European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Background: Maternal infections during pregnancy are a significant cause of adverse neonatal outcomes worldwide. These infections, whether localized or systemic, can lead to complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, neonatal sepsis, and respiratory distress. Despite advances in prenatal care, maternal infections remain under diagnosed and undertreated, especially in resource-limited settings.  Aim: To prospectively evaluate maternal infections during pregnancy and assess their association with neonatal morbidities in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Material and Methods: This prospective observational study included 90 pregnant women evaluated for various infections, including urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis, sexually transmitted infections, dengue, malaria, and hepatitis. Maternal and neonatal data were recorded using structured proformas. Neonatal morbidities such as preterm birth, low birth weight, sepsis, respiratory distress, and NICU admission were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 16.0, with a p-value <0.05 considered significant. Results: Maternal infections were identified in 72 (80.00%) participants. The most common infections were UTIs (31.11%) and bacterial vaginosis (21.11%). Neonatal morbidities observed included low birth weight (33.33%), preterm birth (26.67%), NICU admission (24.44%), sepsis (20.00%), and respiratory distress (16.67%). Preterm birth (30.56% vs. 11.11%, p = 0.048), neonatal sepsis (23.61% vs. 5.56%, p = 0.044), and NICU admission (29.17% vs. 5.56%, p = 0.027) were significantly associated with maternal infections. Multivariate analysis confirmed maternal infection (AOR = 3.21, p = 0.030), unbooked status (AOR = 2.88, p = 0.039), preterm delivery (AOR = 4.72, p = 0.003), and low birth weight (AOR = 3.96, p = 0.007) as independent predictors of neonatal morbidity.  Conclusion: Maternal infections significantly contribute to neonatal morbidities. Urinary tract infections, STIs, and dengue showed the highest risk. Strengthening antenatal screening, early treatment, and ensuring regular follow-up care are vital strategies to reduce infection-related neonatal complications.

Background: Maternal anemia is a significant public health issue, particularly in developing countries, where it contributes to increased maternal and perinatal morbidity. Anemia during pregnancy, commonly caused by iron deficiency, folate deficiency, or chronic diseases, is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction, and neonatal complications. Despite ongoing prevention and management efforts, maternal anemia remains a major risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aims to assess the association between maternal anemia and birth outcomes, providing insights into the extent of adverse effects and the need for targeted interventions.  Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of maternal anemia on birth outcomes, including gestational age at delivery, neonatal birth weight, Apgar scores, neonatal intensive care unit admissions, and perinatal complications. Additionally, the study aims to determine whether anemia severity correlates with worsening neonatal outcomes, emphasizing the importance of early detection and management.  Materials and Methods: This hospital-based observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, RMCH&RC, Hapur, from August 2013 to January 2015. A total of 100 pregnant women diagnosed with anemia, defined as hemoglobin levels below 11 g/dL, were enrolled and classified into mild, moderate, and severe anemia groups based on WHO criteria. A control group of 100 non-anemic pregnant women was included for comparison. Maternal demographics, hemoglobin levels, and obstetric history were recorded. Pregnancy outcomes, including gestational age at delivery, birth weight, Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes, neonatal intensive care unit admissions, and perinatal complications, were assessed. Statistical comparisons were performed using chi-square tests for categorical variables and t-tests for continuous variables, with significance set at p<0.05.  Results: Maternal anemia was significantly associated with adverse birth outcomes. The incidence of preterm birth was notably higher in anemic mothers compared to non-anemic mothers. Low birth weight was more prevalent among neonates born to anemic mothers, with the risk increasing with anemia severity. Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes were lower in the anemic group, with a higher likelihood of neonatal intensive care unit admissions. Neonatal complications, including respiratory distress and neonatal anemia, were significantly elevated in anemic pregnancies. The risk of intrauterine growth restriction and perinatal mortality was also increased in cases of severe maternal anemia. The findings indicate a strong correlation between maternal hemoglobin levels and neonatal well-being, reinforcing the need for early screening, nutritional interventions, and adequate antenatal care to mitigate the risks associated with maternal anemia. Conclusion: This study highlights the detrimental impact of maternal anemia on birth outcomes, emphasizing the need for routine antenatal screening, early correction of anemia through iron supplementation, dietary modifications, and timely medical interventions. Strengthening maternal health programs and ensuring access to preventive measures can significantly reduce the burden of anemia-related perinatal complications. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies evaluating the long-term effects of maternal anemia on child growth and development to further establish preventive and management strategies.

Objective: To explore the association between serum prolactin levels and insulin resistance markers in metabolic syndrome patients, providing potential insights for targeted therapeutic interventions. Methodology: Through the use of a cross-sectional methodology, the purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of a connection between insulin resistance and blood prolactin levels. Participants in this study were comprised of adults who had been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Individuals were recruited from the outpatient clinics of the nearby hospitals. People ranging in age from thirty to sixty years old were included in the study. There was a significant age gap between them. Serum prolactin levels, insulin resistance indicators (such as the HOMA-IR), and fasting glucose levels were some of the studied metabolic markers. Other metabolic markers included lipid profiles. Specific metabolic markers, such as those listed below, were among those that were investigated. Result: The findings indicate that there is a significant positive link between the levels of serum prolactin and insulin resistance measures such as HOMA-IR, fasting glucose, and triglyceride levels. The findings indicate that there is an inverse relationship between the levels of prolactin and HDL cholesterol. Because greater prolactin levels were also related with obesity and inflammatory markers, it is probable that they contribute to the worsening of metabolic dysregulation. This is because of the presence of both factors. Based on these findings, it seems that elevated levels of prolactin in the blood may be a significant endocrine component that contributes to insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome.  Conclusion: Patients with metabolic syndrome who have increased prolactin levels also have insulin resistance, according to the findings of this research, which give significant support to this assertion. As a result of its impact on inflammation, lipid metabolism, and obesity, prolactin may have a substantial role in the development of metabolic syndrome. It is necessary to do further research, especially longitudinal studies, to understand the nature of this connection better and ascertain whether prolactin might be an effective therapeutic target for treating insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome.