Association between prenatal alcohol exposure and children's facial shape: a prospective population-based cohort study.

STUDY QUESTION: Is there an association between low-to-moderate levels of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and children's facial shape? SUMMARY ANSWER: PAE before and during pregnancy, even at low level (<12 g of alcohol per week), was found associated with the facial shape of children, and these associations were found attenuated as children grow older. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: High levels of PAE during pregnancy can have significant adverse associations with a child's health development resulting in recognizably abnormal facial development. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This study was based on the Generation R Study, a prospective cohort from fetal life onwards with maternal and offspring data. We analyzed children 3-dimensional (3D) facial images taken at ages 9 (n = 3149) and 13 years (n = 2477) together with the data of maternal alcohol consumption. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: We defined six levels of PAE based on the frequency and dose of alcohol consumption and defined three tiers based on the timing of alcohol exposure of the unborn child. For the image analysis, we used 3D graph convolutional networks for non-linear dimensionality reduction, which compressed the high-dimensional images into 200 traits representing facial morphology. These 200 traits were used for statistical analysis to search for associations with PAE. Finally, we generated heatmaps to display the facial phenotypes associated with PAE. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The results of the linear regression in the 9-year-old children survived correction for multiple testing with false discovery rate (FDR). In Tier 1 where we examined PAE only before pregnancy (exposed N = 278, unexposed N = 760), we found three traits survived FDR correction. The lowest FDR-P is 1.7e-05 (beta = 0.021, SE = 0.0040) in Trait #29; In Tier 2b where we examine any PAE during first trimester (exposed N = 756; unexposed N = 760), we found eight traits survived FDR correction. The lowest FDR-P is 9.0e-03 (beta = -0.013, SE = 0.0033) in Trait #139. Moreover, more statistically significant facial traits were found in higher levels of PAE. No FDR-significant results were found in the 13-year-old children. We map these significant traits back to the face, and found the most common detected facial phenotypes included turned-up nose tip, shortened nose, turned-out chin, and turned-in lower-eyelid-related regions. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: We had no data for alcohol consumption more than three months prior to pregnancy and thus do not know if maternal drinking had chronic effects. The self-reported questionnaire might not reflect accurate alcohol measurements because mothers may have denied their alcohol consumption. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our results imply that facial morphology, such as quantified by the approach we proposed here, can be used as a biomarker in further investigations. Furthermore, our study suggests that for women who are pregnant or want to become pregnant soon, should quit alcohol consumption several months before conception and completely during pregnancy to avoid adverse health outcomes in the offspring. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This work was supported by Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Erasmus University Rotterdam, and the Netherlands Organization for Health Research. V.W.V.J. reports receipt of funding from the Netherlands Organization for Health Research (ZonMw 90700303). W.J.N. is a founder, a scientific lead, and a shareholder of Quantib BV. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

Household income and maternal education in early childhood and risk of overweight and obesity in late childhood: Findings from seven birth cohort studies in six high-income countries.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study analysed the relationship between early childhood socioeconomic status (SES) measured by maternal education and household income and the subsequent development of childhood overweight and obesity. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Data from seven population-representative prospective child cohorts in six high-income countries: United Kingdom, Australia, the Netherlands, Canada (one national cohort and one from the province of Quebec), USA, Sweden. Children were included at birth or within the first 2 years of life. Pooled estimates relate to a total of N = 26,565 included children. Overweight and obesity were defined using International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) cut-offs and measured in late childhood (8-11 years). Risk ratios (RRs) and pooled risk estimates were adjusted for potential confounders (maternal age, ethnicity, child sex). Slope Indexes of Inequality (SII) were estimated to quantify absolute inequality for maternal education and household income. RESULTS: Prevalence ranged from 15.0% overweight and 2.4% obese in the Swedish cohort to 37.6% overweight and 15.8% obese in the US cohort. Overall, across cohorts, social gradients were observed for risk of obesity for both low maternal education (pooled RR: 2.99, 95% CI: 2.07, 4.31) and low household income (pooled RR: 2.69, 95% CI: 1.68, 4.30); between-cohort heterogeneity ranged from negligible to moderate (p: 0.300 to < 0.001). The association between RRs of obesity by income was lowest in Sweden than in other cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: There was a social gradient by maternal education on the risk of childhood obesity in all included cohorts. The SES associations measured by income were more heterogeneous and differed between Sweden versus the other national cohorts; these findings may be attributable to policy differences, including preschool policies, maternity leave, a ban on advertising to children, and universal free school meals.

Fetal-placental blood flow and neurodevelopment in childhood: population-based neuroimaging study.

OBJECTIVE: Antenatal Doppler measurements of the fetal umbilical and cerebral circulations can predict perinatal complications; however, it is unclear if subtle variations in antenatal Doppler measurements are associated with long-term neurodevelopmental outcome. In this study, we examined whether antenatal Doppler measurements of the fetal-placental circulation are associated with cognitive and motor abilities and brain morphology in childhood. METHODS: To evaluate differences in long-term sequelae across the continuum of the umbilical and cerebral artery circulations in the general population, we utilized a population-based longitudinal cohort study approach. In women from the Generation R study, we measured second- and third-trimester umbilical artery pulsatility index (UA-PI). Children underwent non-verbal intelligence testing at 4-8 years of age, and at 8-12 years they underwent finger-tapping tests to measure fine motor skills, balance beam tests to measure gross motor skills and brain magnetic resonance imaging. We assessed the relationships between prenatal UA-PI and neurodevelopmental outcome using linear regression. We adjusted for child age and sex, maternal age, education, parity and smoking status. RESULTS: The study sample included 2803 pregnancies. Higher third-trimester UA-PI was associated with poorer fine motor performance (0.41 (95% CI, 0.11-0.70) fewer taps on the finger-tapping test per 1 SD higher UA-PI) and gross motor performance (0.64 (95% CI, 0.20-1.08) fewer steps on the balance beam test per 1 SD higher UA-PI). One SD higher third-trimester UA-PI was also associated with 0.65 (95% CI, 0.04-1.25) points lower intelligence quotient; however, unlike the associations with motor abilities, this finding did not persist after correction for multiple testing. Higher second-trimester UA-PI was associated with smaller brain volume (6.1 (95% CI, 1.0-11.3) cm3 reduction per 1 SD higher UA-PI), but the association did not persist after correction for multiple testing. CONCLUSION: Higher placental vascular resistance may have mild adverse effects on neurodevelopmental outcome at school age. While these effects are subtle at population level, we encourage future research into the role of early circulation in brain development. This information could be used to develop targeted interventions. © 2020 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Gestational vitamin D deficiency and autism-related traits: the Generation R Study.

There is intense interest in identifying modifiable risk factors associated with autism-spectrum disorders (ASD). Autism-related traits, which can be assessed in a continuous fashion, share risk factors with ASD, and thus can serve as informative phenotypes in population-based cohort studies. Based on the growing body of research linking gestational vitamin D deficiency with altered brain development, this common exposure is a candidate modifiable risk factor for ASD and autism-related traits. The association between gestational vitamin D deficiency and a continuous measure of autism-related traits at ~6 years (Social Responsiveness Scale; SRS) was determined in a large population-based cohort of mothers and their children (n=4229). 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was assessed from maternal mid-gestation sera and from neonatal sera (collected from cord blood). Vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25OHD concentrations less than 25 nmol l-1. Compared with the 25OHD sufficient group (25OHD>50 nmol l-1), those who were 25OHD deficient had significantly higher (more abnormal) SRS scores (mid-gestation n=2866, ß=0.06, P<0.001; cord blood n=1712, ß=0.03, P=0.01). The findings persisted (a) when we restricted the models to offspring with European ancestry, (b) when we adjusted for sample structure using genetic data, (c) when 25OHD was entered as a continuous measure in the models and (d) when we corrected for the effect of season of blood sampling. Gestational vitamin D deficiency was associated with autism-related traits in a large population-based sample. Because gestational vitamin D deficiency is readily preventable with safe, cheap and accessible supplements, this candidate risk factor warrants closer scrutiny.

Human chorionic gonadotropin and risk of pre-eclampsia: prospective population-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Abnormal placentation in early pregnancy may play a role in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) regulates placental development and angiogenesis and may affect the ratio of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) in the serum. The aims of this study were to investigate the association of total hCG with the risk of pre-eclampsia and to examine the potential effect of pro- and anti-angiogenic factors on this association. METHODS: This was a population-based prospective cohort study of 7754 women with a singleton pregnancy. Total hCG was measured in the first available sample (median gestational age, 14.4 weeks; 95% range, 10.1-26.1 weeks) and sFlt-1 and PlGF concentrations in early (< 18 weeks; median, 13.2 weeks; 95% range, 9.6-17.6 weeks) and in mid- (18-25 weeks; median, 20.4 weeks; 95% range, 18.5-23.5 weeks) pregnancy. We tested the association of hCG concentration and risk of pre-eclampsia using regression analysis, adjusting for maternal age, ethnicity, body mass index, parity, education level, smoking status and fetal sex. Additionally, we assessed whether this association was affected by the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio. RESULTS: High hCG concentration was associated with a 1.5-2.7-fold increased risk of pre-eclampsia (P = 0.0001), depending on the cut-off used, and with increased sFlt-1/PlGF ratio during early pregnancy (P < 0.0001). The association between high hCG and pre-eclampsia attenuated by roughly 40% after adjustment for early-pregnancy sFlt-1/PlGF ratio (ß-estimate change from 0.19 ± 0.10 (P = 0.052) to 0.12 ± 0.10 (P = 0.22)). CONCLUSIONS: High total hCG concentration in early pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of pre-eclampsia. The effect of high hCG concentration on the balance between pro- and anti-angiogenic factors during pregnancy may have a role in the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia. © 2019 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Ethnic background and children's oral health-related quality of life.

PURPOSE: Ethnic background is known to be related to oral health and socioeconomic position (SEP). In the context of patient-centered oral health care, and the growing number of migrant children, it is important to understand the influence of ethnic background on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Therefore, we aimed to identify the differences in children's OHRQoL between ethnic groups, and the contribution of oral health status, SEP, and immigration characteristics. METHODS: This study was part of the Generation R Study, a prospective cohort study conducted in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. In total, 3121 9-year-old children with a native Dutch (n = 2510), Indonesian (n = 143), Moroccan (n = 104), Surinamese (n = 195), or Turkish (n = 169) background participated in the present study. These ethnicities comprise the most common ethnic groups in the Netherlands. OHRQoL was assessed using a validated short form of the child oral health impact profile. Several regression models were used to study an association between ethnic background and OHRQoL, and to identify potential mediating factors. RESULTS: Turkish and Surinamese ethnic background were significantly associated with lower OHRQoL. After adjusting for mediating factors, only Surinamese children had a significantly lower OHRQoL than Dutch children (ß:- 0.61; 95% CI- 1.18 to -0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that Turkish and Surinamese children have a significantly lower OHRQoL than native Dutch children. The association was partly explained by oral health status and SEP, and future studies are needed to understand (cultural) the determinants of ethnic disparities in OHRQoL, in order to develop effective oral health programs targeting children of different ethnic groups.

Maternal psychological distress during pregnancy and childhood cardio-metabolic risk factors.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Previous studies suggest that psychological distress during pregnancy may lead to fetal developmental adaptations, which programme cardio-metabolic disease of the offspring. We examined the associations of maternal overall psychological distress, depression and anxiety during pregnancy with cardio-metabolic risk factors in 10-year-old children and explore potential sex-specific differences. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a population-based prospective cohort study among 4,088 mothers and their children, information about overall psychological distress, including depression and anxiety was obtained through the Brief Symptom Inventory during pregnancy. We measured child blood pressure and heart rate and insulin, glucose, serum lipids and C-reactive protein blood concentrations at 10 years. Analyses were performed in the total group and in boys and girls separately. Psychological distress during pregnancy was associated with higher childhood heart rate among boys only (differences 0.34 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.18, 0.50) standard deviation scores (SDS), 0.22 (95% CI 0.06, 0.38) SDS, 0.33 (95% CI 0.19, 0.48) SDS, for overall psychological distress, depression and anxiety, respectively). Maternal anxiety during pregnancy was associated with higher childhood triglycerides among girls (difference 0.35 (95% CI 0.17, 0.53) SDS). Maternal psychological distress was not associated with childhood blood pressure, cholesterol, insulin, glucose and C-reactive protein concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal psychological distress may influence their offspring heart rate and triglycerides concentrations. Further studies are needed to replicate these findings and assess the long-term cardio-metabolic consequences of maternal psychological distress.

Associations of adult genetic risk scores for adiposity with childhood abdominal, liver and pericardial fat assessed by magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) involved in adult fat distribution. Whether these SNPs also affect abdominal and organ-specific fat accumulation in children is unknown. METHODS: In a population-based prospective cohort study among 1995 children (median age: 9.8 years, 95% range 9.4-10.8), we tested the associations of six genetic risk scores based on previously identified SNPs for childhood body mass index (BMI), adult BMI, liver fat, waist-hip ratio, pericardial fat mass, visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue ratio (VAT/SAT ratio) and four individual SAT- and VAT-associated SNPs for association with SAT (N=1746), VAT (N=1742), VAT/SAT ratio (N=1738), liver fat fraction (N=1950) and pericardial fat mass (N=1803) measured by magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Per additional risk allele in the childhood BMI genetic risk score, SAT increased 0.020 s.d. scores (SDS) (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.009 to 0.031, P-value: 3.28 × 10-4) and VAT increased 0.021 SDS (95% CI: 0.009 to 0.032, P-value: 4.68 × 10-4). The adult BMI risk score was positively associated with SAT (0.022 SDS increase, CI: 0.015 to 0.029, P-value: 1.33 × 10-9) and VAT (0.017 SDS increase, CI: 0.010 to 0.025, P-value: 7.00 × 10-6) and negatively with VAT/SAT ratio (-0.012 SDS decrease, CI: -0.019 to -0.006, P-value: 2.88 × 10-4). The liver fat risk score was associated with liver fat fraction (0.121 SDS, CI: 0.086 to 0.157, P-value: 2.65 × 10-11). Rs7185735 (SAT) was associated with SAT (0.151 SDS, CI: 0.087 to 0.214, P-value: 3.00 × 10-6) and VAT/SAT ratio (-0.126 SDS, CI: -0.186 to -0.065, P-value: 4.70 × 10-5). After stratification by sex the associations of the adult BMI risk score with SAT and VAT and of the liver fat risk score with liver fat fraction remained in both sexes. Associations of the childhood BMI risk score with SAT, and the adult BMI risk score with VAT/SAT ratio, were present among boys only, whereas the association of the pericardial fat risk score with pericardial fat was present among girls only. CONCLUSION: Genetic variants associated with BMI, body fat distribution, liver and pericardial fat already affect body fat distribution in childhood.

Maternal and fetal genetic contribution to gestational weight gain.

BACKGROUND: Clinical recommendations to limit gestational weight gain (GWG) imply high GWG is causally related to adverse outcomes in mother or offspring, but GWG is the sum of several inter-related complex phenotypes (maternal fat deposition and vascular expansion, placenta, amniotic fluid and fetal growth). Understanding the genetic contribution to GWG could help clarify the potential effect of its different components on maternal and offspring health. Here we explore the genetic contribution to total, early and late GWG. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: A genome-wide association study was used to identify maternal and fetal variants contributing to GWG in up to 10 543 mothers and 16 317 offspring of European origin, with replication in 10 660 mothers and 7561 offspring. Additional analyses determined the proportion of variability in GWG from maternal and fetal common genetic variants and the overlap of established genome-wide significant variants for phenotypes relevant to GWG (for example, maternal body mass index (BMI) and glucose, birth weight). RESULTS: Approximately 20% of the variability in GWG was tagged by common maternal genetic variants, and the fetal genome made a surprisingly minor contribution to explain variation in GWG. Variants near the pregnancy-specific beta-1 glycoprotein 5 (PSG5) gene reached genome-wide significance (P=1.71 × 10-8) for total GWG in the offspring genome, but did not replicate. Some established variants associated with increased BMI, fasting glucose and type 2 diabetes were associated with lower early, and higher later GWG. Maternal variants related to higher systolic blood pressure were related to lower late GWG. Established maternal and fetal birth weight variants were largely unrelated to GWG. CONCLUSIONS: We found a modest contribution of maternal common variants to GWG and some overlap of maternal BMI, glucose and type 2 diabetes variants with GWG. These findings suggest that associations between GWG and later offspring/maternal outcomes may be due to the relationship of maternal BMI and diabetes with GWG.

Maternal folic acid use during pregnancy, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphism, and child's lung function and asthma.

BACKGROUND: Folic acid supplement use during pregnancy might affect childhood respiratory health, potentially mediated by methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism C677T (MTHFR-C677T) carriership. OBJECTIVES: We examined the associations of maternal folic acid supplement use and folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine concentrations during pregnancy with childhood lung function and asthma. METHODS: This study was embedded in a population-based prospective cohort study among 5653 children. Folic acid supplement use was assessed by questionnaires. Folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine plasma concentrations were measured in early pregnancy and at birth. At age 10 years, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1 ), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1 /FVC, forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% (FEF25-75 ), at 75% of FVC (FEF75 ), and asthma were examined. RESULTS: Maternal folic acid supplement use during pregnancy was associated with higher childhood FEV1 and FVC and with a lower FEV1 /FVC, compared with no folic acid supplement use. Among mothers carrying MTHFR-C677T variants, preconceptional start of folic acid supplement use was associated with lower FEV1 /FVC (-0.17 [-0.32, -0.02]) and FEF25-75 (-0.24 [-0.40, -0.07]). Among children carrying MTHFR-C677T wild-type, a higher vitamin B12 level at birth was associated with a lower FEV1 (-0.07 [-0.12, -0.01]) and FVC (-0.09 [-0.15, -0.04]). Folate and homocysteine concentrations were not consistently associated with lower childhood lung function or asthma. CONCLUSIONS: Preconceptional start of maternal folic acid supplement use and higher vitamin B12 concentrations at birth might adversely affect childhood lung function depending on MTHFR-C677T carriership. The clinical implications need to be evaluated.

Psychotic-like experiences in pre-adolescence: what precedes the antecedent symptoms of severe mental illness?

OBJECTIVE: Adolescent psychotic-like experiences predict the onset of psychosis, but also predict subsequent non-psychotic disorders. Therefore, it is crucial to better understand the aetiology of psychotic-like experiences. This study examined whether (a) child emotional and behavioural problems at 3 and 6 years, or (b) childhood adversities were associated with psychotic-like experiences at age 10 years. METHOD: This prospective study was embedded in the Generation R Study; 3984 children (mean age 10 years) completed a psychotic-like experiences questionnaire. Mothers reported problems of their child at ages 3, 6 and 10 years. Additionally, mothers were interviewed about their child's adversities. RESULTS: Psychotic-like experiences were endorsed by ~20% of children and predicted by both emotional and behavioural problems at 3 years (e.g. emotional-reactive problems: ORadjusted = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.06-1.15, aggressive behaviour: ORadjusted = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02-1.05) and 6 years (e.g. anxious/depressed problems: ORadjusted = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.06-1.15, aggressive behaviour: ORadjusted = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.04-1.05). Childhood adversities were associated with psychotic-like experiences (>2 adversities: ORadjusted = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.72-2.92), which remained significant after adjustment for comorbid psychiatric problems. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated associations between early adversities, childhood emotional and behavioural problems and pre-adolescent psychotic-like experiences, which will improve the understanding of children at increased risk of severe mental illness.

Abnormalities in CD57+ cytotoxic T cells and Vδ1+ γδT cells in subclinical celiac disease in childhood are affected by cytomegalovirus. The Generation R Study.

Celiac disease (CD) is a digestive and autoimmune disorder driven by an immune response to modified gluten peptides. Affected intestines show infiltrates of various T-cell and NK-cell subsets. It is currently unclear if individuals with subclinical CD have systemic abnormalities in immune cells. We here studied whether subclinical CD is associated with changes in blood CD57-expressing and Vδ1-expressing lymphocytes in children, and whether cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection modifies this association. Included were 1068 children from the Generation R Study. Serum Immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels against CMV were measured by ELISA; Tissue transglutaminase type 2 antibody (TG2A) levels with fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA). Duodenal biopsies, additional Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) DQ 2.2, 2.5 and 8 and endomysial antibody (EMA) typing were performed in TG2A positive children. Subclinical CD cases (n=12) had 1.8 fold (95% CI 1.06; 3.1) fewer Vδ1+ T cells which was predominantly observed in CMV seronegative children (p-interaction 0.02), and 2.7 fold (95% CI 1.25; 5.99) more CD57+ T cells than HLA DQ2/-DQ8 positive controls (n=339). Hence, children with subclinical CD have alterations in specific blood T cell subsets that are linked to viral pathology. The observed interaction effect between subclinical CD and CMV may contribute to the understanding of disease pathogenesis.

Maternal psychiatric symptoms during pregnancy and risk of childhood atopic diseases.

BACKGROUND: Maternal psychiatric symptoms during pregnancy might affect the developing immune system and subsequent risk of childhood atopic diseases. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to examine the associations of maternal psychiatric symptoms during pregnancy with allergic sensitization, allergy and eczema in children until age 10 years. METHODS: This study among 5205 children was performed in a population-based prospective cohort from foetal life onwards. We assessed maternal and paternal psychiatric symptoms (overall, depressive, anxiety) during pregnancy and at 36 months after delivery, and maternal psychiatric symptoms at 2 and 6 months after delivery using the Brief Symptom Inventory. Inhalant and food allergic sensitization were measured by skin prick tests, and physician-diagnosed inhalant and food allergy or eczema by questionnaires from birth until age 10 years. We used multivariate logistic regression, multinomial logistic regression or generalized estimating equation models where appropriate. RESULTS: We observed no association of maternal psychiatric symptoms during pregnancy with allergic sensitization. Maternal overall psychiatric, depressive and anxiety symptoms during pregnancy were associated with an increased risk of inhalant allergy only (adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) 1.96 (1.44, 2.65), 1.58 (1.25, 1.98) and 1.61 (1.27, 2.03), respectively, per 1-unit increase). Maternal overall psychiatric and anxiety symptoms during pregnancy were associated with an increased risk of eczema (1.21 (1.05, 1.39) and 1.15 (1.02, 1.29), respectively, per 1-unit increase). Effect estimates did not materially change when maternal psychiatric symptoms after delivery, or paternal psychiatric symptoms during pregnancy and after delivery were taken into account. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Maternal psychiatric symptoms during pregnancy were associated with increased risks of childhood inhalant allergy and eczema, independent of maternal psychiatric symptoms after delivery and of paternal psychiatric symptoms.

The association of maternal thyroid function with placental hemodynamics.

STUDY QUESTION: What is the clinical association of maternal thyroid function with placental hemodynamic function? SUMMARY ANSWER: A higher free thyroxine (FT4) concentration in early pregnancy is associated with higher placental vascular resistance. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Suboptimal placental function is associated with preeclampsia (which, in turn, further deteriorates placental hemodynamics and impairs the fetal blood supply), fetal growth restriction and premature delivery. Studies have suggested that thyroid hormone (TH) has a role in placental development through effects on trophoblast proliferation and invasion. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This study was embedded in The Generation R cohort, a population-based prospective study from early fetal life onwards in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. In total, 7069 mothers with expected delivery date between April 2002 and January 2006 were enrolled during early pregnancy. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHOD: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) concentrations were measured during early pregnancy (median 13.4 weeks, 95% range 9.7-17.6 weeks). Placental function was assessed by Doppler ultrasound via measurement of arterial vascular resistance, i.e. umbilical artery pulsatility index (PI) and uterine artery resistance index (RI) (both measured twice, between 18-25th and after 25th gestational weeks) and the presence of uterine artery notching (once after the 25th gestational week) in 5184 pregnant women. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: FT4 was positively linearly associated with umbilical artery PI in the second and third trimesters as well as with uterine artery RI in the second trimester and the risk of uterine artery notching in the third trimester (P < 0.05 for all). The association of thyroid function with preeclampsia and birth weight was partially mediated through changes in placental function, with the percentages of mediated effects being 10.4% and 12.5%, respectively. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: A potential limitation is the availability of only a single time point for TH measurements and different numbers of missing placental ultrasound measurements for the adverse outcomes. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: A higher FT4 concentration in early pregnancy is associated with higher vascular resistance in the second and third trimesters in both the maternal and fetal placental compartment. These effects on placental function might explain the association of FT4 with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This work was supported by a fellowship from ERAWEB, a project funded by the European Commission (to M.B.) and by clinical fellowship from The Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development (ZonMw), Project 90700412 (to R.P.P.). The authors have no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

Duration and exclusiveness of breastfeeding and risk of childhood atopic diseases.

BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding may have immune modulatory effects that influence the development of childhood allergic sensitization and atopic diseases. We aimed to examine the associations of breastfeeding with childhood allergic sensitization, inhalant or food allergy and eczema, and whether any association was affected by disease-related modification of the exposure or modified by maternal history of allergy, eczema, or asthma. METHODS: This study among 5828 children was performed in a population-based prospective cohort from fetal life onwards. We collected information on duration (<2 months, 2-4 months, 4-6 months, and ≥6 months) and exclusiveness (nonexclusive vs exclusive for 4 months) of breastfeeding in infancy by postal questionnaires. At age 10 years, inhalant allergic sensitization and food-allergic sensitization were measured by skin prick tests, and physician-diagnosed inhalant and food allergy by a postal questionnaire. Data on parental-reported eczema were available from birth until age 10 years. RESULTS: We observed no association of breastfeeding with any allergic sensitization, physician-diagnosed allergy, or combination of these outcomes. Shorter breastfeeding duration was associated with an overall increased risk of eczema (P-value for trend <.05). Nonexclusively breastfed children had an overall increased risk of eczema (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.11 [1.01, 1.23]), compared with children exclusively breastfed for 4 months. Risk period-specific sensitivity analyses, additional adjustment for ointment use for eczema at age 2 months, and cross-lagged modeling showed no consistent results for disease-related modification of the exposure. Results were not modified by maternal history of allergy, eczema, or asthma (lowest P-value for interaction=.13). CONCLUSION: Shorter duration or nonexclusiveness of breastfeeding is associated with a weak overall increased risk of eczema but not allergic sensitization or physician-diagnosed allergy at age 10 years.

The concordance between self-reported medication use and pharmacy records in pregnant women.

PURPOSE: Several studies have been conducted to assess determinants affecting the performance or accuracy of self-reports. These studies are often not focused on pregnant women, or medical records were used as a data source where it is unclear if medications have been dispensed. Therefore, our objective was to evaluate the concordance between self-reported medication data and pharmacy records among pregnant women and its determinants. METHODS: We conducted a population-based cohort study within the Generation R study, in 2637 pregnant women. The concordance between self-reported medication data and pharmacy records was calculated for different therapeutic classes using Yule's Y. We evaluated a number of variables as determinant of discordance between both sources through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The concordance between self-reports and pharmacy records was moderate to good for medications used for chronic conditions, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or anti-asthmatic medications (0.88 and 0.68, respectively). Medications that are used occasionally, such as antibiotics, had a lower concordance (0.51). Women with a Turkish or other non-Western background were more likely to demonstrate discordance between pharmacy records and self-reported data compared with women with a Dutch background (Turkish: odds ratio, 1.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-2.29; other non-Western: odds ratio, 1.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.71). CONCLUSIONS: Further research is needed to assess how the cultural or ethnic differences may affect the concordance or discordance between both medication sources. The results of this study showed that the use of multiple sources is needed to have a good estimation of the medication use during pregnancy.

Maternal plasma polyunsaturated fatty acid levels during pregnancy and childhood lipid and insulin levels.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Maternal polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels are associated with cord blood lipid and insulin levels. Not much is known about the influence of maternal PUFAs during pregnancy on long-term offspring lipid and insulin metabolism. We examined the associations of maternal plasma n-3 and n-6 PUFA levels during pregnancy with childhood lipid and insulin levels. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a population-based prospective cohort study, among 3230 mothers and their children, we measured maternal second trimester n-3 and n-6 PUFA plasma levels. At the median age of 6.0 years (95% range, 5.6-7.9), we measured childhood total-cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, triglyceride, insulin and c-peptide levels. Higher maternal total n-3 PUFA levels, and specifically DHA levels, were associated with higher childhood total-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and insulin levels (p-values <0.05), but not with LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides. Maternal total n-6 PUFA levels were not associated with childhood outcomes, but higher levels of the individual n-6 PUFAs, EDA and DGLA were associated with a lower childhood HDL-cholesterol, and higher AA levels with higher childhood total-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol levels (all p-values <0.05). A higher maternal n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio was only associated with lower childhood HDL-cholesterol and insulin levels (p-values <0.05). These associations were not explained by childhood body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: Higher maternal total n-3 PUFAs and specifically DHA levels during pregnancy are associated with higher childhood total-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and insulin levels. Only individual maternal n-6 PUFAs, not total maternal n-6 PUFA levels, tended to be associated with childhood lipid and insulin levels.

