Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-09DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106458
Carlo Dani , Giulia Remaschi , Elia Benelli , Alessandra Cecchi , Clara Lunardi , Camilla Fazi , Andrea Bianchi , Elisa Scola , Enrico Fainardi , Vittorio Miele , Caterina Coviello
Background
Glucose-to-lactate ratio and abnormal values of glucose and lactate blood values, as well as neuroimaging, have been reported to predict neurodevelopmental outcome in infants with hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) treated with therapeutic hypothermia (TH). Our aim was to confirm or confute these correlations.
Methods
We retrospectively studied 48 late preterm and term infants, 31 with favourable and 17 with unfavourable outcome. Glucose-to-lactate ratio, glucose and lactate values were recorded before and during TH. They were studied with aEEG, cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the Bayley-III scales for assessing psychomotor development at 24 ± 2 months corrected age.
Results
Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that glucose (OR 30.219, 95 % Cl 1.473–62.069, P = 0.027) and lactate (OR 1.923, 95 % Cl 1.027–3.601, P = 0.041) blood level at 24 h of TH and MRI score (OR 2.668 95 % Cl 1.060–6.713. P = 0.037) were positively correlated with unfavourable outcome.
Conclusions
Glucose-to-lactate ratio did not predict neurodevelopmental outcome in infants with HIE treated with TH. Further investigation is needed to explore the prognostic significance of this biomarker. Glycemia and lactate blood levels measured at 24 h of TH, as well as cerebral MRI, are positively correlated with an increasing risk of unfavourable outcome.
{"title":"Glucose-to-lactate ratio in infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy treated with hypothermia","authors":"Carlo Dani , Giulia Remaschi , Elia Benelli , Alessandra Cecchi , Clara Lunardi , Camilla Fazi , Andrea Bianchi , Elisa Scola , Enrico Fainardi , Vittorio Miele , Caterina Coviello","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106458","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106458","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Glucose-to-lactate ratio and abnormal values of glucose and lactate blood values, as well as neuroimaging, have been reported to predict neurodevelopmental outcome in infants with hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) treated with therapeutic hypothermia (TH). Our aim was to confirm or confute these correlations.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We retrospectively studied 48 late preterm and term infants, 31 with favourable and 17 with unfavourable outcome. Glucose-to-lactate ratio, glucose and lactate values were recorded before and during TH. They were studied with aEEG, cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the Bayley-III scales for assessing psychomotor development at 24 ± 2 months corrected age.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that glucose (OR 30.219, 95 % Cl 1.473–62.069, <em>P</em> = 0.027) and lactate (OR 1.923, 95 % Cl 1.027–3.601, <em>P</em> = 0.041) blood level at 24 h of TH and MRI score (OR 2.668 95 % Cl 1.060–6.713. <em>P</em> = 0.037) were positively correlated with unfavourable outcome.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Glucose-to-lactate ratio did not predict neurodevelopmental outcome in infants with HIE treated with TH. Further investigation is needed to explore the prognostic significance of this biomarker. Glycemia and lactate blood levels measured at 24 h of TH, as well as cerebral MRI, are positively correlated with an increasing risk of unfavourable outcome.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 106458"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145735975","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-10DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106479
Barış Özener , John T. Manning , Berna Ertuğrul , Fatih Aydık
Objectives
The second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is widely thought to be a correlate of first trimester sex steroids, such that it is negatively correlated to testosterone and positively correlated to oestrogen. The 2D:4D has been linked to many physical and behavioural traits, including intelligence. However, little attention has been paid to its association with neonatal characteristics. Here we focus on associations between neonatal 2D:4D and head circumference as the latter variable is correlated with intelligence.
Material and methods
Our sample was 225 full-term (37–41 weeks) newborns comprising 125 girls and 100 boys. Recumbent length, weight, head circumference and right and left second and fourth digit lengths were measured. In addition to biological measures, maternal education was recorded as a proxy for sociodemographic status. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses were conducted separately for each sex to assess associations.
Results
For males, recumbent length and right 2D:4D were significantly positively associated with head circumference. Mother's education level was not related to head circumference. For females, recumbent length and birth weight were significant positive predictors of head circumference, digit ratios and mother's education showed no association. The independent variables accounted for more variance in head circumference for male newborns than for females.
