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Bliznashka L, Nwabuikwu O, Ahun M, Becker K, Nnensa T, Roschnik N, Kachinjika M, Mvula P, Munthali A, Ndolo V, Katundu M, Maleta K, Quisumbing A, Gladstone M, Gelli A. Understanding modifiable caregiver factors contributing to child development among young children in rural Malawi. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2024:e13698. [PMID: 38960410 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
This study examined modifiable caregiver factors influencing child development in Malawi using baseline data from 1,021 mothers and their children <2 years of age participating in a cluster-randomized controlled trial implemented in rural Malawi (2022-2025). We fit an evidence-based theoretical model using structural equation modelling examining four caregiver factors: (1) diet diversity (sum of food groups consumed in the past 24 h), (2) empowerment (assessed using the project-level Women's Empowerment in Agriculture Index), (3) mental health (assessed using the Self-Reported Questionnaire, SRQ-20), and (4) stimulation (number of stimulation activities the mother engaged in the past 3 days). Child development was assessed using the Malawi Development Assessment Tool (norm-referenced aggregate Z-score). The model controlled for child, caregiver, and household socioeconomic characteristics. Results showed that caregiver dietary diversity was directly associated with higher child development scores (standardized coefficient 0.091 [95% CI 0.027, 0.153]) and lower SRQ-20 scores -0.058 (-0.111, -0.006). Empowerment was directly associated with higher child development scores (0.071 [0.007, 0.133]), higher stimulation score (0.074 [0.013, 0.140]), higher dietary diversity (0.085 [0.016, 0.145]), and lower SRQ-20 scores (-0.068 [-0.137, -0.002]). Further, higher empowerment was indirectly associated with improved child development through enhancement of caregiver dietary diversity, with an indirect effect of 0.008 (0.002, 0.018). These findings highlight the important role that caregiver diet and empowerment play in directly influencing child development and other aspects of caregiver well-being. Interventions aimed at enhancing child development should consider these factors as potential targets to improve outcomes for children and caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilia Bliznashka
- International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Odiche Nwabuikwu
- International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Marilyn Ahun
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Karoline Becker
- Department of International Development, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Theresa Nnensa
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | | | | | | | - Victoria Ndolo
- Department of Human Ecology, University of Malawi, Zomba, Malawi
| | - Mangani Katundu
- Department of Human Ecology, University of Malawi, Zomba, Malawi
| | - Kenneth Maleta
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Agnes Quisumbing
- International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Melissa Gladstone
- Department of Women and Children's Health, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Aulo Gelli
- International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Lackovic M, Nikolic D, Milicic B, Dimitrijevic D, Jovanovic I, Radosavljevic S, Mihajlovic S. Pre-Pregnancy Obesity and Infants' Motor Development within the First Twelve Months of Life: Who Is Expected to Be the Ultimate Carrier of the Obesity Burden? Nutrients 2024; 16:1260. [PMID: 38732507 PMCID: PMC11085635 DOI: 10.3390/nu16091260] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pre-pregnancy obesity is a significant public health concern with profound implications for maternal and child health. The burgeoning evidence suggests that maternal obesity prior to conception is intricately linked with an increased risk of gestational complications, as well as with adverse neonatal outcomes. Furthermore, the long and short-term health of offspring, including the risk of early motor development impairment, obesity, and metabolic syndrome in childhood and adulthood, may be adversely affected as well. Addressing pre-pregnancy obesity is critical for improving overall maternal and child health outcomes, and therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the connections linking pre-pregnancy obesity with infants' motor development within the first twelve months of infants' lives. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study included 200 mother-infant pairs divided into two groups based on their pre-pregnancy body mass index values. To assess infants' early motor development, we used the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) and evaluated the parameters of infants' early motor development at the ages of three, six, nine, and twelve months. RESULTS Pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity was significantly associated with excessive gestational weight gain (p < 0.001), fetal macrosomia (p = 0.022), and a family history of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (p = 0.048 and p = 0.041, respectively), as well as with all observed parameters of early motor development at the ages of three, six, nine, and twelve months: AIMS 3 months total (p < 0.001), AIMS 6 months total (p < 0.001), AIMS 9 months total (p < 0.001), and AIMS 12 months total (p < 0.001). Furthermore, pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity was a significant predictor for AIMS 6 months total (p = 0.043) and AIMS 6 months supination (p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS Pre-pregnancy obesity is a critical determinant of pregnancy outcomes and offspring early motor development, with possible far-reaching implications for children's long-term well-being. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach that includes preconception weight management, targeted interventions during the pregnancy and postpartum periods, and ongoing research to better understand the underlying mechanisms and develop effective strategies for prevention and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Lackovic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital “Dragisa Misovic”, Heroja Milana Tepica 1, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Dejan Nikolic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (D.N.); (D.D.)
