Parental stress and food allergy phenotypes in young children: A National Birth Cohort (JECS).

BACKGROUND: Food allergy children and their families tend to have emotional distress and anxiety. There have been few reports of differences in parenting stress and a child's food allergy phenotypes. METHODS: We examined the associations between food allergy phenotypes in children and parenting stress assessed by the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF) from a national birth cohort (Japan Environment and Children's Study). RESULTS: We included 65,805 children for statistical analysis. Of them, 7.2% of children had a food allergy diagnosis at 2 years old. The means of the total PSI-SF (39.9 ± 10.3, 39.1 ± 9.9), CD-SF (19.5 ± 5.4, 19.1 ± 5.2), and PD-SF (20.5 ± 6.3, 20.0 ± 6.1) scores are similar for caregivers in the with and without food allergy groups. Food allergy diagnosis resulted in significantly higher total PSI scores (coefficient .47, 95% CI 0.19-0.75, p = .001), CD-SF (coefficient .22, 95% CI 0.07-0.38, p = .004), and PD-SF (coefficient .24, 95% CI 0.08-0.41, p = .004). A similar trend was observed for allergy reactions to hen's egg. However, there was no clear relationship between allergic reactions to milk, wheat, nuts, and PSI-SF. CONCLUSIONS: Parental stress was significantly related to a child's food allergy. Furthermore, hen's egg allergy increased parental stress. Multiple food avoidance might also increase parental stress. Healthcare providers need to be aware of parental stress in our daily clinic.

Teenage and young adult pregnancy and depression: findings from the Japan environment and children's study.

Teenage pregnancy increases the threat of depression because of its many factors. Pregnancy during young adulthood may also have several risk factors for depression compared to older pregnancies. However, data on depression in young adult pregnancies are lacking. This study investigated the association between teenage and young adult pregnancy and depression. Data from the Japan Environment and Children's study was used as a nationwide multicenter prospective cohort study. A multivariate logistic regression was performed to investigate the association between age groups (14-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, ≥ 35 years) and depression, adjusted for behavioral and sociodemographic characteristics. Depression was assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. In total, 96,808 pregnant women responded to the questionnaire. Teenage (14-19 years) and young adult (20-24 years) pregnancy were associated with an increased risk of depression compared to older pregnancy (≥ 35 years) (teenage: OR 4.28, 95% confidence interval, CI [3.24-5.64]; young adult: OR 3.00, 95% CI [2.64-3.41]). After adjusting for covariates, the magnitude of the risk of depression was attenuated. However, teenage and young adult pregnancy remained at a significantly increased risk of depression compared to older pregnancy (teenage: OR 2.38, 95% CI [1.77-3.21]; young adult: OR 2.14, 95% CI [1.87-2.46]). Our findings indicate that teenage and young adults' pregnancy are at an increased risk of depression compared to older pregnancy. These findings suggest prioritizing teenage and young pregnant women for prevention and interventions related to depression.

Health-related quality of life of mothers and developmental characteristics of very low birth weight children at 2.5 years of age: results from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS).

BACKGROUND: The level of child development may be associated with the risk of poor maternal health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The objective of this study was to describe the developmental characteristics of very low birth weight (VLBW) children at 2.5 years of age and to examine associations between maternal HRQoL and the degree of child development based on the Japanese version of Ages and Stages Questionnaire (J-ASQ-3). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed using the data from a nationwide prospective birth cohort study in Japan. Among a total of 104,062 fetal records, the VLBW infants (birth weight ≤ 1500 g) were analyzed using linear regression models, adjusted for potential covariates. Subgroup analysis was also conducted to assess the association between social connection or cooperation of the partner and maternal HRQoL by the level of child development. RESULTS: The final study subjects included 357 VLBW children and mothers. The suspected developmental delays (SDDs) in at least two domains was significantly associated with lower maternal mental HRQoL regression coefficient -2.314 (95%CI: -4.065 to -0.564). There was no association between the status of child development and maternal physical HRQoL. After adjusting for child and maternal covariates, the maternal HRQoL was not significantly associated with child development. Amongst women who indicated having some social support, having a child with a SDD in two or more domains was negatively associated with mental HRQoL compared with women whose child was less developmental delay, regression coefficient -2.337 (95%CI: -3.961 to -0.714). Amongst women who indicated having partner's cooperation to child-rearing, having a child with a SDD in two or more domains was negatively associated with mental HRQoL compared with women whose child was less developmental delay, regression coefficient -3.785 (95%CI: -6.647 to -0.924). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that the lower maternal mental HRQoL was independently associated with the SDDs evaluated by the J-ASQ-3, whereas there was no association after adjusting for covariates. Further research is warranted to elucidate the impact of social connection and partner's cooperation on maternal HRQoL and child development. This study urges that particular attention should be paid to mothers of VLBW children with SDDs and also to provide early intervention and continued support.

Longitudinal study of the relationship between number of prior miscarriages or stillbirths and changes in quality of life of pregnant women: the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS).

BACKGROUND: Although a history of miscarriage or stillbirth has been reported to negatively affect quality of life (QOL) during the subsequent pregnancy, the association between the number of previous miscarriages or stillbirths and QOL, as well as trends in QOL during pregnancy, has not been clarified. This study sought to determine this association during early and mid- to late pregnancy. METHODS: Data from 82,013 pregnant women who participated in the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS) from January 2011 to March 2014 were analyzed. In early and mid/late pregnancy, participants completed questionnaires and QOL was assessed using the Physical and Mental Component Summary (PCS and MCS, respectively) scores from the 8-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-8). The pregnant women were divided into four groups according to number of previous miscarriages or stillbirths (0, 1, 2, and ≥ 3), and the PCS and MCS scores in early pregnancy and mid/late pregnancy were compared between group 0 and groups 1, 2, and ≥ 3. Generalized linear mixed models were used for analysis. RESULTS: PCS score in early pregnancy was lower in group 1 (ß = - 0.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] - 0.42 to - 0.15), group 2 (ß = - 0.45, 95% CI - 0.73 to - 0.18), and group ≥ 3 (ß = - 0.87, 95% CI - 1.39 to - 0.35) than in group 0. Group 1 and group ≥ 3 showed a trend for increased PCS score during pregnancy (ß = 0.22, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.37 and ß = 0.75, 95% CI 0.18 to 1.33, respectively) compared with group 0. CONCLUSIONS: PCS score in early pregnancy was lower with a more frequent history of miscarriage or stillbirth. However, in terms of changes in QOL during pregnancy, pregnant women with a history of miscarriage or stillbirth showed greater increases in PCS score during mid/late pregnancy than pregnant women with no history of miscarriage or stillbirth.

Reference blood pressure values obtained using the auscultation method for 2-year-old Japanese children: from the Japan Environment and Children's Study.

BACKGROUND: Reference blood pressure (BP) values for Japanese children based on a large number of measurements by auscultation have not yet been established. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional analysis of data from a birth-cohort study. The data from the sub-cohort study conducted for children at the age of 2 years in the Japan Environment and Children's Study from April 2015 to January 2017 were analyzed. BP was measured via auscultation using an aneroid sphygmomanometer. Each participant was measured in triplicate, and the average value of two consecutive measurements with a difference of less than 5 mmHg was recorded. The reference BP values were estimated using the lambda-mu-sigma (LMS) method and compared with those obtained via the polynomial regression model. RESULTS: Data from 3361 participants were analyzed. Although the difference between the estimated BP values by the LMS and the polynomial regression model was small, the LMS model was more valid based on the results of the fit curve of the observed values and regression models for each model. For 2-year-old children with heights in the 50th percentile, the 50th, 90th, 95th, and 99th percentile reference values of systolic BP (mmHg) for boys were 91, 102, 106, and 112, and that for girls were 90, 101, 103, and 109, respectively, and those of diastolic BP for boys were 52, 62, 65, and 71, and that for girls were 52, 62, 65, and 71, respectively. CONCLUSION: The reference BP values for 2-year-old Japanese children were determined based on auscultation and were made available.

Association between pre-pregnancy weight status and dietary patterns during pregnancy: results from the Japan Environment and Children's Study.