Conclusions
We have found that right 2D:4D of newborns is positively correlated to head circumference, the effect was strongest for boys and independent of recumbent length and weight. High 2D:4D is associated with high prenatal oestrogen and head circumference is positively linked to intelligence. We discuss our findings in the context of oestrogenization in human brain evolution.
{"title":"Digit ratio (2D:4D) and neonatal head circumference: Evidence for oestrogenization in human brain evolution?","authors":"Barış Özener , John T. Manning , Berna Ertuğrul , Fatih Aydık","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106479","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106479","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>The second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is widely thought to be a correlate of first trimester sex steroids, such that it is negatively correlated to testosterone and positively correlated to oestrogen. The 2D:4D has been linked to many physical and behavioural traits, including intelligence. However, little attention has been paid to its association with neonatal characteristics. Here we focus on associations between neonatal 2D:4D and head circumference as the latter variable is correlated with intelligence.</div></div><div><h3>Material and methods</h3><div>Our sample was 225 full-term (37–41 weeks) newborns comprising 125 girls and 100 boys. Recumbent length, weight, head circumference and right and left second and fourth digit lengths were measured. In addition to biological measures, maternal education was recorded as a proxy for sociodemographic status. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses were conducted separately for each sex to assess associations.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>For males, recumbent length and right 2D:4D were significantly positively associated with head circumference. Mother's education level was not related to head circumference. For females, recumbent length and birth weight were significant positive predictors of head circumference, digit ratios and mother's education showed no association. The independent variables accounted for more variance in head circumference for male newborns than for females.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>We have found that right 2D:4D of newborns is positively correlated to head circumference, the effect was strongest for boys and independent of recumbent length and weight. High 2D:4D is associated with high prenatal oestrogen and head circumference is positively linked to intelligence. We discuss our findings in the context of oestrogenization in human brain evolution.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 106479"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145965657","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-09-05DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106390
Zohar Meroz , Jennifer R. Budman , Aviva Yochman , Alona Bin-Nun , Anat Golos
{"title":"Corrigendum to “Effectiveness of an oral-motor intervention for premature infants: Feeding and maternal self-efficacy” [Early Human Development 210 (2025) 106382]","authors":"Zohar Meroz , Jennifer R. Budman , Aviva Yochman , Alona Bin-Nun , Anat Golos","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106390","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106390","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 106390"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145008181","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The young developing brain is very sensitive to many environmental influences, both positive and negative. Parental stress and parent-infant bonding have been shown to be associated with neurodevelopmental delays in toddlers. However, it is not known at what age these associations become relevant which we aim to study as early as three-months of age, paving the way for new intervention strategies.
Methods
This study included 339 parent-infant dyads or triads from the Dutch TRAILS-NEXT cohort. Parental stress and parent-infant bonding were assessed at three months of age using the ‘Nijmeegse Ouderlijke Stress Index – Korte versie’ (NOSI-K) and Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ), respectively. Infant neurodevelopment was assessed using the General Movement Assessment (GMA), including the Motor Optimality score – Revised (MOS-R). Perinatal risk factors with known associations with infant neurodevelopment were included as potential confounders.
Results
210 infant-mother dyads and 147 infant-partner dyads were included in the main analysis. Parental stress levels were elevated in 7 % of mothers and 18 % of partners, but no significant correlations were found between parental stress, bonding, and MOS-R scores. After adjustments for confounders, neither parental bonding nor stress showed significant relationships with general movement characteristics in regression analyses, suggesting that other factors may influence individual differences in early motor development.
Conclusion
Parental stress and parent-infant bonding were not associated with infant neurodevelopment at age of three months, suggesting a wider window of opportunity to intervene in case of parental stress or suboptimal parent-infant bonding.
{"title":"Associations between parental stress, parent-infant bonding, and infant neuromotor functioning","authors":"L.C. Span , E.M. Rodenboog , N.H. van Dokkum , A.F. Bos , C.A. Hartman","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106459","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106459","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim</h3><div>The young developing brain is very sensitive to many environmental influences, both positive and negative. Parental stress and parent-infant bonding have been shown to be associated with neurodevelopmental delays in toddlers. However, it is not known at what age these associations become relevant which we aim to study as early as three-months of age, paving the way for new intervention strategies.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study included 339 parent-infant dyads or triads from the Dutch TRAILS-NEXT cohort. Parental stress and parent-infant bonding were assessed at three months of age using the ‘Nijmeegse Ouderlijke Stress Index – Korte versie’ (NOSI-K) and Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ), respectively. Infant neurodevelopment was assessed using the General Movement Assessment (GMA), including the Motor Optimality score – Revised (MOS-R). Perinatal risk factors with known associations with infant neurodevelopment were included as potential confounders.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>210 infant-mother dyads and 147 infant-partner dyads were included in the main analysis. Parental stress levels were elevated in 7 % of mothers and 18 % of partners, but no significant correlations were found between parental stress, bonding, and MOS-R scores. After adjustments for confounders, neither parental bonding nor stress showed significant relationships with general movement characteristics in regression analyses, suggesting that other factors may influence individual differences in early motor development.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Parental stress and parent-infant bonding were not associated with infant neurodevelopment at age of three months, suggesting a wider window of opportunity to intervene in case of parental stress or suboptimal parent-infant bonding.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 106459"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145899287","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-20DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106464
Mary Mayowa Adetoye , John Ehi Aboje , Mercy Chisom Agu , Praise Oluwatobi Ogunleke , Eno Abasi Sunday , Babalola David Olaoluwa , Alexander Idu Entonu , Tahav Joshua Kachina , Gbolahan Olatunji , Emmanuel Kokori , Nicholas Aderinto
Objective(s)
Preterm birth, delivery before 37 weeks of gestation, remains a major contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, with sub-Saharan Africa disproportionately affected. This review aimed to examine the multidimensional burden of caring for preterm infants in African contexts, focusing on economic, psychological, social, and health system challenges experienced by caregivers and healthcare providers.
Study design
A narrative review approach was adopted. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online (AJOL), as well as relevant grey literature. Thirty-three studies meeting predefined inclusion criteria were analyzed to identify recurring themes and intervention gaps related to preterm infant care across diverse African settings.
Results
The review revealed substantial financial strain on families due to high out-of-pocket expenditures, inadequate insurance coverage, and logistical challenges such as transportation barriers, especially in rural areas. Caregivers frequently experienced anxiety, depression, and social isolation, compounded by poor communication and limited emotional support within health facilities. Health systems were characterized by shortages of essential neonatal equipment, inadequate staffing, inconsistent clinical protocols, and limited training in evidence-based neonatal care. Promising interventions identified included kangaroo mother care, antenatal corticosteroid use, and automated oxygen titration systems.
Conclusion(s)
Caring for preterm infants in Africa involves intersecting economic, emotional, and systemic challenges. Strengthening policy and research frameworks, expanding caregiver support, and implementing culturally sensitive, evidence-based interventions are essential to reduce preterm mortality and alleviate caregiver burden across the region.
目标(s)：早产，即妊娠37周前分娩，仍然是全世界新生儿发病率和死亡率的主要原因，撒哈拉以南非洲受到的影响尤为严重。本综述旨在研究非洲环境下照顾早产儿的多维负担，重点关注照顾者和卫生保健提供者所面临的经济、心理、社会和卫生系统挑战。研究设计：采用叙述性回顾法。对PubMed、Scopus、Web of Science、b谷歌Scholar、African Journals Online （AJOL）以及相关的灰色文献进行了全面的文献检索。分析了33项符合预定义纳入标准的研究，以确定非洲不同环境中与早产儿护理相关的反复出现的主题和干预差距。结果：审查显示，由于自付费用高、保险覆盖面不足以及运输障碍等后勤挑战，特别是在农村地区，家庭面临着巨大的经济压力。护理人员经常感到焦虑、抑郁和社会孤立，再加上卫生设施内沟通不畅和情感支持有限。卫生系统的特点是基本新生儿设备短缺，人员配备不足，临床方案不一致，循证新生儿护理培训有限。确定的有希望的干预措施包括袋鼠妈妈护理，产前皮质类固醇使用和自动氧滴定系统。结论：在非洲，照顾早产儿涉及经济、情感和系统方面的交叉挑战。加强政策和研究框架，扩大对护理人员的支持，实施具有文化敏感性的循证干预措施，对于降低整个地区的早产死亡率和减轻护理人员负担至关重要。
{"title":"Exploring the burden of preterm infant care in Africa: A comprehensive review of current research","authors":"Mary Mayowa Adetoye , John Ehi Aboje , Mercy Chisom Agu , Praise Oluwatobi Ogunleke , Eno Abasi Sunday , Babalola David Olaoluwa , Alexander Idu Entonu , Tahav Joshua Kachina , Gbolahan Olatunji , Emmanuel Kokori , Nicholas Aderinto","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106464","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106464","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective(s)</h3><div>Preterm birth, delivery before 37 weeks of gestation, remains a major contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, with sub-Saharan Africa disproportionately affected. This review aimed to examine the multidimensional burden of caring for preterm infants in African contexts, focusing on economic, psychological, social, and health system challenges experienced by caregivers and healthcare providers.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>A narrative review approach was adopted. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online (AJOL), as well as relevant grey literature. Thirty-three studies meeting predefined inclusion criteria were analyzed to identify recurring themes and intervention gaps related to preterm infant care across diverse African settings.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The review revealed substantial financial strain on families due to high out-of-pocket expenditures, inadequate insurance coverage, and logistical challenges such as transportation barriers, especially in rural areas. Caregivers frequently experienced anxiety, depression, and social isolation, compounded by poor communication and limited emotional support within health facilities. Health systems were characterized by shortages of essential neonatal equipment, inadequate staffing, inconsistent clinical protocols, and limited training in evidence-based neonatal care. Promising interventions identified included kangaroo mother care, antenatal corticosteroid use, and automated oxygen titration systems.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion(s)</h3><div>Caring for preterm infants in Africa involves intersecting economic, emotional, and systemic challenges. Strengthening policy and research frameworks, expanding caregiver support, and implementing culturally sensitive, evidence-based interventions are essential to reduce preterm mortality and alleviate caregiver burden across the region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 106464"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145827364","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Many parents of infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) experience trauma and a loss of their parental role, which may affect their parenting following discharge. This study aimed to compare parenting competence and coparenting between parents of NICU and non-NICU infants three years postpartum. We also examined factors influencing parenting among NICU parents.
We used a comparative cohort design to collect data from 561 parents who completed a set of questionnaires, including measures of parenting sense of competence, coparenting, dyadic relationship quality, social support, and depressive symptoms.
Three years postpartum, no differences were found in parenting sense of competence or coparenting between NICU parents and non-NICU parents. For both NICU mothers and fathers, a higher parenting sense of competence in satisfaction and efficacy was associated with a higher quality in the couple relationship. Mothers reported higher parenting satisfaction if they had not experienced a traumatic birth. Fathers reported higher parenting satisfaction if they had no depressive symptoms, and higher parenting efficacy if they had a longer couple relationship, received greater social support, had a shorter infant hospital stay, or were rooming-in with their partner and infant during hospitalization. Factors associated with more coparenting problems among NICU parents included lower couple relationship quality, a 7–14-day hospitalization for mothers, and lower social support for fathers.
This study highlights that early possibilities for parents to initiate parenthood together and receive adequate mental and social support during and after NICU hospitalization should be a priority for enhancing parents' sense of competence and coparenting.
{"title":"Parenthood after neonatal care -parenting sense of competence and coparenting three years after discharge","authors":"Christine Persson , Jenny Ericson , Mats Eriksson , Raziye Salari , Renée Flacking","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106462","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106462","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Many parents of infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) experience trauma and a loss of their parental role, which may affect their parenting following discharge. This study aimed to compare parenting competence and coparenting between parents of NICU and non-NICU infants three years postpartum. We also examined factors influencing parenting among NICU parents.</div><div>We used a comparative cohort design to collect data from 561 parents who completed a set of questionnaires, including measures of parenting sense of competence, coparenting, dyadic relationship quality, social support, and depressive symptoms.</div><div>Three years postpartum, no differences were found in parenting sense of competence or coparenting between NICU parents and non-NICU parents. For both NICU mothers and fathers, a higher parenting sense of competence in satisfaction and efficacy was associated with a higher quality in the couple relationship. Mothers reported higher parenting satisfaction if they had not experienced a traumatic birth. Fathers reported higher parenting satisfaction if they had no depressive symptoms, and higher parenting efficacy if they had a longer couple relationship, received greater social support, had a shorter infant hospital stay, or were rooming-in with their partner and infant during hospitalization. Factors associated with more coparenting problems among NICU parents included lower couple relationship quality, a 7–14-day hospitalization for mothers, and lower social support for fathers.</div><div>This study highlights that early possibilities for parents to initiate parenthood together and receive adequate mental and social support during and after NICU hospitalization should be a priority for enhancing parents' sense of competence and coparenting.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 106462"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145788767","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-06DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106478
Doğan Porsnok , Bilge Nur Yardımcı-Lokmanoğlu , Hasan Tolga Çelik , Akmer Mutlu
Background
Extremely low birth weight (ELBW; <1000 g) infants are at high-risk for developmental problems; however, no such long-term study has been conducted in this group before in our country. This study aimed to compare the early spontaneous movements and later developmental outcomes of ELBW infants with those of term born normal birth weight (NBW) infants, and to examine the association between the early spontaneous movements and later developmental outcomes at 9-to 12-months of corrected age and at 24-to 42-months in ELBW infants.