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Children’s Hospital, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Biljana Milicic
- Department of Medical Statistics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dejan Dimitrijevic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (D.N.); (D.D.)
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics “Narodni Front”, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Ivona Jovanovic
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics “Narodni Front”, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Sofija Radosavljevic
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital “Dragisa Misovic”, Heroja Milana Tepica 1, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sladjana Mihajlovic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital “Dragisa Misovic”, Heroja Milana Tepica 1, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (D.N.); (D.D.)
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Marra MC, Mappa I, Pietrolucci ME, Lu JLA, D' Antonio F, Rizzo G. Fetal brain development in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus. J Perinat Med 2024; 52:310-316. [PMID: 38231478 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2023-0456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) carries an increased risk of neurocognitive impairment in offsprings. However, the contribution of maternal hyperglycemia in affecting fetal brain development is not fully elucidated yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate fetal brain and sulci development in pregnancies complicated by GDM. METHODS Prospective observational study including 100 singleton pregnancies complicated by GDM and 100 matched controls. All fetuses underwent neurosonography at 29-34 weeks of gestation, including the assessment of the length of the corpus callosum (CC), cerebellar vermis (CV), Sylvian (SF), parieto-occipital (POF) and calcarine fissures (CF). Sub-group analysis according to the specific treatment regimen adopted (n 67 diet vs. 33 insulin therapy) was also performed. RESULTS Fetuses from mothers with GDM under insulin therapy had a smaller CC (35.54 mm) compared to both controls (40 mm; p<0.001) and women with GDM under diet (39.26 mm; p=0.022) while there was no difference in the HC between the groups. Likewise, when corrected for HC, CV depth was smaller in fetuses with GDM both under insulin therapy (7.03 mm) and diet (7.05 mm,) compared to controls (7.36 mm; p=0.013). Finally, when assessing the sulci development of the brain SF (p≤0.0001), POF (p≤0.0001) and CF (p≤0.0001) were significantly smaller in fetuses with maternal GDM. Post-hoc analysis showed that fetuses of GDM mothers requiring insulin therapy had significantly lower values of SF (p=0.032), POF (p=0.016) and CF (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS Pregnancies complicated by GDM showed a peculiar pattern of fetal brain growth and cortical development and these changes, which are more evident in those requiring insulin supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chiara Marra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione Policlinico Tor Vergata, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | - Ilenia Mappa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione Policlinico Tor Vergata, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Pietrolucci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione Policlinico Tor Vergata, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | - Jia Li Angela Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione Policlinico Tor Vergata, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Rizzo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione Policlinico Tor Vergata, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
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Mitran AM, Gherasim A, Niță O, Mihalache L, Arhire LI, Cioancă O, Gafițanu D, Popa AD. Exploring Lifestyle and Dietary Patterns in Pregnancy and Their Impact on Health: A Comparative Analysis of Two Distinct Groups 10 Years Apart. Nutrients 2024; 16:377. [PMID: 38337662 PMCID: PMC10857126 DOI: 10.3390/nu16030377] [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: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The significance of dietary patterns during pregnancy is highlighted by accumulating evidence, emphasizing their pivotal role in promoting a healthy pregnancy for both the mother and the child. This study aimed to assess the current dietary patterns of pregnant women, compare the energy and nutrient intake of two distinct groups with a 10-year interval, and identify changes in dietary patterns. EPIC FFQ was applied, and its data were interpreted with the FETA program version 6 (CAMB/PQ/6/1205). By means of principal component analysis, three different food patterns were identified in each study group: vegetarian, balanced, and traditional (2013); and prudent, vegetarian, and modern (2023). Analyzing the relationship between food groups and gestational weight, we found that gestational weight gain in 2013 was positively correlated with eggs and egg dishes and milk and milk products, whereas in 2023, gestational weight gain was positively correlated with fats and oils, non-alcoholic beverages, and the modern pattern. Additionally, in 2023, pre-gestational BMI correlated positively with eggs and egg dishes. The balanced pattern emerged as a predictor for a lower likelihood of inadequate gestational weight gain in both groups. Furthermore, normal and overweight pregnant women showed a reduced likelihood of excessive gestational weight gain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea-Maria Mitran
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Andreea Gherasim
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (O.N.); (L.M.); (L.I.A.)
