Birth weights of infants of black and white mothers without pregnancy complications

Article Abstract:

Studies have shown a relation between birth weight, race, the demographic characteristics of the mother, and medical risk factors. Even when demographic features of the mother and complications of pregnancy are controlled, racial differences in birth weight persist. However, racial differences in birth weight have not been assessed among low income mothers after controlling for pregnancy complications. Hence, 10,159 normal spontaneous vaginal deliveries were assessed to evaluate racial differences in the birth weights of infants born to mothers who had no complications during pregnancy. The study involved black and white infants, who weighed 500 grams (1.1 pounds) or more at birth and were born in a hospital. All infants were from single-fetus pregnancies, and mothers were from low-income backgrounds. A case was excluded from the study if it involved a high-risk transfer patient, various complications of pregnancy, and less than five prenatal care visits. In addition, differences in demographic characteristics were controlled. The results reveal that the average birth weight of black infants was 181 grams less than that of white infants. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Demographic aspects, Birth weight

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Hyaline membrane disease: the role of ethnicity and maternal risk characteristics

Article Abstract:

Black premature infants may have a lower risk of developing severe hyaline membrane disease, or respiratory distress syndrome, than white premature infants. Hyaline membrane disease is a disorder caused by reduced levels of surfactant in the lungs. Among 2,295 premature infants born after 26 to 37 weeks of gestation, 1,808 were black and 487 were white. The incidence of hyaline membrane disease was lower among black infants than among white infants. Black infants were more likely to develop a less severe form of the disease and to experience fewer complications than white infants. Infants born at an earlier stage of development were more likely to develop hyaline membrane disease than those born at a later stage of development. Maturation of the lungs may occur at an earlier stage of development in black infants than in white infants. This difference in lung maturation may be caused by several different factors.

Health aspects, Diseases, Infants (Premature), Premature infants

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The association between hyaline membrane disease and preeclampsia

Article Abstract:

Research was done to determine if hyaline membrane disease was high in newborn infants born to women with preeclampsia and compared with control subjects. Studies revealed that risk of hyaline membrane disease in neonates at less than 32 weeks of gestation was increased in patients with preeclampsia.

Science & research, Research, Complications and side effects, Preeclampsia, Gestational age

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