Protein intake in early childhood and body composition at the age of 6 years: The Generation R Study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggest that high protein intake in infancy leads to a higher body mass index (BMI) in later childhood. We examined the associations of total, animal and vegetable protein intake in early childhood with detailed measures of body composition at the age of 6 years. METHODS: This study was performed in 2911 children participating in a population-based cohort study. Protein intake at the age of 1 year was assessed with a validated food-frequency questionnaire and was adjusted for total energy intake. At the children's age of 6 years, we measured their anthropometrics and body fat (with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry). We calculated age- and sex-specific s.d. scores for BMI, fat mass index (FMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI). RESULTS: After adjustment for confounders, a 10 g per day higher total protein intake at 1 year of age was associated with a 0.05 s.d. (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.00, 0.09) higher BMI at age 6. This association was fully driven by a higher FMI (0.06 s.d. (95%CI 0.01, 0.11)) and not FFMI (-0.01 s.d. (95%CI -0.06, 0.05)). The associations of protein intake with FMI at 6 years remained significant after adjustment for BMI at the age of 1 year. Additional analyses showed that the associations of protein intake with FMI were stronger in girls than in boys (P for interaction=0.03), stronger among children who had catch-up growth in the first year of life (P for interaction<0.01) and stronger for intake of animal protein (both dairy and non-dairy protein) than protein from vegetable sources. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that high protein intake in early childhood is associated with higher body fat mass, but not fat-free mass. Future studies are needed to investigate whether these changes persist into adulthood and to examine the optimal range of protein intake for infants and young children.

Long-term glucocorticoid concentrations as a risk factor for childhood obesity and adverse body-fat distribution.

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity is an important risk factor for premature development of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) at adulthood. There is need for understanding of the mechanisms underlying the MetS and obesity. Patients with Cushing's disease suffer from similar metabolic complications, leading to the hypothesis that inter-individual cortisol variation may contribute to the onset of obesity. In addition, glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-gene polymorphisms resulting in differential glucocorticoid (GC) sensitivity, have been associated with an adverse metabolic profile. AIM: To study associations of GC levels in scalp hair, as a marker of long-term systemic GC concentrations, and genetically determined GC sensitivity with obesity and body-fat distribution in children. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of cortisol and cortisone concentrations over a 3-month period, measured by LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry) in hair of 3019 6-year-old children participating in the Generation R study. Genotyping of GR-gene polymorphisms was performed. RESULTS: Of all children, 4.3% was obese and 13.4% overweight. Cortisol was significantly associated with risk of obesity (odd ratio (OR): 9.4 (3.3-26.9)) and overweight (OR: 1.4 (1.0-2.0)). Cortisone was associated with risk of obesity (OR: 1.9 (1.0-3.5)). Cortisol and cortisone were significantly positively associated with body mass index, fat mass (FM) index and android/gynecoid FM ratio. GR polymorphisms were not associated with adiposity parameters. CONCLUSION: Long-term cortisol concentrations are strongly associated with an increased risk of childhood obesity and adverse body-fat distribution. Future research may reveal whether these are causal relations and may be a target for therapy.

Tracking of abdominal subcutaneous and preperitoneal fat mass during childhood. The Generation R Study.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity in early life tends to track into later life. Not much is known about tracking of abdominal fat. Our objective was to examine the extent of tracking of abdominal fat measures during the first six years of life. DESIGN: We performed a prospective cohort study among 393 Dutch children followed from the age of 2 years (90% range 1.9; 2.3) until the age of 6 years (90% range 5.7; 6.2). At both ages, we performed abdominal ultrasound to measure abdominal subcutaneous and preperitoneal fat distances and areas, and we calculated the preperitoneal/subcutaneous fat distance ratio. High abdominal fat measures were defined as values in the upper 15%. RESULTS: Abdominal subcutaneous fat distance and area, and preperitoneal fat area at 2 years were correlated with their corresponding measures at 6 years (all P-values <0.01), with the strongest coefficients for abdominal subcutaneous fat measures. Preperitoneal fat distance at the age of 2 years was not correlated with the corresponding measure at 6 years. The tracking coefficient for preperitoneal/subcutaneous fat distance ratio from 2 to 6 years was r=0.36 (P<0.01). Children with high abdominal subcutaneous fat measures at 2 years had increased risk of having high abdominal subcutaneous fat measures at 6 years (odds ratios 9.2 (95% confidence interval (CI) 4.1-20.8) and 12.4 (95% CI 5.4-28.6) for subcutaneous fat distance and area, respectively). These associations were not observed for preperitoneal fat measures. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that both abdominal subcutaneous and preperitoneal fat mass measures track during childhood, but with stronger tracking for abdominal subcutaneous fat measures. An adverse abdominal fat distribution in early life may have long-term consequences.