OBJECTIVE: Pre-pregnancy weight status is related to offspring health and may influence dietary patterns during pregnancy. We aimed to evaluate the link between pre-pregnancy weight status and dietary patterns during pregnancy. DESIGN: Dietary data were collected using a FFQ during middle or late pregnancy. Dietary patterns were identified using principal component analysis. Anthropometric data were extracted from medical charts. Multiple linear regression was used to assess associations between pre-pregnancy weight status (severely or moderately underweight, mildly underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese) and dietary patterns during pregnancy after adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics. SETTING: Nationwide Japan. PARTICIPANTS: Pregnant Japanese women enrolled in the Japan Environment and Children's Study, a prospective birth cohort study (n 90 765). RESULTS: We identified three dietary patterns. Compared with women with pre-pregnancy normal weight, those with pre-pregnancy obesity were less likely to habitually consume 'fruits and vegetables' pattern (coefficient, -0·18; 95 % CI, -0·21, -0·14) and 'confectionery' pattern (coefficient, -0·18; 95 % CI, -0·21, -0·14) and more likely to consume 'white rice and soy products' pattern (coefficient, 0·08; 95 % CI, 0·04, 0·11), and those with severely or moderately pre-pregnancy underweight were more likely to consume 'confectionery' pattern (coefficient, 0·06; 95 % CI, 0·03, 0·09) during pregnancy, after adjusting for confounders. CONCLUSION: We found that moderately and severely pre-pregnancy underweight women and those with obesity had unhealthy dietary patterns compared to those with pre-pregnancy normal weight. Our findings suggest that prenatal dietary advice is important and should be based on the pre-pregnancy weight status.

Sex steroid hormones and allergic diseases in children: a pilot birth cohort study in the Japan Environment and Children's Study cohort.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies suggest that sex steroids might play a role in sex disparity observed in allergic diseases in adults. However, whether sex hormones influence allergic diseases in children remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to examine the association of sex steroid hormones with allergic disease in Japanese children. METHODS: The present cross-sectional study included 145 6-year-old children participating in a pilot birth cohort study in the Japan Environment and Children's Study. Data on allergic diseases were obtained from questionnaires, and serum levels of sex steroid hormones and allergen-specific IgE were measured. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association of sex hormones with allergic diseases. RESULTS: After adjusted sex, amount of body fat at 6 years, parental history of allergic disease, and exposure to tobacco smoke, serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate level was significantly associated with reduced odds of any allergic disease (adjusted odds ratio, 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.36-0.93; P = 0.024) and serum follicle-stimulating hormone level was significantly associated with increased odds of any allergic disease (adjusted odds ratio, 2.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-4.11, P = 0.046). Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate level showed a significant association with number of allergic diseases. CONCLUSIONS: The current study findings suggest that sex hormones may play an important role in the development of allergic diseases in prepubertal children.

Association of Maternal History of Allergic Features with Preterm Pregnancy Outcomes in the Japan Environment and Children's Study.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have reported that maternal asthma increases the risk of preterm birth. We hypothesized that inflammatory reactions caused by allergic diseases might affect the uterine environment and, subsequently, perinatal outcomes. The objective of this study was to examine the associations between allergic features among mothers and preterm pregnancy outcomes in a nationwide birth cohort. METHODS: We analyzed data from pregnant women obtained from the Japanese Environment and Children's Study (JECS), a nationwide general birth cohort study. We used binomial and multinomial logistic regression models to examine the associations between maternal allergic features and preterm birth, threatened preterm labor (TPL), and preterm premature rupture of the membrane (PPROM). RESULTS: A total of 97,683 pregnant women were included. Prevalence of preterm birth, TPL, and PPROM was 4.7, 19.6, and 1.2%, respectively. Maternal history of allergic diseases (asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, food allergy, drug allergy, and contact dermatitis) increased the risk of TPL(adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.11 [95% CI: 1.06-1.17], aOR = 1.12 [1.08-1.16], aOR = 1.10 [1.04-1.16], aOR = 1.17 [1.09-1.26], aOR = 1.35 [1.23-1.48], and aOR = 1.34 [1.20-1.49], respectively). Although some maternal allergic features showed a negative association with preterm birth, the variables affecting preterm birth differed according to the gestational age of the fetus (22-33 weeks vs. 34-36 weeks). There were no significant associations between maternal allergic features and PPROM. CONCLUSION: Maternal allergic disease, except atopic dermatitis, may increase the risk of TPL. Comorbidity of maternal allergic disorders and perinatal adverse outcomes require further investigation.

25-Hydroxyvitamin D levels among 2-year-old children: findings from the Japan environment and Children's study (JECS).

