The Association Between Breastfeeding and Growth Among Infants with Moderately Low Birth Weight: A Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between breastfeeding competency, as determined by Latch, Audible swallowing, Type of nipple, Comfort, and Hold (LATCH) and Preterm Infant Breastfeeding Behavior Scale (PIBBS) scores, and exclusive breastfeeding and growth among infants with low birth weight (LBW) in India, Malawi, and Tanzania. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted LATCH and PIBBS assessments among mother-infant dyads enrolled in the Low Birthweight Infant Feeding Exploration (LIFE) observational study of infants with moderately LBW (1500g-2499 g) in India, Malawi, and Tanzania. We analyzed feeding and growth patterns among this cohort. RESULTS: We observed 988 infants. We found no association between LATCH or PIBBS scores and rates of exclusive breastfeeding at 4 or 6 months. Higher week 1 LATCH and PIBBS scores were associated with increased likelihood of regaining birth weight by 2 weeks of age [LATCH: aRR 1.42 (95% CI 1.15, 1.76); PIBBS: aRR 1.15 (95% CI 1.07, 1.23); adjusted for maternal age, parity, education, residence, delivery mode, LBW type, number of offspring, and site]. Higher PIBBS scores at 1 week were associated with improved weight gain velocity (weight-for-age z-score change) at 1, 4, and 6 months [adjusted beta coefficient: 1 month 0.04 (95% CI 0.01, 0.06); 4 month 0.04 (95% CI 0.01, 0.06); and 6 month 0.04 (95% CI 0.00, 0.08)]. CONCLUSION: Although week 1 LATCH and PIBBS scores were not associated with rates of exclusive breastfeeding, higher scores were positively associated with growth metrics among infants with LBW, suggesting that these tools may be useful to identify dyads who would benefit from early lactation support.

Changes in plasma concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D during pregnancy: a Brazilian cohort.

PURPOSE: To characterize the physiological changes in 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] throughout pregnancy. METHODS: Prospective cohort of 229 apparently healthy pregnant women followed at 5th-13th, 20th-26th, and 30th-36th gestational weeks. 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D concentrations were measured by LC-MS/MS. Statistical analyses included longitudinal linear mixed-effects models adjusted for parity, season, education, self-reported skin color, and pre-pregnancy BMI. Vitamin D status was defined based on 25(OH)D concentrations according to the Endocrine Society Practice Guideline and Institute of Medicine (IOM) for adults. RESULTS: The prevalence of 25(OH)D <75 nmol/L was 70.4, 41.0, and 33.9%; the prevalence of 25(OH)D <50 nmol/L was 16.1, 11.2, and 10.2%; and the prevalence of 25(OH)D <30 nmol/L was 2, 0, and 0.6%, at the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively. Unadjusted analysis showed an increase in 25(OH)D (ß = 0.869; 95% CI 0.723-1.014; P < 0.001) and 1,25(OH)2D (ß = 3.878; 95% CI 3.136-4.620; P < 0.001) throughout pregnancy. Multiple adjusted analyses showed that women who started the study in winter (P < 0.001), spring (P < 0.001), or autumn (P = 0.028) presented a longitudinal increase in 25(OH)D concentrations, while women that started during summer did not. Increase of 1,25(OH)2D concentrations over time in women with insufficient vitamin D (50-75 nmol/L) at baseline was higher compared to women with sufficient vitamin D (≥75 nmol/L) (P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy varied significantly according to the adopted criteria. There was a seasonal variation of 25(OH)D during pregnancy. The women with insufficient vitamin D status present greater longitudinal increases in the concentrations of 1,25(OH)2D in comparison to women with sufficiency.

Vitamin D status is associated with underweight and stunting in children aged 6-36 months residing in the Ecuadorian Andes.