Methods
Early spontaneous movements of all infants were assessed using the Motor Optimality Score-Revised (MOS-R) at 9-to 20-weeks of corrected age. Developmental outcomes, including cognitive, language and motor domains, were performed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-Third Edition (Bayley-III) at 9-to 12-months of corrected age in ELBW infants, and at 24-to 42-months of age in both ELBW and term NBW infants.
Results
The study included 61 ELBW infants and 50 term NBW infants. ELBW infants had lower MOS-R results (p = 0.017) and lower cognitive (p < 0.001), language (p < 0.001), and motor domains (p < 0.001) outcomes at 24-to 42-months of age compared to term NBW infants. MOS-R and its subcategories were found to be associated with all Bayley-III domains (r = 0.492–0.603, p < 0.05) at both the 9-to 12-months and 24-to 42-months of age.
Conclusions
It is highlighted that ELBW infants have lower results than NBW infants, including MOS-R from the early period of life. MOS-R results may serve as a crucial tool to identify ELBW infants who are at higher risk for developmental parameters.
{"title":"From the first months to later ages: Early spontaneous movements and developmental outcomes in extremely low birth weight infants","authors":"Doğan Porsnok , Bilge Nur Yardımcı-Lokmanoğlu , Hasan Tolga Çelik , Akmer Mutlu","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106478","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106478","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Extremely low birth weight (ELBW; <1000 g) infants are at high-risk for developmental problems; however, no such long-term study has been conducted in this group before in our country. This study aimed to compare the early spontaneous movements and later developmental outcomes of ELBW infants with those of term born normal birth weight (NBW) infants, and to examine the association between the early spontaneous movements and later developmental outcomes at 9-to 12-months of corrected age and at 24-to 42-months in ELBW infants.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Early spontaneous movements of all infants were assessed using the Motor Optimality Score-Revised (MOS-R) at 9-to 20-weeks of corrected age. Developmental outcomes, including cognitive, language and motor domains, were performed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-Third Edition (Bayley-III) at 9-to 12-months of corrected age in ELBW infants, and at 24-to 42-months of age in both ELBW and term NBW infants.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The study included 61 ELBW infants and 50 term NBW infants. ELBW infants had lower MOS-R results (<em>p</em> = 0.017) and lower cognitive (<em>p</em> < 0.001), language (p < 0.001), and motor domains (p < 0.001) outcomes at 24-to 42-months of age compared to term NBW infants. MOS-R and its subcategories were found to be associated with all Bayley-III domains (<em>r</em> = 0.492–0.603, <em>p</em> < 0.05) at both the 9-to 12-months and 24-to 42-months of age.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>It is highlighted that ELBW infants have lower results than NBW infants, including MOS-R from the early period of life. MOS-R results may serve as a crucial tool to identify ELBW infants who are at higher risk for developmental parameters.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 106478"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145921422","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-16DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106460
Yu Seon Kim , Eun Yeob Kim , Hye Jin Cho , Hye Won Cho , Eun Hee Lee , Byung Min Choi
Introduction
To evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes, particularly neurodevelopment, of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants with massive pulmonary hemorrhage, in the context of recent improvements in perinatal and neonatal intensive care.
Study design
Data from the prospective registry of the Korean Neonatal Network of ELBW infants born in 69 hospitals across South Korea between 2014 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.
Results
Seven hundred and eight (11.2 %) of 6344 ELBW infants were diagnosed with MPH and divided into survivors at discharge (n = 253, 35.7 %) and in-hospital deaths (n = 455, 64.3 %). The annual incidence of MPH significantly declined from 13.9 % in 2014 to 7.7 % in 2022, and was accompanied by a similar decrease in in-hospital mortality.