BACKGROUND: The study aim was to obtain epidemiological data on vitamin D levels for the pediatric population in Japan. We assessed the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in 2-year-old Japanese children using data from a large ongoing birth cohort study. METHODS: Data for analysis was obtained from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS) and a Sub-Cohort Study (SCS) of JECS. We evaluated the children's serum 25(OH) D levels by 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles, and the rates of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. We also presented a weighted prevalence rate for vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency among all children in JECS. RESULTS: After excluding children with missing 25(OH)D2 or 25(OH)D3 data, we analyzed 4655 remaining children, of whom 24.7% (95% CI, 23.5-26.0%) had vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/mL), and 51.3% (95% CI, 49.8-52.7%) were at risk of vitamin D insufficiency (20-30 ng/mL). The estimated prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency among all children in JECS were 25.4% (95% CI, 24.1-26.7%) and 50.9% (95% CI, 49.4-52.4%). Vitamin D deficiency was found in 22.9% of boys and 26.5% of girls. Median serum 25(OH) D concentrations were lower among participants measured during winter and spring than among those measured in summer and autumn. The highest rate of vitamin D deficiency was observed in Hokkaido, the northernmost prefecture of Japan. CONCLUSION: We analyzed data on serum 25(OH) D levels from a birth cohort study and found that vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are very common among 2-year-old Japanese children. Sex, season, and latitude affect serum 25(OH) D concentrations.

Dietary supplement use in elementary school children: a Japanese web-based survey.

BACKGROUND: A variety of dietary supplements are commercially available. However, the efficacy and safety of dietary supplement use in children are not well established. Understanding dietary supplement use is important for developing public health policy regarding dietary supplements. This study aimed to investigate the types of dietary supplements used and characteristics of dietary supplement users among Japanese elementary school children. METHOD: We conducted a cross-sectional web-based questionnaire study. Dietary supplement use, socio-demographics, and health-related behaviors were assessed through mother-reported questionnaire. Types of dietary supplements were identified based on ingredient using product barcodes and brand names. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the socio-demographics and health-related behaviors associated with supplement use. RESULTS: Among 4933 children, 333 (6.8%) were identified as dietary supplement users. The most common supplement was amino acids or protein (1.4%), followed by n-3 fatty acids or fish oil (1.0%), probiotics (1.0%), multivitamins (0.9%), multivitamin-minerals (0.8%), and botanicals (0.8%). Overall, any dietary supplement use was significantly associated with the highest frequency of sports participation (odds ratio [OR], 2.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65-4.02), highest household income (OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.13-3.10), highest maternal educational level (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.31-2.52), and male sex (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.09-1.75). The highest frequency of sports participation was significantly associated with higher odds of use of amino acids or protein (OR, 6.06; 95% CI, 1.78-20.6) and multivitamins (OR, 3.56; 95% CI, 1.11-11.5), compared to the lowest frequency of sports participation. CONCLUSION: This study showed that Japanese children primarily use non-vitamin, non-mineral supplements. Non-vitamin, non-mineral supplements should thus be included in future studies aimed at monitoring dietary supplement use. We also found that dietary supplement use in children was associated with sports participation. Guidelines for dietary supplement use for children, in particular sport participants, are needed.

Determinants of Alcohol Consumption in Women Before and After Awareness of Conception.

OBJECTIVES: We examined the socio-demographic and behavioral factors associated with alcohol consumption before and after pregnancy awareness in pregnant women. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 91,828 pregnant women in a nationwide Japanese birth cohort study from 2011 to 2014. Alcohol consumption before and after pregnancy awareness, and sociodemographic behavioral characteristics were assessed through self-reported questionnaires. Determinants of alcohol consumption were investigated using logistic regression. RESULTS: Prevalence of alcohol consumption before and after pregnancy awareness was 50.0% and 2.8%, respectively. Most women consumed low to moderate levels of alcohol. Before pregnancy awareness, high educational level (odds ratios [OR] 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07 to 1.15), high household income (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.24), and smoking (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.65 to 1.90) were significantly associated with increased odds of alcohol consumption. After pregnancy awareness, older age (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.54 to 1.94) and smoking (OR 5.57, 95% CI 4.88 to 6.37) were significantly associated with increased odds of alcohol consumption, and high education level (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.81) and high household income (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.89) were significantly associated with decreased odds of alcohol consumption. CONCLUSION: A half of women consumed alcohol before pregnancy awareness. Guidelines recommend abstinence from alcohol consumption in pregnant women for precaution, although influence of low to moderate levels of prenatal alcohol exposure on the fetus is inconclusive. Social-demographic characteristics differed between women who consumed alcohol before pregnancy awareness and women who continued alcohol after pregnancy awareness.

