Early motor development: risk factors for delay in a population study in Southern Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To assess risk factors associated with motor development delay at three months of age. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with mothers and their three-month-old babies in Southern Brazil. The Bayley-III Scale of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID-III) and the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) were used to assess motor development. RESULTS: We evaluated 756 mothers and their three-month-old babies. The overall mean motor development assessed by the BSID-III and the AIMS was 104.7 (SD 13.5) and 55.4 (SD 25.4), respectively. When assessed by the BSID-III, the lowest motor development scores were among babies born by cesarean delivery (p = 0.002), prematurely (p < 0.001), and with low birth weight (p < 0.001). When assessed by the AIMS, babies born prematurely (p = 0.002) and with low birth weight (p=0.004) had the lowest motor development means. After a cluster analysis, we found that babies born by cesarean delivery, with low birth weight, and prematurely had more impaired motor development compared with children born without any risk factors. CONCLUSION: Identifying risk factors allows the implementation of early interventions to prevent motor development delay and, therefore, reduce the probability of other future problems

Can glutathione be a biomarker for suicide risk in women 18 months postpartum?

Background: Suicide risk is prominent among the problems affecting populations, mainly due to the broad family, psychosocial and economic impact. Most individuals at suicidal risk have some mental disorder. There is considerable evidence that psychiatric disorders are accompanied by the activation of neuro-immune and neuro-oxidative pathways. The aim of the study is to evaluate the serum levels of oxidative stress biomarkers in women at risk of suicide after 18 months of postpartum. Methods: This is a case-control study, nested within a cohort study. From this cohort, 45 women [15 without mood disorders and 30 with mood disorders (Major depression and Bipolar disorder)] were selected at 18 months postpartum, the depression and suicide risk were assessed using the MiniInternational Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus (MINI-Plus) instrument, module A and C, respectively. Blood was collected and stored for later analysis of the reactive species (DCFH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione reduced (GSH). For data analysis, the SPSS program was used. To compare the nominal covariates with the outcome GSH levels, the Student’s t-test or analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used. Spearman’s correlation was performed for analysis between the quantitative covariates and the outcome. To analyze the interaction between the factors, multiple linear regression was performed. Bonferroni analysis was used as an additional/secondary result to visualize differences in glutathione levels according to risk severity. After the adjusted analysis, p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The percentage of suicide risk observed in our sample of women at 18 months postpartum was 24.4% (n = 11). After adjusting for the independent variables, only the presence of suicide risk remained associated with the outcome (β = 0.173; p = 0.007), low levels of GSH at 18 months after postpartum. Likewise, we verified the difference in GSH levels according to the degree of suicide risk, observing a significant association between the differences in glutathione means in the group of women with moderate to high risk compared to the reference group (no suicide risk) (p = 0.009). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that GSH may be a potential biomarker or etiologic factor in women at moderate to high risk of suicide

Maternal-Fetal Attachment and Social-Emotional Development in Infants at 3 Months of Age: A Population-Based Study in Southern Brazil

Studies relate Maternal-Fetal Attachment (MFA) to delays in child development, however, the relationship with the social-emotional development is still unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between MFA and social-emotional development in infants at 3 months old, in a population-based sample in southern Brazil. This was a follow-up study corresponding to second and third wave of a population-based cohort study with pregnant women who were living in Pelotas (Southern Brazil). Social-emotional development was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development - Third Edition (BSID-III) and MFA was measured with the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS). The sample consisted of 702 mother-infant dyads. In the adjusted analysis, MFA was a predictor of social-emotional development, even when controlled for sociodemographic, maternal mental health and infant characteristics. Thus, with each increase to one point in the MFA score, there was an increase of β = 0.14, 95% CI [0.05, 0.23] in the social-emotional development score. These findings highlight the importance of MFA in early child development. Thus, infants with positive experiences of affection since the gestational period will be able to develop positive social and emotional health

Ausência de acompanhamento familiar e fatores associados nos partos da zona urbana de uma cidade do sul do Brasil: fato ou ficção?

