The Survey of Neonates in Pomerania: Design, Recruitment and Follow-Up of the Second Cohort, 2013-2017.

Abstract

Background: The Survey of Neonates in Pomerania (SNiP) is a birth cohort study conducted in Western Pomerania, Germany. SNiP-I recruited participants at birth between the years 2002 and 2008 (5801 inclusions). Since SNiP-I, population sociodemographic characteristics and the prevalence of early exposures, including overweight and gestational diabetes (GDM), have changed.

Objectives: To establish a second birth cohort (SNiP-II) in the same study area as the first population sample (SNiP-I) a decade later to investigate changes to early life exposures.

Population: Mothers with registered principal residence in the defined study area.

Design: Prospective, population-based, birth cohort study.

Methods: The baseline survey of SNiP-II was conducted at birth between 2013 and 2017. The SNiP-I data set, on medical, epidemiological and socioeconomic data, associated health risk factors and the living conditions of newborns and their parents, and collection and storage of biomaterials, was improved and supplemented with additional data, including fetal growth parameters, urine samples, and maternal DNA. A follow-up survey of SNiP-II of children and their parents was conducted using questionnaires at 5-6 years of age. In a subgroup, an additional 2-h follow-up with clinical testing was performed by the German Neonatal Network (GNN).

Preliminary results: The baseline survey database includes 3502 mother-infant pairs, and 1194 (34%) participated in the SNiP-II follow-up study, with 401 in the clinical sub-study by GNN. Mothers in SNiP-II were older, more likely to have GDM and to be overweight, had better SES and smoked less during pregnancy than mothers in SNiP-I. Newborns in SNiP-II were less likely to be hospitalised than those in SNiP-I.

Conclusions: Compared with SNiP-I, SNiP-II documents changes in the prevalence of early exposures during the prenatal and perinatal period. Using data from these prospective birth cohorts provides an opportunity to address research questions on how changes in exposures during pregnancy affect maternal and neonatal outcomes.