Changes in Dietary Intake in Pregnant Women from Periconception to Pregnancy in the Japan Environment and Children's Study: A Nationwide Japanese Birth Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional requirements increase during pregnancy. However, relatively few studies have examined longitudinal changes in dietary intake from periconception to pregnancy. Here, we investigated changes in the intake of food and nutrients, and compliance with dietary reference intakes (DRIs) in pregnant women. METHODS: The Japan Environment and Children's Study, a nationwide multicenter prospective cohort study, included 30,373 pregnant women who answered a validated food frequency questionnaire repeatedly to assess changes in dietary intake in periconception and pregnancy. Energy-adjusted intakes of food groups and nutrients were described using the density method. The percentage of women not meeting DRIs was calculated. RESULTS: Of all foods groups examined, intake of food significantly increased from periconception to pregnancy for dairy products (mean difference 23.5 g/1000 kcal, 95% confidence interval [CI] 22.0-25.0 g/1000 kcal), confectionaries (2.0 g/1000 kcal, 1.8-2.2 g/1000 kcal), and soft drinks (1.3 g/1000 kcal, 0.3-2.3 g/1000 kcal). Of all nutrients examined, intake was significantly increased for calcium (mean difference 27 mg/1000 kcal, 95% CI 25-29 mg/1000 kcal), vitamin A (15 µgRE/1000 kcal, 13-18 g/1000 kcal), and saturated fat (0.4% energy, 0.4-0.4% energy). The percentage of women not meeting DRIs increased for vitamin B group, vitamin C, saturated fat and salt. CONCLUSION: We found that energy-adjusted intakes of calcium, vitamin A, and saturated fat increased from periconception to pregnancy, while intake of other nutrients did not increase. The percentage of women not meeting DRIs increased for water-soluble vitamins, saturated fat, and salt.

Medical and surgical complications in pregnancy and obstetric labour complications in the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS) cohort: a birth cohort study.

This study aimed to describe the distribution of pregnancies with medical and obstetric complications based on the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS). We evaluated the distribution of the history of obstetric/gynaecological diseases, the history of obstetric labour complications, pregnancy with medical and surgical complications, and obstetric labour complications in participants in the JECS. Of 100,818 pregnant women with medical record entries after delivery, 15,305 (15.2%) had medical and surgical complications in pregnancy and 46,756 (46.4%) experienced obstetric labour complications. The proportion of pregnancies with heart disease, kidney disease and hepatitis was 0.3%, 0.3% and 0.1%, respectively. Gestational diabetes was diagnosed in 2715 (2.7%) women. The proportion of women with mild and severe gestational hypertension was 2.3% and 1%, respectively. The JECS is the largest birth cohort in Japan. These data will provide useful, basic information for perinatal care in Japan.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Epidemiological studies have suggested that pre-existing diseases and complications of pregnancy, such as heart disease in pregnancy, gestational hypertension and gestational diabetes, may have implications for pregnancy outcomes, as well as for children's health and development.What the results of this study add? We evaluated the distribution of the history of obstetric/gynaecological diseases, the history of obstetric labour complications, medical and surgical complications in pregnancy, and obstetric labour complications using data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS).What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The JECS is the largest birth cohort in Japan. Our data will provide useful, basic information for perinatal care in Japan.

Cumulative inactivated vaccine exposure and allergy development among children: a birth cohort from Japan.

BACKGROUND: Adjuvants used in inactivated vaccines often upregulate type 2 immunity, which is dominant in allergic diseases. We hypothesised that cumulative adjuvant exposure in infancy may influence the development of allergies later in life by changing the balance of type 1/type 2 immunity. We examined the relationship between immunisation with different vaccine types and later allergic disease development. METHODS: We obtained information regarding vaccinations and allergic diseases through questionnaires that were used in The Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS), which is a nationwide, multicentre, prospective birth cohort study that included 103,099 pregnant women and their children. We examined potential associations between the initial vaccination before 6 months of age and symptoms related to allergies at 12 months of age. RESULTS: Our statistical analyses included 56,277 children. Physician-diagnosed asthma was associated with receiving three (aOR 1.395, 95% CI 1.028-1.893) or four to five different inactivated vaccines (aOR 1.544, 95% CI 1.149-2.075), compared with children who received only one inactivated vaccine. Similar results were found for two questionnaire-based symptoms, i.e. wheeze (aOR 1.238, 95% CI 1.094-1.401; three vaccines vs. a single vaccine) and eczema (aOR 1.144, 95% CI 1.007-1.299; four or five vaccines vs. a single vaccine). CONCLUSIONS: Our results, which should be cautiously interpreted, suggest that the prevalence of asthma, wheeze and eczema among children at 12 months of age might be related to the amount of inactivated vaccine exposure before 6 months of age. Future work should assess if this association is due to cumulative adjuvant exposure. Despite this possible association, we strongly support the global vaccination strategy and recommend that immunisations continue. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN000030786 .