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar a prevalência e identificar os fatores associados à ausência do acompanhante de parto em mulheres no sul do Brasil. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, realizado com 466 parturientes, pertencentes a uma coorte de mulheres da zona urbana da cidade de Pelotas, RS. Aos 18 meses pós-parto, foi aplicado um questionário estruturado com dados sociodemográficos, gestacionais e questões relacionadas ao parto. Foi realizada regressão logística para ajustes de possíveis fatores de confusão. Resultados: A prevalência da ausência de acompanhante de parto entre as mulheres foi de 22,3%. As parturientes com até 8 anos de estudo (RP=2,0 [IC95% 1,1–3,8]), que não viviam com um companheiro (RP=2,3 [IC95% 1,2–4,3]), que realizaram o pré-natal no setor público (RP=1,9 [IC95% 1,0–3,7]) e que tiveram um parto via cesárea (RP=6,0 [IC95% 2,9–12,4]) apresentaram maior probabilidade de ausência de acompanhante de parto. Conclusão: Os resultados apontam evidências relevantes para o seguimento da verificação da presença do acompanhante de parto no sul do Brasil, indicando a necessidade de melhor aproveitamento e adesão desta prática. Além disso, a lei que aprova a presença do acompanhante de parto no Brasil parece não estar sendo colocada em prática de modo integral, desrespeitando um direito das parturientes e impactando nos benefícios para a saúde materno-infantil

Is Maternal Exposure to Childhood Trauma Associated With Maternal-Fetal Attachment?

Adults with childhood maltreatment history can face a difficult experience in transitioning to parenthood. Women with a history of emotional neglect in childhood tend to experience problematic attachment. The study's aim was to evaluate the relationship between childhood trauma and maternal-fetal attachment in pregnant women in a population-based study in Southern Brazil. This is a longitudinal study with pregnant women who were interviewed in two moments: before 24-weeks of pregnancy and 60 days after the first interview. We used the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale. The mean of maternal-fetal attachment in the general sample was 99.8 (± 10.8). The mean of emotional neglect was 8.9 (± 4.7); physical neglect 6.7 (± 2.8); sexual abuse 5.9 (± 3.0); physical abuse 6.8 (± 3.1) and emotional abuse 8.0 (± 4.1). After adjusted analysis, we found that pregnant women who suffered emotional neglect had 0.4 points less on the average on the maternal-fetal attachment, β = -0.4, CI 95% [-0.6, -0.2], and pregnant women who suffered emotional abuse had 0.2 points less on the average on the maternal-fetal attachment, β = -0.2, CI 95% [-0.5, -0.0]. Only emotional neglect and emotional abuse were associated with maternal-fetal attachment. This study showed that a history of childhood trauma can have a negative impact during the prenatal period, and can impair maternal-fetal attachment. The data found can assist health professionals in identifying factors that can protect and contribute to pregnant women who were victims of childhood trauma to face the transition to parenthood in the best possible way

Is Maternal Exposure to Childhood Trauma Associated With Maternal-Fetal Attachment?

Adults with childhood maltreatment history can face a difficult experience in transitioning to parenthood. Women with a history of emotional neglect in childhood tend to experience problematic attachment. The study's aim was to evaluate the relationship between childhood trauma and maternal-fetal attachment in pregnant women in a population-based study in Southern Brazil. This is a longitudinal study with pregnant women who were interviewed in two moments: before 24-weeks of pregnancy and 60 days after the first interview. We used the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale. The mean of maternal-fetal attachment in the general sample was 99.8 (± 10.8). The mean of emotional neglect was 8.9 (± 4.7); physical neglect 6.7 (± 2.8); sexual abuse 5.9 (± 3.0); physical abuse 6.8 (± 3.1) and emotional abuse 8.0 (± 4.1). After adjusted analysis, we found that pregnant women who suffered emotional neglect had 0.4 points less on the average on the maternal-fetal attachment, β = -0.4, CI 95% [-0.6, -0.2], and pregnant women who suffered emotional abuse had 0.2 points less on the average on the maternal-fetal attachment, β = -0.2, CI 95% [-0.5, -0.0]. Only emotional neglect and emotional abuse were associated with maternal-fetal attachment. This study showed that a history of childhood trauma can have a negative impact during the prenatal period, and can impair maternal-fetal attachment. The data found can assist health professionals in identifying factors that can protect and contribute to pregnant women who were victims of childhood trauma to face the transition to parenthood in the best possible way