Surviving infants who experienced MPH had higher rates of in-hospital morbidities. They also showed more adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes than those without MPH. After multivariable adjustment, the risks of cerebral palsy (OR 2.136; 95 % CI 1.253–3.638) and moderate developmental delay on BSID-II/III (OR 2.088; 95 % CI 1.279–3.409) remained significantly higher in MPH survivors.
Conclusion
The incidence and in-hospital deaths of massive pulmonary hemorrhage in ELBW infants have decreased in recent years. However, improved survival may be accompanied by increased in-hospital morbidity and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, underscoring the need for ongoing monitoring and strategies to mitigate short- and long-term complications in this high-risk population.
简介：在最近围产期和新生儿重症监护改善的背景下，评估极低出生体重（ELBW）婴儿大量肺出血的短期和长期结局，特别是神经发育。研究设计：回顾性分析韩国新生儿网络2014年至2022年间在韩国69家医院出生的ELBW婴儿的前瞻性登记数据。结果：6344例ELBW婴儿中有778例（11.2%）被诊断为MPH，分为出院时存活（253例，35.7%）和住院死亡（4555例，64.3%）。MPH的年发病率从2014年的13.9%显著下降到2022年的7.7%，住院死亡率也出现了类似的下降。经历MPH的幸存婴儿的住院发病率更高。他们也比那些没有MPH的人表现出更多的不良神经发育结果。多变量调整后，脑瘫（OR 2.136; 95% CI 1.253-3.638）和BSID-II/III中度发育迟缓（OR 2.088; 95% CI 1.279-3.409）的风险在MPH幸存者中仍然显著较高。结论：新生儿肺大出血的发生率和院内死亡率近年来有所下降。然而，生存率的提高可能伴随着住院发病率的增加和不良的神经发育结果，强调需要持续监测和策略，以减轻这一高危人群的短期和长期并发症。
{"title":"Recent short-term and long-term outcomes of massive pulmonary hemorrhage in extremely low birth weight infants: A nationwide cohort study","authors":"Yu Seon Kim , Eun Yeob Kim , Hye Jin Cho , Hye Won Cho , Eun Hee Lee , Byung Min Choi","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106460","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106460","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>To evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes, particularly neurodevelopment, of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants with massive pulmonary hemorrhage, in the context of recent improvements in perinatal and neonatal intensive care.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>Data from the prospective registry of the Korean Neonatal Network of ELBW infants born in 69 hospitals across South Korea between 2014 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Seven hundred and eight (11.2 %) of 6344 ELBW infants were diagnosed with MPH and divided into survivors at discharge (<em>n</em> = 253, 35.7 %) and in-hospital deaths (<em>n</em> = 455, 64.3 %). The annual incidence of MPH significantly declined from 13.9 % in 2014 to 7.7 % in 2022, and was accompanied by a similar decrease in in-hospital mortality.</div><div>Surviving infants who experienced MPH had higher rates of in-hospital morbidities. They also showed more adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes than those without MPH. After multivariable adjustment, the risks of cerebral palsy (OR 2.136; 95 % CI 1.253–3.638) and moderate developmental delay on BSID-II/III (OR 2.088; 95 % CI 1.279–3.409) remained significantly higher in MPH survivors.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The incidence and in-hospital deaths of massive pulmonary hemorrhage in ELBW infants have decreased in recent years. However, improved survival may be accompanied by increased in-hospital morbidity and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, underscoring the need for ongoing monitoring and strategies to mitigate short- and long-term complications in this high-risk population.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 106460"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145793563","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The study aims to examine whether self-reported mental health outcomes among adults born extremely preterm differ from those of adults born at term.
Methods
A population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted. The study included 48 eligible individuals born between 1982 and 1985 in western Norway with a gestational age ≤ 28 weeks or birth weight ≤ 1000 g, and 46 term-born controls. Mental health was assessed at age 34 years using the Adult Self-Report questionnaire. Data was analysed to compare outcomes between preterm and term-born controls.
Results
At age 34 years, 32 (67 %) extremely preterm born and 36 (78 %) term-born participated. The extremely preterm group reported significantly higher scores than the term-born group on the mental health scales for anxious/depressed, withdrawn, somatic complaints, aggressive behaviour, internalizing, and total problems. The extremely preterm group had lower levels of education and employment, and higher rates of disability or unemployment.
Conclusions
The findings suggest an association between being born extremely preterm or with extremely low birth weight and poorer self-reported mental health in adulthood compared with term-born controls. Future research should investigate potential underlying causes of this relationship to improve understanding and develop preventive strategies.
{"title":"Self-reported mental health in adults born extremely preterm. A population based, cross-sectional study","authors":"Åse Margrethe Reed , Bente Johanne Vederhus , Geir Egil Eide , Merete Røineland Benestad","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106457","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106457","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aims</h3><div>The study aims to examine whether self-reported mental health outcomes among adults born extremely preterm differ from those of adults born at term.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted. The study included 48 eligible individuals born between 1982 and 1985 in western Norway with a gestational age ≤ 28 weeks or birth weight ≤ 1000 g, and 46 term-born controls. Mental health was assessed at age 34 years using the Adult Self-Report questionnaire. Data was analysed to compare outcomes between preterm and term-born controls.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>At age 34 years, 32 (67 %) extremely preterm born and 36 (78 %) term-born participated. The extremely preterm group reported significantly higher scores than the term-born group on the mental health scales for anxious/depressed, withdrawn, somatic complaints, aggressive behaviour, internalizing, and total problems. The extremely preterm group had lower levels of education and employment, and higher rates of disability or unemployment.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The findings suggest an association between being born extremely preterm or with extremely low birth weight and poorer self-reported mental health in adulthood compared with term-born controls. Future research should investigate potential underlying causes of this relationship to improve understanding and develop preventive strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 106457"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145712093","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-25DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106475
Sarah C.H. Thompson , Rheanna M. Mainzer , Leona Pascoe , Thi-Nhu-Ngoc Nguyen , Lauren Pigdon , Jeanie Cheong , Terrie E. Inder , Lex W. Doyle , Karli Treyvaud , Peter J. Anderson
Background
Individuals born very preterm (VPT; <32 weeks' gestation) are at a greater risk of poorer social outcomes than individuals born at term. However, it remains unclear which subgroups of individuals born VPT are at greater risk of lower social functioning later in life. This study aimed to describe the medical, behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and environmental risks in childhood for lower social functioning in early adulthood among young adults born VPT.
Methods
Participants were assessed on social functioning domains at age 20 years (N = 123) and risk factors were assessed at birth (N = 224), 2 (N = 219) and 7 (N = 197) years of age in the Victorian Infant Brain Study longitudinal cohort. Differences in mean scores of social functioning outcomes and proportions with lower social functioning at 20 years between risk groups were estimated using generalized linear models. Multiple imputation was used to address missing data.
Results
In childhood, greater behavioral and emotional problems, lower cognition, and higher sociodemographic risk were strongly associated with lower social functioning in all domains at age 20. Medical risk was weakly associated with social interaction and social adjustment at age 20.
Conclusions
Children born VPT with higher cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and sociodemographic risk have increased likelihood of lower social functioning in early adulthood than those without risk, and could benefit from receiving earlier support to scaffold the development of social skills.
{"title":"Early risk factors related to social functioning in young adults born very preterm","authors":"Sarah C.H. Thompson , Rheanna M. Mainzer , Leona Pascoe , Thi-Nhu-Ngoc Nguyen , Lauren Pigdon , Jeanie Cheong , Terrie E. Inder , Lex W. Doyle , Karli Treyvaud , Peter J. Anderson","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106475","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106475","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Individuals born very preterm (VPT; <32 weeks' gestation) are at a greater risk of poorer social outcomes than individuals born at term. However, it remains unclear which subgroups of individuals born VPT are at greater risk of lower social functioning later in life. This study aimed to describe the medical, behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and environmental risks in childhood for lower social functioning in early adulthood among young adults born VPT.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Participants were assessed on social functioning domains at age 20 years (<em>N</em> = 123) and risk factors were assessed at birth (<em>N</em> = 224), 2 (<em>N</em> = 219) and 7 (<em>N</em> = 197) years of age in the Victorian Infant Brain Study longitudinal cohort. Differences in mean scores of social functioning outcomes and proportions with lower social functioning at 20 years between risk groups were estimated using generalized linear models. Multiple imputation was used to address missing data.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In childhood, greater behavioral and emotional problems, lower cognition, and higher sociodemographic risk were strongly associated with lower social functioning in all domains at age 20. Medical risk was weakly associated with social interaction and social adjustment at age 20.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Children born VPT with higher cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and sociodemographic risk have increased likelihood of lower social functioning in early adulthood than those without risk, and could benefit from receiving earlier support to scaffold the development of social skills.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 106475"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145877751","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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