OBJECTIVE: There is limited knowledge on vitamin D status of children residing in the Andes and its association with undernutrition. We evaluated the vitamin D status of children residing in a low socio-economic status (SES) setting in the Ecuadorian Andes and assessed the association between vitamin D status, stunting and underweight. We hypothesized that children who were underweight would have lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and lower 25(OH)D levels would be associated with a higher risk of stunting. DESIGN: We conducted a cross-sectional secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial, the Vitamin A, Zinc and Pneumonia study. Children had serum 25(OH)D concentrations measured. A sensitivity analysis was undertaken to determine a vitamin D cut-off specific for our endpoints. Associations between serum 25(OH)D and underweight (defined as weight-for-age Z-score≤-1) and stunting (defined as height-for-age Z-score≤-2) were assessed using multivariate logistic regression. SETTING: Children residing in five low-SES peri-urban neighbourhoods near Quito, Ecuador. SUBJECTS: Children (n 516) aged 6-36 months. RESULTS: Mean serum 25(OH)D concentration was 58·0 (sd 17·7) nmol/l. Sensitivity analysis revealed an undernutrition-specific 25(OH)D cut-off of <42·5 nmol/l; 18·6 % of children had serum 25(OH)D<42·5 nmol/l. Children who were underweight were more likely to have serum 25(OH)D<42·5 nmol/l (adjusted OR (aOR)=2·0; 95 % CI 1·2, 3·3). Children with low serum 25(OH)D levels were more likely to be stunted (aOR=2·8; 95 % CI 1·6, 4·7). CONCLUSIONS: Low serum 25(OH)D levels were more common in underweight and stunted Ecuadorian children.

Changes in moderately low birthweight infant feeding, care, and health outcomes before compared to during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malawi.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the measures taken to minimise its spread have significantly impacted mother- and infant-related healthcare. We describe the changes in newborn feeding, lactation support, and growth outcomes before compared to during the COVID-19 pandemic among moderately low birthweight infants (LBW) (1.5 to <2.5kg) in Malawi. Methods: The data presented here are part of the Low Birthweight Infant Feeding Exploration (LIFE) study, a formative, multisite, mixed methods observational cohort study. In this analysis, we included infants born at two public hospitals in Lilongwe, Malawi between 18 October 2019 and 29 July 2020. We categorised births as "pre-COVID-19 period" (before 1 April 2020) and "during COVID-19 period" (on or after 2 April 2020) and used descriptive statistics and mixed effects models to examine differences in birth complications, lactation support, feeding, and growth outcomes between the two time periods. Results: We included 300 infants and their mothers (n = 273) in the analysis. Most infants (n = 240) were born during the pre-COVID-19 period; 60 were born during the pandemic period. The latter group had a lower prevalence of uncomplicated births (35.8%) compared to pre-pandemic period group (16.7%) (P = 0.004). Fewer mothers reported early initiation of breastfeeding in the pandemic period (27.2%) compared to the pre-pandemic period (14.6%) (P = 0.053), along with significantly less breastfeeding support, particularly in view of discussion of proper latching (44.9% during COVID-19 vs 72.7% pre-COVID-19; P < 0.001) and physical support with positioning (14.3% vs 45.5% pre-COVID-19 P < 0.001). At 10 weeks of age, the prevalence of stunting was 51.0% pre-COVID-19 vs 45.1% during COVID-19 (P = 0.46), the prevalence of underweight was 22.5% pre-COVID-19 vs 30.4% during COVID-19 (P = 0.27), and the prevalence of wasting was 0% pre-COVID-19 vs 2.5% during COVID-19 (P = 0.27). Conclusions: Our findings highlight the continued need to optimise early initiation of breastfeeding and lactation support for infants during COVID-19 and future pandemics. More studies are needed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of moderately LBW born during the COVID-19 pandemic (including growth outcomes) and determine the impact of restrictive measures on access to lactation support and promotion of early initiation of breastfeeding.

Feeding practices and growth patterns of moderately low birthweight infants in resource-limited settings: results from a multisite, longitudinal observational study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the feeding profile of low birthweight (LBW) infants in the first half of infancy; and to examine growth patterns and early risk factors of poor 6-month growth outcomes. DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Stable, moderately LBW (1.50 to <2.50 kg) infants were enrolled at birth from 12 secondary/tertiary facilities in India, Malawi and Tanzania and visited nine times over 6 months. VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Key variables of interest included birth weight, LBW type (combination of preterm/term status and size-for-gestational age at birth), lactation practices and support, feeding profile, birthweight regain by 2 weeks of age and poor 6-month growth outcomes. RESULTS: Between 13 September 2019 and 27 January 2021, 1114 infants were enrolled, comprising 4 LBW types. 363 (37.3%) infants initiated early breast feeding and 425 (43.8%) were exclusively breastfed to 6 months. 231 (22.3%) did not regain birthweight by 2 weeks; at 6 months, 280 (32.6%) were stunted, 222 (25.8%) underweight and 88 (10.2%) wasted. Preterm-small-for-gestational age (SGA) infants had 1.89 (95% CI 1.37 to 2.62) and 2.32 (95% CI 1.48 to 3.62) times greater risks of being stunted and underweight at 6 months compared with preterm-appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) infants. Term-SGA infants had 2.33 (95% CI 1.77 to 3.08), 2.89 (95% CI 1.97 to 4.24) and 1.99 (95% CI 1.13 to 3.51) times higher risks of being stunted, underweight and wasted compared with preterm-AGA infants. Those not regaining their birthweight by 2 weeks had 1.51 (95% CI 1.23 to 1.85) and 1.55 (95% CI 1.21 to 1.99) times greater risks of being stunted and underweight compared with infants regaining. CONCLUSION: LBW type, particularly SGA regardless of preterm or term status, and lack of birthweight regain by 2 weeks are important risk identification parameters. Early interventions are needed that include optimal feeding support, action-oriented growth monitoring and understanding of the needs and growth patterns of SGA infants to enable appropriate weight gain and proactive management of vulnerable infants. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04002908.

Facility-based care for moderately low birthweight infants in India, Malawi, and Tanzania.

Globally, increasing rates of facility-based childbirth enable early intervention for small vulnerable newborns. We describe health system-level inputs, current feeding, and discharge practices for moderately low birthweight (MLBW) infants (1500-<2500g) in resource-constrained settings. The Low Birthweight Infant Feeding Exploration study is a mixed methods observational study in 12 secondary- and tertiary-level facilities in India, Malawi, and Tanzania. We analyzed data from baseline facility assessments and a prospective cohort of 148 MLBW infants from birth to discharge. Anthropometric measuring equipment (e.g., head circumference tapes, length boards), key medications (e.g., surfactant, parenteral nutrition), milk expression tools, and human milk alternatives (e.g., donor milk, formula) were not universally available. MLBW infants were preterm appropriate-for-gestational age (38.5%), preterm large-for-gestational age (3.4%), preterm small-for-gestational age (SGA) (11.5%), and term SGA (46.6%). The median length of stay was 3.1 days (IQR: 1.5, 5.7); 32.4% of infants were NICU-admitted and 67.6% were separated from mothers at least once. Exclusive breastfeeding was high (93.2%). Generalized group lactation support was provided; 81.8% of mother-infant dyads received at least one session and 56.1% had 2+ sessions. At the time of discharge, 5.1% of infants weighed >10% less than their birthweight; 18.8% of infants were discharged with weights below facility-specific policy [1800g in India, 1500g in Malawi, and 2000g in Tanzania]. Based on descriptive analysis, we found constraints in health system inputs which have the potential to hinder high quality care for MLBW infants. Targeted LBW-specific lactation support, discharge at appropriate weight, and access to feeding alternatives would position MLBW for successful feeding and growth post-discharge.

Correction to: Calcium and vitamin D supplementation and/or periodontal therapy in the treatment of periodontitis among Brazilian pregnant women: protocol of a feasibility randomised controlled trial (the IMPROVE trial).

