Studies in fetal malnutrition

Article Abstract:

Fetal malnutrition is a condition in which the fetus is deprived of an adequate supply of nutrients. It is prevalent throughout the world and may result in disability at birth, poor growth, a decreased number of brain cells, changes in myelin (a fat and protein structure surrounding nerves), impaired nervous system function, and learning disorders. Fetal malnutrition affects 2 to 3 percent of newborns in the United States and between 8 and 10 percent of newborns in developing countries. Twenty-five to 30 percent of cases of fetal malnutrition are associated with maternal malnutrition, diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), and preeclampsia-eclampsia (a toxic condition of pregnancy characterized by hypertension, headaches, protein in the urine, and edema). The causes of fetal malnutrition in an apparently healthy pregnancy are not clear. Studies of fetal malnutrition have shown that: (1) malnutrition of the fetus resembles that of the newborn in terms of cell changes; (2) fetal malnutrition is caused by genetic factors, impaired function of the placenta (the tissue from which the fetus obtains its nutrients), and abnormalities in the levels of various nutrients in the mother; and (3) the appropriate calculation of adjusted birth weight is important in identifying malnutrition in the newborn. The adjusted value for birth weight takes into consideration demographic characteristics and provides a more precise approach to studying the effects of maternal nutrition on fetal growth. Although the leukocyte, or white blood cell, has served as a model of rapidly growing and developing fetal cells, differences between these two types of cells prohibit freely extending the results of leukocyte metabolism studies to fetal cell growth. The provision of nutrients to the fetus is a complex process, involving various maternal and fetal factors. A better understanding of these factors will help researchers to determine the risk factors for and develop methods of preventing and treating fetal malnutrition. The studies conducted by Jack Metcoff and his colleagues concerning the causes and prevention of fetal nutrition are reviewed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Research, Causes of, Fetus, Physiological aspects, Food and nutrition, Prenatal influences, Fetal malnutrition

---

The effect of antenatal dexamethasone administration on the fetal and neonatal ductus arteriosus: a randomized double-blind study

Article Abstract:

Dexamethasone does not appear to restrict the flow of blood through the ductus arteriosus during pregnancy but does appear to induce the spontaneous closure of the ductus arteriosus in very premature infants. Furthermore, early closure of the ductus may prevent the onset of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) among these infants. The ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel in the fetus that normally closes soon after birth. Of 61 pregnant women at risk for premature delivery, 28 received dexamethasone and 33 received placebo. There were no differences in blood flow velocity through the ductus arteriosus in weeks 24 through 31 of pregnancy between the two groups. After birth, RDS occurred significantly more frequently in infants whose fetal ductus had not closed. Overall, spontaneous closure of the duct occurred in 44% of the infants treated with dexamethasone and in 37% of infants treated with placebo. However, among very premature infants, spontaneous closure occurred in 35% treated with dexamethasone compared with none of the placebo-treated infants.

Evaluation, Dexamethasone, Ductus arteriosus

---

Infrared eye injury not due to radiant warmer use in premature neonates

Article Abstract:

Infrared radiation does not appear to cause permanent eye damage among premature infants treated under radiant warmers. Radiant warmers are commonly used in the care of critically-ill, premature infants. Unlike the standard convection-warmed incubators, radiant warmers allow free access to the infant during treatment without interruptions in heating. Of 47 infants studied, 33 were nursed under radiant warmers and 14 were treated in standard convection-warmed incubators. All infants were monitored for signs of eye damage for an average of two years and nine months. There were no signs of infrared radiation injury, corneal ulcers or opacities, or permanent cataracts in either of the groups. Retinopathy of prematurity occurred slightly more often among infants treated under radiant warmers, but this was not thought to be caused by exposure to infrared radiation.

Health aspects, Injuries, Eye, Eye injuries, Infrared radiation, Radiology, Infrared radiation in medicine

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Intestinal parasites in Central American immigrants in the United States. Health care in the United States: our dynamic jigsaw puzzle
• Abstracts: Hemoglobin as a predictor of response to iron therapy and its use in screening and prevalence estimates
• Abstracts: The diagnosis and initial management of head injury. The diagnosis of cystic fibrosis
• Abstracts: Philosophy in nursing. Prevention of schizophrenia relapse in secure settings. A secure philosophy
• Abstracts: The medicine of the lateral pass. The contribution of science to medicine. The impact of philanthropy on medicine and health

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.