Maternal Chronic Depression Affects Love Styles: A Cohort Study in Southern Brazil

Given the importance that love has in individuals’ lives, and considering that more specific studies about the relationship between depression and the way people love are lacking, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of major depressive disorder (MDD) on “love styles.” This study was nested in a cohort of adolescent mothers. Women were assessed for MDD at each point of assessment: during pregnancy (T1), at between 30 and 60 postpartum days (T2), and at approximately 30 postpartum months (T3), by using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI PLUS) tool. The Love Attitudes Scale (LAS) was administered to assess the six love styles at T3. Logistic regression analyses were carried out to express the strength of depression on love styles. We found that chronic major depression had the largest effect on the love styles (low Eros, high Mania, and high Agape), followed by current major depression. However, the same association was not observed in the perinatal period. Thus, the assessment of love style is relevant as it seems that an MDD-related injury in maternal life is related to their attitudes about love and there could be possible harmful consequences of these attitudes to the mother and the whole family

Cognitive and Language Development in Preschoolers Is Related to Maternal Cognitive Performance: A Study of Young Mothers in an Urban Area of a City in Southern Brazil

To evaluate the relationship between maternal cognitive performance and language and cognitive development of children between 24 and 36 months old of mothers who became pregnant in adolescence, in the city of Pelotas, Southern Brazil. This is a cross-sectional study nested in a cohort study with adolescent mothers who received prenatal care in the city’s public health system. To assess maternal cognitive performance, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used and Bayley Scales of Infant Development III (BSID-III) are used to assess children's language and cognition development. Data were analyzed using SPSS (Version 22.0) software. Pearson correlation, t-test, ANOVA and linear regression were performed. We evaluated 496 mother-child dyads. In the adjusted analysis, we found that children's language remained associated with maternal cognitive performance (p = .027, CI [0.0, 0.6]) and child’s gender (p < .001, CI [−7.2, −2.4]). Besides that children cognitive development remained associated with maternal cognitive performance (p = .008, CI [0.1, 0.6]) and child’s gender (p = .030, CI [−4.5, −0.2]). Our results suggest that poor maternal cognitive performance is associated with lower levels of children's language and cognitive development. The results contributing to early identification and intervention in children of mothers with poor cognitive performance at higher risk of negative developmental outcomes

Maternal hsa-miR-423-5p associated with the cognitive development of babies in pregnant women without mental disorders

BackgroundMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs capable of regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally. MiRNAs are recognized as key regulators of diverse biological and developmental processes. During the pregnancy–puerperal cycle, numerous changes occur in the female body for the formation, growth, and development of the baby. After birth, there is a critical period in child development, as rapid gains in the physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional domains constitute the “building blocks” of children’s later growth.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the association between maternal expression of hsa-miR-423-5p during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy and neurocognitive development at 90 days of life in infants. Methods: This is a longitudinal study included in a population-based cohort study, carried out in a city in southern Brazil. The Bayley III was used to assess the babies’ cognitive development. Blood samples from mothers were obtained for RNA extraction from serum and analysis of miRNA expression by qRT-PCR.ResultsIn total, 87 dyads (mother–baby) were included. The average gestational age was 15.86 weeks (SD ± 5.55). An association of maternal miRNA with infant cognitive development was found; as maternal miR-423-5p increases, infants’ cognitive development increases by 2.40 (95% CI 0.37; 4.43, p = 0.021) points at 3 months of age.ConclusionIn this context, it is suggested to use this miRNA as a biomarker of child neurocognitive development detectable in the prenatal period, thus allowing the planning of early interventions