in. The rooming-in duration clearly reduces SCLs and likely neonatal stress. These lower SCLs may have long-term positive effects reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, and cognitive and behavioural changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marina Riccitelli
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Maurizio Giordano
- Department of Emergency, NICU AORN Santobono-Pausilipon, Naples, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Proietti
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Desiree Sordino
- Neonatology and Obstetrics Nursing, C.G. Ruesch, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariangela Longini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Buonocore
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Serafina Perrone
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Provenzi L, Giorda R, Fumagalli M, Pozzoli U, Morandi F, Scotto di Minico G, Mosca F, Borgatti R, Montirosso R. Pain exposure associates with telomere length erosion in very preterm infants. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 89:113-119. [PMID: 29396320 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Very preterm (VPT) infants (gestational age < 32 weeks) require long-lasting hospitalization in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), even in absence of severe morbidities. During NICU stay, life-saving interventions occur and include invasive and painful skin-breaking procedures (NICU-related stress), which constitute a major early adverse experience for VPT infants. Telomeres are repeat-sequence at the end of chromosomes, which shorten with age and are highly susceptible to life adversities: the exposure to early adverse experiences is associated with shorter telomere length (TL). Nonetheless, previous research did not assess longitudinally the association between NICU-related stress and TL in VPT infants. In the present study, leukocyte TL was assessed from cord blood at birth in 46 VPT infants and in a group of 31 full-term (FT) infants, as well as at NICU discharge in VPTs only. NICU-related stress was measured as the number of skin-breaking procedures occurring throughout the NICU stay. A significant difference emerged for TL between VPT infants and FT counterparts at birth. TL decreased from birth to discharge in VPT infants, although the change was not significant in the group as a whole. The amount of NICU-related stress emerged as the primary predictor of TL erosion in VPT infants, even controlling for neonatal and clinical confounders. Furthermore, VPT infants exposed to high NICU-related stress exhibited a marked and significant decrease in TL, whereas VPT exposed to low NICU-related stress exhibited a non-significant increase. The present study confirms previous evidence of longer telomeres in VPT infants at birth compared to FT controls. Moreover, NICU-related stress emerged as a key regulator of TL erosion from birth to discharge in VPT infants. Future research is warranted to further explore TL erosion in VPT infants and the factors associated with individual differences in NICU-related stress susceptibility at the epigenetic level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Livio Provenzi
- 0-3 Center for the at-Risk Infant, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Roberto Giorda
- Biology Laboratory, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Monica Fumagalli
- NICU, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Uberto Pozzoli
- Bioinformatic Lab, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Francesco Morandi
- Pediatric Unit, Fatebenefratelli Sacra Famiglia Hospital, Erba, Italy
| | - Giunia Scotto di Minico
- 0-3 Center for the at-Risk Infant, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Fabio Mosca
- NICU, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Renato Borgatti
- Neuropsychiatry and Neurorehabilitation Unit, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Rosario Montirosso
- 0-3 Center for the at-Risk Infant, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Montirosso R, Giusti L, De Carli P, Tronick E, Borgatti R, Borgatti R. Developmental care, neonatal behavior and postnatal maternal depressive symptomatology predict internalizing problems at 18 months for very preterm children. J Perinatol 2018; 38:191-195. [PMID: 28933774 DOI: 10.1038/jp.2017.148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide a prospective developmental model for behavioral outcomes in preterm infants in relation to developmental care (DC) practices and postnatal maternal depression. STUDY DESIGN A longitudinal, multicenter, follow-up study conducted in 25 Italian tertiary neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Participants were 162 healthy very preterm infants and their mothers. The level of quality of DC was assessed for each hospital. Infant's neurobehavioral profile was evaluated twice: at discharge (T1) and at 18 months for behavioral problems (T3). Maternal depressive symptomatology was measured at T1 and at 6 months (T2). RESULTS Low-quality DC in NICUs was associated with lower levels of infant neurobehavioral adaptability and higher levels of maternal depressive symptoms. Maternal depressive symptomatology in conjunction with higher infant dysregulation predicted more internalizing problems at 18 months of age. CONCLUSION DC interventions and postnatal maternal depression, as well as infant behavior have an impact on short- and long-term infant outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Montirosso
- 0-3 Centre for the at-Risk Infant, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Lecco, Italy
| | - L Giusti
- 0-3 Centre for the at-Risk Infant, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Lecco, Italy
| | - P De Carli
- 0-3 Centre for the at-Risk Infant, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Lecco, Italy
| | - E Tronick
- Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Newborn Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - R Borgatti
- Neuropsychiatry and Neurorehabilitation Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Lecco, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Basal and reactivity levels of cortisol in one-month-old infants born to overweight or obese mothers from an ethnically and racially diverse, low-income community sample. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 88:115-120. [PMID: 29223002 PMCID: PMC6031312 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Establishing typical values of the steroid hormone cortisol at rest and after challenge is critical for understanding how environmental factors impact stress regulation and overall development, beginning at birth. Yet most extant samples are small or based upon low-risk populations, and few studies address the potential role of maternal weight during pregnancy in their study designs or sampling strategy. Here we report basal and reactivity levels of salivary cortisol within a racially and ethnically diverse sample of 132 infants approximately one month of age (Age in days: M=37.61, SD=7.27) born to lower income overweight or obese mothers. Reactivity was assessed in response to a multi-domain infant stressor paradigm, which included assessment via the Newborn Behavioral Observation (NBO) system and extensive anthropometric measurements. Sample means for basal, post stressors, and reactivity to the NBO were significantly lower than those reported in reviews of low-risk samples. Parity was associated with cortisol levels such that first-born infants had lower resting cortisol and higher reactivity than infants born to multiparous women. Latino infants had lower basal cortisol. No other demographic characteristics significantly predicted cortisol. The variability in cortisol levels present in this sample suggests that considerable psychophysiological diversity may exist in samples of low-SES or high-risk participants. Findings provide useful ranges for samples of racially and ethnically diverse newborns from low-income families.
Collapse
|
49
|
Fumagalli M, Provenzi L, De Carli P, Dessimone F, Sirgiovanni I, Giorda R, Cinnante C, Squarcina L, Pozzoli U, Triulzi F, Brambilla P, Borgatti R, Mosca F, Montirosso R. From early stress to 12-month development in very preterm infants: Preliminary findings on epigenetic mechanisms and brain growth. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190602. [PMID: 29304146 PMCID: PMC5755830 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Very preterm (VPT) infants admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are at risk for altered brain growth and less-than-optimal socio-emotional development. Recent research suggests that early NICU-related stress contributes to socio-emotional impairments in VPT infants at 3 months through epigenetic regulation (i.e., DNA methylation) of the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4). In the present longitudinal study we assessed: (a) the effects of NICU-related stress and SLC6A4 methylation variations from birth to discharge on brain development at term equivalent age (TEA); (b) the association between brain volume at TEA and socio-emotional development (i.e., Personal-Social scale of Griffith Mental Development Scales, GMDS) at 12 months corrected age (CA). Twenty-four infants had complete data at 12-month-age. SLC6A4 methylation was measured at a specific CpG previously associated with NICU-related stress and socio-emotional stress. Findings confirmed that higher NICU-related stress associated with greater increase of SLC6A4 methylation at NICU discharge. Moreover, higher SLC6A4 discharge methylation was associated with reduced anterior temporal lobe (ATL) volume at TEA, which in turn was significantly associated with less-than-optimal GMDS Personal-Social scale score at 12 months CA. The reduced ATL volume at TEA mediated the pathway linking stress-related increase in SLC6A4 methylation at NICU discharge and socio-emotional development at 12 months CA. These findings suggest that early adversity-related epigenetic changes might contribute to the long-lasting programming of socio-emotional development in VPT infants through epigenetic regulation and structural modifications of the developing brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Fumagalli
- NICU, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Livio Provenzi
- 0–3 Centre for the at-Risk Infant, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, LC, Italy
| | - Pietro De Carli
- 0–3 Centre for the at-Risk Infant, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, LC, Italy
| | - Francesca Dessimone
- NICU, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Ida Sirgiovanni
- NICU, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Giorda
- Molecular Biology Lab, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, LC, Italy
| | - Claudia Cinnante
- Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Letizia Squarcina
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - Uberto Pozzoli
- Bioinformatics Lab, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, LC, Italy
| | - Fabio Triulzi
- Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo Brambilla
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of Texas at Houston, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Renato Borgatti
- Neuropsychiatry and Neurorehabilitation Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, LC, Italy
| | - Fabio Mosca
- NICU, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Rosario Montirosso
- 0–3 Centre for the at-Risk Infant, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, LC, Italy
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Field T. Preterm newborn pain research review. Infant Behav Dev 2017; 49:141-150. [DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2017.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|