| | - Otilia Niță
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (O.N.); (L.M.); (L.I.A.)
| | - Laura Mihalache
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (O.N.); (L.M.); (L.I.A.)
| | - Lidia Iuliana Arhire
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (O.N.); (L.M.); (L.I.A.)
| | - Oana Cioancă
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Dumitru Gafițanu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Alina Delia Popa
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
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Paavilainen E, Nyman A, Niinikoski H, Nikkinen H, Veijola R, Vääräsmäki M, Tossavainen P, Rönnemaa T, Tertti K. Metformin Versus Insulin for Gestational Diabetes: Cognitive and Neuropsychological Profiles of Children Aged 9 years. J Dev Behav Pediatr 2023; 44:e642-e650. [PMID: 38019468 PMCID: PMC10686276 DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0000000000001233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We compared cognitive profile and neuropsychological performance in 9-year-old offspring of mothers who were treated with metformin or insulin for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS A total of 172 children whose mothers were randomly assigned to receive either metformin or insulin for GDM were studied at the age of 9 years. Of these children, 127 were from Turku, Finland (63 metformin and 64 insulin), and 45 from Oulu, Finland (19 metformin and 26 insulin). Clinical and demographic background characteristics were obtained at enrolment, birth, and 9-year follow-up. Cognitive profiles were examined at age 9 years with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. Neuropsychological functions were examined with 2 subtests of the Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment test battery assessing comprehension of instructions and narrative memory, Trail Making Test assessing attention and with Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning, including parent-rated and teacher-rated evaluations. Academic functioning was studied with reading fluency subtest of the Screening test for reading, writing, and calculus for first to sixth grades and information about educational support received at school reported by parents. RESULTS The cognitive profiles, including indexes of verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed, did not differ significantly between metformin-treated and insulin-treated groups. Significant differences were not found between the treatment groups in assessed neuropsychological functions, reading fluency, or received level of support at school. CONCLUSION Cognitive and neuropsychological outcomes were similar in 9-year-old children whose mothers had either metformin or insulin treatment of GDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Paavilainen
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Anna Nyman
- Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Harri Niinikoski
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Hilkka Nikkinen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Medical Research Center, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Riitta Veijola
- Department of Pediatrics, Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Medical Research Center, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Marja Vääräsmäki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Medical Research Center, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Päivi Tossavainen
- Department of Pediatrics, Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Medical Research Center, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Tapani Rönnemaa
- Department of Medicine, University of Turku and Division of Medicine, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; and
| | - Kristiina Tertti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
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Garg D, Sharma S. Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Infants of Mothers with Gestational Diabetes: Are We Missing the Boat? Indian J Pediatr 2023; 90:1067-1068. [PMID: 37556032 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-023-04804-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Divyani Garg
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Suvasini Sharma
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Lady Hardinge Medical College and Associated Kalawati Saran Children's Hospital, New Delhi, 110001, India.
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Lis-Kuberka J, Pupek M, Orczyk-Pawiłowicz M. The Mother-Child Dyad Adipokine Pattern: A Review of Current Knowledge. Nutrients 2023; 15:4059. [PMID: 37764842 PMCID: PMC10535905 DOI: 10.3390/nu15184059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
An important role in the network of interconnections between the mother and child is played by adipokines, which are adipose tissue hormones engaged in the regulation of metabolism. Alternations of maternal adipokines translate to the worsening of maternal insulin resistance as well as metabolic stress, altered placenta functions, and fetal development, which finally contribute to long-term metabolic unfavorable conditions. This paper is the first to summarize the current state of knowledge concerning the concentrations of individual adipokines in different biological fluids of maternal and cord plasma, newborn/infant plasma, milk, and the placenta, where it highlights the impact of adverse perinatal risk factors, including gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm delivery, and maternal obesity on the adipokine patterns in maternal-infant dyads. The importance of adipokine measurement and relationships in biological fluids during pregnancy and lactation is crucial for public health in the area of prevention of most diet-related metabolic diseases. The review highlights the huge knowledge gap in the field of hormones participating in the energy homeostasis and metabolic pathways during perinatal and postnatal periods in the mother-child dyad. An in-depth characterization is needed to confirm if the adverse outcomes of early developmental programming might be modulated via maternal lifestyle intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolanta Lis-Kuberka
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunochemistry, Division of Chemistry and Immunochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 48/50, 50-369 Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Magdalena Orczyk-Pawiłowicz
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunochemistry, Division of Chemistry and Immunochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 48/50, 50-369 Wroclaw, Poland
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