Journal of Perinatal Medicine 

About: Journal of Perinatal Medicine is an academic journal published by De Gruyter. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Pregnancy & Gestational age. It has an ISSN identifier of 0300-5577. Over the lifetime, 4342 publications have been published receiving 72080 citations. The journal is also known as: Official journal of the World Association of Perinatal Medicine, the International Academy of Perinatal Medicine, the New York Perinatal Society and the Society the Fetus as a Patient & WAPM newsletter.

The roles of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in pregnancy, lactation and infancy: review of current knowledge and consensus recommendations.

Abstract: This paper reviews current knowledge on the role of the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n-3) and arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n-6), in maternal and term infant nutrition as well as infant development. Consensus recommendations and practice guidelines for health-care providers supported by the World Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Early Nutrition Academy, and the Child Health Foundation are provided. The fetus and neonate should receive LC-PUFA in amounts sufficient to support optimal visual and cognitive development. Moreover, the consumption of oils rich in n-3 LC-PUFA during pregnancy reduces the risk for early premature birth. Pregnant and lactating women should aim to achieve an average daily intake of at least 200 mg DHA. For healthy term infants, we recommend and fully endorse breastfeeding, which supplies preformed LC-PUFA, as the preferred method of feeding. When breastfeeding is not possible, we recommend use of an infant formula providing DHA at levels between 0.2 and 0.5 weight percent of total fat, and with the minimum amount of AA equivalent to the contents of DHA. Dietary LC-PUFA supply should continue after the first six months of life, but currently there is not sufficient information for quantitative recommendations.

Normal values of Pulsatility Index from fetal vessels: a cross-sectional study on 1556 healthy fetuses.

Abstract: In a cross-sectional study of 1556 uncomplicated pregnancies velocity waveforms were recorded at the level of fetal umbilical artery, descending aorta, renal artery, internal carotid artery and middle cerebral artery. Reference limits for the Pulsatility Index of each vessel were constructed by regression analysis and a progressive fall during gestation was evidenced in all the vascular districts investigated with the exception of descending aorta. Furthermore we calculated the ratios between Pulsatility Index values of cerebral and peripheral vessels which may be relevant for the early diagnosis of the haemodynamic abnormalities occurring during the brain sparing effect.

The anemia of chronic renal failure: pathophysiology and the effects of recombinant erythropoietin

Abstract: A 40-year-old man has undergone chronic hemodialysis for 7 years. He had nephrotic syndrome from age 2 to 5 years but was apparently well until age 18, when proteinuria was detected again. At age 28, hypertension was noted. Hematocrit was 36%; white blood cell count, 6700/mm3; and creatinine clearance, 69 mI/mm. Chest x-ray and intravenous pyelogram were normal. A renal biopsy disclosed chronic glomerulonephritis. At age 31, a grade lI/VI holosystolic cardiac murmur was noted. Hematocrit was 29%; serum creatinine, 9.8 mg/dl; BUN, 83 mg/dl; phosphate, 5.6 mg/dl; and calcium, 7.2 mg/dl. Calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, dihydrotachysterol, and folic acid were prescribed. At age 32, his blood pressure was 145/90 mm Hg. The hematocrit was 20.5%; serum creatinine, 12.1 mg/dl; and BUN, 87 mg/dl. Fluoxymesterone, 40 mg daily, was prescribed. At age 33, uremic symptoms were evident. The hematocrit was 14%; white blood cell count, 7000/mm3; serum creatinine, 22 mg/dl; BUN, 140 mg/dl; serum bicarbonate, 14 mEq/liter; and serum potassium, 4.3 mEq/Iiter. Serum ferritin was 218 ng/ml. Hepatitis B surface antibody was positive and hepatitis B antigen negative. A plain chest film showed generalized cardiomegaly, and an electrocardiogram revealed anterolateral ischemia. Two units of red blood cells were transfused and hemodialysis was begun. He improved and returned to his home in Alaska to continue chronic hemodialysis. Because his hematocrit fell repeatedly to levels of

Listeriosis in human pregnancy: a systematic review.

Abstract: Listeria is commonly found in processed and prepared foods and listeriosis is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Preventative measures are well prescribed and monitoring and voluntary recall of contaminated products has resulted in a 44% reduction in the prevalence of perinatal listeriosis in the USA. Pregnant women are at high risk for listeriosis, but symptoms are non-specific and diagnosis is difficult. The intracellular life-cycle of Listeria protects the bacterium from host innate and adaptive immune responses. Antibiotic treatment requires agents able to penetrate, distribute, and remain stable within host cells. Prolonged use of high-dose ampicillin can significantly improve neonatal outcome.

Psychosocial stress in pregnancy and preterm birth: associations and mechanisms.

Abstract: Aims Psychosocial stress during pregnancy (PSP) is a risk factor of growing interest in the etiology of preterm birth (PTB). This literature review assesses the published evidence concerning the association between PSP and PTB, highlighting established and hypothesized physiological pathways mediating this association. Method The PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched using the keywords "psychosocial stress", "pregnancy", "pregnancy stress", "preterm", "preterm birth", "gestational age", "anxiety", and "social support". After applying the exclusion criteria, the search produced 107 articles. Results The association of PSP with PTB varied according to the dimensions and timing of PSP. Stronger associations were generally found in early pregnancy, and most studies demonstrating positive results found moderate effect sizes, with risk ratios between 1.2 and 2.1. Subjective perception of stress and pregnancy-related anxiety appeared to be the stress measures most closely associated with PTB. Potential physiological pathways identified included behavioral, infectious, neuroinflammatory, and neuroendocrine mechanisms. Conclusions Future research should examine the biological pathways of these different psychosocial stress dimensions and at multiple time points across pregnancy. Culture-independent characterization of the vaginal microbiome and noninvasive monitoring of cholinergic activity represent two exciting frontiers in this research.