A study funded by the NIH found that pregnant women with higher-than-normal blood sugar levels are at greater risk of delivering babies with birth problems, including Caesarean sections and large body sizes. The study involved over 23,000 women in nine countries.
An intensive educational program reduced the rate of postpartum hemorrhage by 45% and decreased episiotomies by 10.6%. The program also promoted the use of oxytocin to contract the uterus after birth.
A new NIH study has identified several factors that influence an extremely low birth weight infant's chances for survival and disability. These factors include sex, birthweight, single birth status, and antenatal steroids, which can predict individual outcomes and help guide treatment decisions.
A new blood test developed by NIH scientists can diagnose Menkes disease in infants as early as birth, allowing for timely treatment that extends their survival. The test detects abnormal levels of catecholamines, a copper-dependent enzyme, which are present in the condition.
Researchers found that progesterone treatment did not decrease the risk of premature birth in women carrying twins compared to placebo injections. In contrast, earlier studies showed a significant reduction in preterm birth among pregnant women with a history of preterm delivery and single-baby pregnancies.
Researchers found that hospitals with lower-volume, lower-level NICUs had a significantly higher newborn death rate for very low birth weight infants. The study suggests increased regionalization of NICU births to high-level facilities may reduce infant mortality.
A defect in one copy of the EGR2 gene disrupts myelin production, leading to peripheral neuropathy. Researchers have deciphered a key sequence essential to myelin assembly, paving the way for new therapies.
A long-term study found that children with higher quality early child care had better vocabulary scores in 5th grade, while those with more time in center-based care were more likely to exhibit problem behaviors in 6th grade. Parenting quality was a stronger predictor of child development than type or quality of child care.
Researchers found that older mothers with normal, full-term pregnancies were more likely to undergo Caesarean delivery than younger women with similarly low-risk pregnancies. Women giving birth for the first time were six times more likely to deliver by Caesarean.
Researchers developed an experimental vaccine that reduces stillbirths among rodents born to mothers infected with cytomegalovirus, a common virus causing mental retardation and hearing loss. The vaccine was found to greatly reduce the total amount of virus in mothers' blood and mortality rates among offspring.
Researchers at NIH have found a second genetic defect causing previously unexplained forms of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a disorder weakening bones and resulting in frequent fractures. The affected gene contains information for P3H1 protein, crucial for refining collagen to its final form.
Researchers found that standard treatment with clomiphene was more effective than metformin alone in helping women with PCOS achieve successful pregnancy. The study, the largest and most comprehensive effort yet to compare the two drugs, showed that obese women were less likely to conceive during the course of the study.
Researchers found that starting HIV treatment at least six months after a single dose of nevirapine during labor improves response rates. Women who started treatment sooner had reduced effectiveness of ART, while those delayed had comparable outcomes to placebo group.
Researchers at NIH have discovered a gene responsible for a previously unexplained, fatal form of Osteogenesis Imperfecta. The CRTAP gene plays a crucial role in collagen production and is found to be nonfunctional in patients with this rare disorder, leading to deformed brittle bones.
Researchers developed a malaria vaccine that prompts the immune system to eliminate the parasite from an area's mosquitoes. The vaccine was tested in mice and showed promise by eliminating the parasite from the digestive tract of infected mosquitoes.
A large NIH-commissioned study found no evidence that hormonal contraception increases a woman's chances of becoming infected with HIV. The study followed thousands of women in Africa and compared their patterns of contraceptive use to their risk of infection with HIV, finding no statistically significant difference.
Researchers found that continuous fetal oxygen saturation monitoring had no significant effect on Caesarean delivery rates for both normal and abnormal fetal heart rates. The study enrolled over 5000 women across 14 hospitals, with no statistically meaningful differences in Caesarean deliveries between the groups.
Researchers found that SIDS infants had more neurons manufacturing and using serotonin than control infants, but fewer serotonin receptors, suggesting an abnormal level of serotonin. This study provides the strongest evidence to date for a specific brain area controlling breathing and heart rate abnormalities in SIDS.
A study found that misoprostol is an effective way to prevent postpartum hemorrhage in countries with limited hospital services. The drug significantly reduced the risk of acute postpartum hemorrhage and average blood loss, offering a cost-effective solution for resource-poor settings.
Research reveals two proteins in blood foretell development of preeclampsia, a life-threatening complication of pregnancy. High levels of soluble endoglin and sFlt1 indicate severe forms of preeclampsia and offer hope for early detection and cure.
Children who were overweight as toddlers are 5 times more likely to be overweight at age 12. BMI measurements collected over an extended period show a strong correlation between childhood and adolescent obesity. The study suggests that early intervention is crucial in preventing the progression of abnormal weight gain.
A recent study found that autism is a global disorder affecting how the brain processes information, particularly when it becomes complicated. The study discovered that individuals with autism perform well in basic functioning tasks but struggle with complex tasks involving sensory perception, movement, and memory.
Studies found that people with autism have reduced connections and coordination between brain areas, leading to difficulties in problem-solving and communication. The research provides evidence for a new theory that views autism as a failure of brain regions to communicate with each other.
Researchers discovered a link between phosphodiesterase 11A enzyme deficiency and the development of rare tumors in patients with adrenal disorders. The study found four patients with mutant copies of the PDE11A gene, leading to higher levels of cyclic nucleotides that may stimulate tumor growth.
A study conducted by researchers at the NIH found a strong association between H2 blocker treatment and necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants. Infants treated with H2 blockers were 1.71 times more likely to develop the condition, which can be life-threatening.
Young adults in the US exhibit declining healthy behaviors, such as regular exercise, healthy diet, and reduced substance use, between adolescence and early adulthood. This trend is particularly concerning given the high rates of smoking, obesity, and alcohol abuse leading to preventable deaths.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that cooling newborns to prevent death and injury from oxygen deprivation during birth may reduce infant disability and death. After 18-22 months, 44% of cooled infants developed moderate to severe disabilities or died, compared to 62% of those receiving standard care.
The study reveals the malaria parasite's release mechanism from infected red blood cells, contradicting previous theories. The findings provide new insights into the disease and its potential targets for treatment.
Researchers have discovered how defensins and mannan-binding lectin can prevent viruses from entering cells. Defensins block the influenza virus entry into cells by preventing membrane fusion, while mannan-binding lectin works in a similar way. These findings may lead to new strategies for preventing viral diseases.
The report found that children are more likely to live in poverty, have low birthweight, or commit a violent crime. However, the adolescent birth rate has reached a record low, and immunization rates have increased. Additionally, child mortality rates have declined, with fewer deaths among young children.
After discontinuing DMPA, adolescent girls experienced significant gains in bone mineral density, with their levels comparable to those of other women in their age group. The study's findings suggest that DMPA use may not have a lasting impact on bone health in young women.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association finds that women with low levels of placental growth factor (PlGF) in their urine are highly likely to develop preeclampsia. Researchers plan to refine this finding into a clinical test to screen for high-risk pregnancies.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that vaginal birth after a prior cesarean delivery poses relatively low risks. However, the study also revealed that women attempting vaginal birth after a cesarean delivery may face increased complications such as uterine rupture and infant brain oxygenation issues.
Research using fMRI scans reveals that individuals with high-functioning autism exhibit different brain activation patterns when recalling alphabet letters, with more activity in right hemisphere and less in left.
A study of extremely low birth weight infants found that 65% developed at least one infection during hospitalization, leading to developmental delays or impairments in 47%. Infants with meningitis were more likely to have neurological impairments.
Scientists have successfully grown sperm progenitor cells in a laboratory culture, paving the way for potential new treatments for male infertility. The breakthrough, led by Hiroshi Kubota, could also enable the creation of genetically modified animals and extend the reproductive life of endangered species.
A NICHD study suggests that pediatricians can assist immigrant mothers in identifying potential problems with their children's development. The researchers found that Asian and Latino mothers scored lower on a survey measuring knowledge of infant development, but they were knowledgeable about physical health and safety guidelines.
A new protein called mBDNF has been found to play a crucial role in forming long-term memories. The discovery opens up possibilities for studying the protein in people with disorders of learning and memory, as well as developing new medications to compensate for these problems.
The teen birth rate has declined to a record low, and youth are less likely to be involved in violent crimes. However, the prevalence of overweight among children has increased, posing a risk for chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
An imaging study found that teaching matters and good instruction can change the brain's functioning in children, improving reading ability. The study showed significant gains in reading skills among children who received intensive phonemic awareness and phonics-based instruction.
Researchers found that elevated sFlt-1 levels and low PlGF levels can predict the development of preeclampsia. Women with preeclampsia also have lower VEGF levels, which may contribute to the condition's health problems.
A recent study has identified GPR54 as a key player in triggering brain release of GnRH at puberty. The discovery may lead to more effective treatments for individuals with delayed or incomplete puberty due to genetic mutations.
A study conducted in California found that infants sleeping on their sides are at an increased risk of SIDS, with a significant increase in risk when they turn onto their stomachs during sleep. The researchers recommend placing babies on their backs every time they go to sleep for consistent safety.
Scientists found that the embryo uses L-selectin on its surface to bind with carbohydrate molecules on the uterine wall, leading to a complete stop and attachment. This discovery may provide information useful for treating infertility and potentially offer insight into preeclampsia.
A recent NIH study found that families participating in the Checkpoints Program reported imposing stricter driving limits on their teens, both when they got their licenses and three months later. The program includes a video, newsletters, and a parent-teen driving agreement that help parents teach adolescents to drive safely.
A large study found that African American infants who slept on their stomachs were at more than twice the risk for SIDS compared to those sleeping in other positions. The research also highlighted disparities in healthcare recommendations and access to information about safe sleep practices among different racial groups.
The infant mortality rate has trended downward since 1983, with a significant drop between 1999 and the current year. Additionally, children are more likely to have a working parent, and reading to them is on the rise.
A single gene on the X chromosome, AGTR2, has been linked to mental retardation. The discovery could lead to new therapies and insights into normal brain development.
A large-scale study of over 9,200 women aged 35-64 found no association between oral contraceptive use and increased breast cancer risk. The research provides reassurance for women who have used oral contraceptives during their reproductive years.
A new study conducted in New Zealand found no increased risk of prostate cancer among men who had undergone vasectomy. The study, which interviewed over 2,200 men, suggests that vasectomy does not pose a biological risk for prostate cancer.