Prevalence of Congenital Anomalies in the Japan Environment and Children's Study.

BACKGROUND: The aims of the present report were to estimate the prevalence of congenital anomalies (CAs) among infants in Japan using data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS) and to evaluate the validity of CA classification within JECS. METHODS: Data on CAs were collected at delivery and at age 1 month from the medical records of 101,825 infants at 15 regional centers. The analyses focused on 61 CAs, selected on the basis of reported associations with environmental exposure. Prevalence per 10,000 pregnancies (including miscarriages, stillbirths, and live births) was stratified according to four reporting patterns (at delivery, at age 1 month, at either, and at both). To evaluate the accuracy of observed CA prevalence, the medical records of 179 cases from a single JECS regional center underwent independent, retrospective re-evaluation. RESULTS: The prevalence of major CAs in four reporting patterns (at delivery, at age 1 month, at either, and at both) was 2.4, 2.6, 3.5, and 1.4 for myelomeningocele/spina bifida; 4.3, 4.2, 5.3, and 3.2 for cleft palate; 18.1, 17.4, 19.5, and 15.1 for cleft lip with or without cleft palate; 73.4, 100.3, 120.8, and 52.8 for congenital heart disease; and 10.5, 14.1, 15.0, and 9.6 for Down's syndrome, respectively. In the subsample re-evaluation, CA diagnoses were confirmed for 92.7%, 93.3%, 90.5%, and 97.8% of cases in the four reporting patterns (at delivery, at age 1 month, at either, and at both), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The present report generated reliable data concerning the prevalence of major CAs in JECS.

Complications and adverse outcomes in pregnancy and childbirth among women who conceived by assisted reproductive technologies: a nationwide birth cohort study of Japan environment and children's study.

BACKGROUND: Although pregnancies conceived by assisted reproductive technology (ART) have a higher risk of maternal/perinatal complications, the overall risk of adverse outcomes necessitating advanced obstetric care has not been closely examined. The present study aimed to assess and compare the risk of maternal/perinatal complications and adverse outcomes in pregnancy and childbirth conceived by ART with those conceived naturally. METHODS: This study was conducted as a part of the Japan environment and children's study (JECS), an ongoing nationwide birth cohort study in Japan. The risk of maternal/perinatal complications and adverse outcomes was assessed by mode of conception (natural conception, ovulation induction [OI] without ART, conventional in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer [IVF-ET], or intracytoplasmic sperm injection [ICSI]) using logistic regression and generalized estimating equations controlling for potential confounders. RESULTS: The final dataset included women who conceived naturally (N = 90,506), by OI without ART (N = 3939), by conventional IVF-ET (N = 1476), and by ICSI (N = 1671). Compared with women who conceived naturally, those who conceived by conventional IVF-ET were at higher risk of placenta previa (adjusted OR 2.90 [95% CI 1.94, 4.34]), morbidly adherent placenta (6.85 [3.88, 12.13]), and pregnancy-induced hypertension (1.40 [1.10, 1.78]) whereas those who conceived by ICSI had a higher risk of placental abruption (2.16 [1.20, 3.88]) as well as placenta previa (2.01 [1.29, 3.13]) and morbidly adherent placenta (7.81 [4.56, 13.38]). Women who conceived by ART had a higher risk of blood transfusion (conventional IVF-ET: 3.85 [2.52, 5.88]; ICSI: 3.76 [2.49, 5.66]) and ICU admission (conventional IVF-ET: 2.58 [1.11, 6.01]; ICSI: 3.45 [1.68, 7.06]) even after controlling for potential confounders. Neonates conceived by ART had a higher risk of preterm birth (conventional IVF-ET: 1.42 [1.13, 1.78]; ICSI: 1.31 [1.05, 1.64]). CONCLUSIONS: Women who conceived by ART had a higher risk of maternal/perinatal complications necessitating advanced obstetric care. Obstetricians should be aware of the increased risk of adverse outcomes among this population.