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Calcium and vitamin D supplementation and/or periodontal therapy in the treatment of periodontitis among Brazilian pregnant women: protocol of a feasibility randomised controlled trial (the IMPROVE trial).

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is a common oral inflammation, which is a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Intakes of vitamin D and calcium are inversely associated with occurrence and progression of periodontitis. This study aims to assess the feasibility of a multi-component intervention, including provision of milk powder supplemented with calcium and vitamin D and periodontal therapy (PT), for improving maternal periodontal health and metabolic and inflammatory profiles of low-income Brazilian pregnant women with periodontitis. METHODS: The IMPROVE trial is a feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) with a 2 × 2 factorial design with a parallel process evaluation. Pregnant women with periodontitis, aged 18-40 years and with < 20 gestational weeks (n = 120) were recruited and randomly allocated into four groups: (1) fortified sachet (vitamin D and calcium) and powdered milk plus PT during pregnancy, (2) placebo sachet and powdered milk plus PT during pregnancy, (3) fortified sachet (vitamin D and calcium) and powdered milk plus PT after delivery and (4) placebo sachet and powdered milk plus PT after delivery. Dentists and participants are blinded to fortification. Acceptability of study design, recruitment strategy, random allocation, data collection procedures, recruitment rate, adherence and attrition rate will be evaluated. Data on serum levels of vitamin D, calcium and inflammatory biomarkers; clinical periodontal measurements; anthropometric measurements; and socio-demographic questionnaires are collected at baseline, third trimester and 6-8 weeks postpartum. Qualitative data are collected using focus group, for analysis of favourable factors and barriers related to study adherence. DISCUSSION: Oral health and mineral/vitamin supplementation are much overlooked in the public prenatal assistance in Brazil and of scarcity of clinical trials addressing these issues in low and middle-income countries,. To fill this gap the present study was designed to assess the feasibility of a RCT on acceptability of a multi-component intervention combining conventional periodontal treatment and consumption of milk fortified with calcium-vitamin D for improving periodontal conditions and maternal metabolic and inflammation status, among Brazilian low-income pregnant women with periodontitis. Thus, we hope that this relatively low-cost and safe multicomponent intervention can help reduce inflammation, improve maternal periodontal health and metabolic profile and consequently prevent negative gestational outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT, NCT03148483. Registered on May 11, 2017.

Association between plasma concentrations of vitamin D metabolites and depressive symptoms throughout pregnancy in a prospective cohort of Brazilian women.

Plasma concentrations of vitamin D metabolites can be inversely associated with depressive symptoms. However, few longitudinal studies have investigated this association, especially during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and 1,25-dihydroxivitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] with the occurrence of depressive symptoms throughout pregnancy. A prospective cohort of 179 women was followed at 5th-13th, 20th-26th and 30th-36th gestational weeks. At each trimester of pregnancy, the plasma concentrations of 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D were analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy. Vitamin D status was categorized according to the Endocrine Society Practice Guidelines and the Institute of Medicine. Depressive symptoms were measured at each trimester using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depressive Scale (cutoff ≥13). Statistical analyses included random intercept logistic regression models for longitudinal analyses. In the first trimester, the prevalence of 25(OH)D <75, <50 and <30 nmol/L were 69.3%, 14.0% and 1.7%, respectively. Prevalence of depressive symptoms were 20.1%, 14.7% and 7.8% for the first, second and third trimesters, respectively. The probability of occurrence of depressive symptoms decreased throughout pregnancy (p-value = 0.005). Women with higher concentrations of 25(OH)D in the first trimester presented a lower odds ratio (OR) for the development of depressive symptoms during pregnancy (OR = 0.98; 95%CI: 0.96 to 0.99, p-value = 0.047) in the adjusted model. In conclusion, there was a higher prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy and depressive symptoms during the first trimester. Higher 25(OH)D concentrations in the first trimester were associated with a decrease of 2% in the odds for presenting depressive symptoms throughout pregnancy.