Psychometric profile of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires, Japanese translation.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed the psychometric profile of 10 questionnaires (every 6 months, from 6 to 60 months) from the Japanese translation of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires, third edition (J-ASQ-3). METHODS: Data from 439 children in a birth cohort were used to identify the J-ASQ-3 score distribution, establish cut-off scores, and calculate the instrument's internal consistency. Data were also collected from 491 outpatients to examine J-ASQ-3 test-retest reliability and concurrent validity, which was examined using the Kyoto Scale of Psychological Development (KSPD) and the Japanese version of the Denver Developmental Screening Test II (J-Denver II). Both the original and the alternative screening criteria of the ASQ-3 were used (failure in at least one and at least two domains, respectively). RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha for each J-ASQ-3 subscale on each questionnaire ranged from 0.45 to 0.89. Test-retest reliability was >0.75 for the subscales on almost all questionnaires. Concurrent validity was also adequate. In comparison with the screening results of the KSPD, the overall sensitivity and specificity were 96.0% and 48.8%, respectively, when the ASQ-3 original criterion was used, and 92.1% and 74.9%, respectively, when the alternative criterion was used. In comparison with the screening results of the J-Denver II, the overall sensitivity and specificity were 75.6% and 74.7%, respectively, when the ASQ-3 original criterion was used, and 56.3% and 93.0%, respectively, when the alternative criterion was used. CONCLUSIONS: This study quantified the psychometric profiles of the Japanese translations of 10 ASQ-3 questionnaires. We demonstrated the validity of the J-ASQ-3 and determined new cut-off scores. Further studies with larger samples from a greater range of locations are required to clarify the suitability of this tool for all Japanese children.

Regional differences in infant 25-Hydroxyvitamin D: Pilot study of the Japan Environment and Children's Study.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, a resurgence in the number of infants with vitamin D deficiency has been noted. In addition to seasonal differences in exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, regional differences in dietary habits and lifestyles may affect susceptibility to vitamin D deficiency. No studies have been conducted, however, on infants in multiple regions of Japan to determine the extent of differences in vitamin D status. METHODS: 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was measured on radioimmunoassay in 126 infants aged 2-4 years, who participated in the Pilot Study of the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS) by the Ministry of Environment of Japan. A multiple regression model with 25OHD level as the outcome variable, and season and region as explanatory variables, was generated. RESULTS: Both region and season during which infants participated in this study significantly affected 25OHD level (P = 0.0087 and <0.0001, respectively; Wald test). Reflecting decreased exposure to UV rays, infants who were examined in winter had lower 25OHD than those examined in summer. Infants from both Fukuoka Prefecture (33°N) and Kumamoto Prefecture (32°N), however, had lower 25OHD than those from Tochigi Prefecture (36°N), contrary to expectations given the extent of UV exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Regional differences in daily habits and/or environmental factors affect 25OHD level in Japanese infants. The JECS is expected to identify those factors to provide guidance on preventing infantile vitamin D deficiency.

Inverse association between maternal 25OHD level and cord GLP-1/GIP concentrations.

BACKGROUND: Because vitamin D may have beneficial effects on glucose metabolism in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus, we explored whether maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels in normal pregnancy have association with diabetes-related hormone levels and glycated albumin (GA). METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed to collect serum samples from 612 pairs of pregnant women and cord blood of their offspring. Levels of 25OHD and GA in maternal and cord blood were measured by radioimmunoassay and enzyme assay, respectively. Using cord serum, 12 diabetes-related hormones were assayed. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to quantify the strength of association between biomarkers. RESULTS: A prominent association between maternal and cord 25OHD levels (r = 0.76, 95% confidence intervals (CIs): 0.73-0.79, P < 0.0001) and weak association between maternal and cord GA (r = 0.22, 95% CIs: 0.14-0.30, P < 0.0001) were shown. Among the 12 diabetes-related hormones, both maternal and cord 25OHD levels showed prominent negative associations with glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that decreased maternal 25OHD may be associated with decreased cord 25OHD and increased cord GLP-1 and GIP levels, which may be involved with the transfer of maternal glucose to the fetus.