Vaginal Progesterone for Pregnancy Prolongation After Arrested Preterm Labor: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Women with arrested preterm labor (APTL) are at very high risk for spontaneous preterm delivery (SPTD), the leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. To date, no maintenance therapy has been found to be effective for pregnancy prolongation. A few clinical trials with considerable methodological limitations have demonstrated some efficacy for 400 mg vaginal micronized progesterone (VMP) in women with APTL. Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of daily 400 mg VMP for the prolongation of pregnancy after APTL. Design, Setting, and Participants: This randomized clinical trial was conducted between December 19, 2018, and February 27, 2023, in 3 university-affiliated medical centers in Israel. Participants included women with singleton and twin pregnancies after APTL following tocolysis at 24 weeks 0 days to 34 weeks 0 days' gestation. Women with a history of preterm delivery or asymptomatic cervical shortening in the current pregnancy were excluded. Interventions: Participants were randomly allocated to receive VMP 200 mg twice a day or no treatment until 36 weeks 6 days' gestation. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary end points were mean number of days from study enrollment to delivery and the rate of SPTD prior to 37 weeks' gestation. Results: A total of 129 participants were enrolled (65 in the VMP group and 64 in the no-treatment group). Mean (SD) age was 27.6 (5.1) years. Between the VMP and no-treatment groups, there was no difference in pregnancy prolongation (mean [SD], 40.0 [17.8] vs 37.4 [20.3] days; P = .44) and the rate of SPTD (16 [25%] vs 19 [30%]; relative risk, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.5-1.5; P = .52). In twin pregnancies, including 12 and 15 pairs in the VMP and no-treatment groups, respectively, VMP prolonged pregnancy (mean [SD], 43.7 [18.1] vs 26.1 [15.2] days; P = .02), postponed the delivery week (36.5 [1.4] vs 34.7 [2.2] weeks; P = .01), shortened the length of stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (4.9 [10.6] vs 13.2 [18.5] days; P = .03) and overall hospital stay (8.3 [9.6] vs 15.1 [17.2] days; P = .03), and was associated with a higher birth weight (2444 [528] vs 2018 [430] g; P = .01). Conclusions and Relevance: These findings show that VMP given in a dosage of 200 mg twice a day following APTL is not an effective treatment to prolong pregnancy or prevent SPTD. However, VMP demonstrated beneficial effects in twin pregnancies, warranting further investigation. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02430233.

Placental Histopathological Lesions and Adverse Neonatal Outcomes in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases- A retrospective Cohort Study.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are significantly associated with adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, though the pathomechanism is yet unknown. To investigate the relationship between IBD and adverse pregnancy outcomes by comparing neonatal outcomes and placental histopathology in two matched groups of patients with and without IBD. In this retrospective study, data of all patients who gave birth between 2008-2021 and were diagnosed with IBD were reviewed and compared to a control group matching two control cases for every IBD case. Neonatal outcomes and placental pathology were compared between the groups. Compared to the control group (n=76), the placentas of patients with IBD (n=36) were characterized by significantly lower placental weight (p < 0.001), and higher rates of maternal vascular malperfusion lesions (MVM, p < 0.001) and maternal and fetal inflammatory response lesions (p < 0.001). Neonates of patients with IBD were more frequently small for gestational age (SGA) (p=0.01), with increased rates of need for phototherapy (p = 0.03), respiratory morbidity and NICU admission (p < 0.001 for both outcomes). Multivariate logistic regression analyses adjusting for possible confounders (including maternal age, gestational age, chronic hypertension, smoking, and thrombophilia) confirmed the independent association between IBD and composite MVM lesions (aOR 4.31, p < 0.001), maternal inflammatory responses (aOR 40.22, p < 0.001) and SGA infants (aOR 4.31, p = 0.013). IBD is associated with increased rates of placental histopathological lesions and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including SGA infants. These novel findings imply the role of placental malperfusion and inflammatory processes in pregnancy complications of IBD patients, which should be followed accordingly. Approval of local ethics committee # WOMC-0219-20.

Does the combination of four OGTT values enhance the prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes? Insights from a retrospective cohort study.

AIM: To explore the correlation between a singular value of additive OGTT scores and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. We postulated that a higher additive OGTT score would predict poorer maternal and neonatal outcomes. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, data were collected from all women with a documented complete OGTT result and subsequent diagnosis of GDM. The additive OGTT score was calculated by adding each individual hourly glucose measurement. Maternal demographics, pregnancy and labor characteristics, and neonatal outcomes were compared between the lower-sum and higher-sum OGTT groups. A multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify confounders associated with adverse outcomes. RESULTS: In this study, a total of 1497 patients were assessed. The group with higher-sum OGTT scores was characterized by increased rates of GDMA2 (p = 0.008), higher insulin doses (p = 0.009), and higher rates of composite maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes (p = 0.021 and p = 0.030, respectively) compared to the lower-sum OGTT group. CONCLUSION: The additive OGTT score may aid in predicting the need for insulin treatment, labor course, and neonatal outcomes in GDM patients.

Improved neonatal outcomes in pregnancies with coexisting gestational diabetes and preeclampsia in normal birthweight neonates- insights from a retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to assess neonatal and maternal outcomes in appropriate-for-gestational-weight (AGA) neonates of mothers with both gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and preeclampsia (PET). METHODS: Medical records of women diagnosed with GDM or PET were reviewed. Women with AGA neonates were divided into three groups- GDM, PET, and GDM + PET and maternal neonatal and placental outcomes were compared. The primary outcome was a composite of adverse neonatal outcomes, including intensive care unit admission (NICU), neurological morbidity, hypoglycemia, ventilation, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), phototherapy, sepsis, blood transfusion, and neonatal death. Post-hoc analysis was performed to determine between-group significance. RESULTS: Composite adverse neonatal outcomes are significantly lower in women with multiple morbidities compared to women with confined PET (p = 0.015), and a similar trend is observed when comparing neonatal outcomes between women with GDM to those with GDM + PET, yet these results are underpowered (18.9 % vs. 12.8 % respectively, p = 0.243). Placentas of women with GDM + PET were larger, with a lower rate of placentas below the 10th percentile as compared to placentas of women with isolated PET (p < 0.001), but with similar rates of MVM lesions. DISCUSSION: While maternal and placental outcomes in patients of the GDM + PET group resemble the characteristics of the PET group, surprisingly, the neonatal outcomes in this group are significantly better compared to isolated morbidities. The paradoxical benefit attributed to the coexistence of GDM + PET may be explained by a balance of the opposing trends characterizing these morbidities-the reduced blood and nutrient supply characterizing PET vs. chronic overflow and abundance typical of GDM. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: approval of local ethics committee WOMC-19-0152.

Evaluating the sensitivity to threat and affiliative reward (STAR) model in relation to the development of conduct problems and callous-unemotional traits across early adolescence.

BACKGROUND: The Sensitivity to Threat and Affiliative Reward (STAR) model proposes low threat sensitivity and low affiliation as risk factors for callous-unemotional (CU) traits. Preliminary evidence for the STAR model comes from work in early childhood. However, studies are needed that explore the STAR dimensions in late childhood and adolescence when severe conduct problems (CP) emerge. Moreover, it is unclear how variability across the full spectrum of threat sensitivity and affiliation gives rise to different forms of psychopathology beyond CU traits. METHODS: The current study addressed these gaps using parent- and child-reported data from three waves and a sub-study of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study® of 11,878 youth (48% female; ages 9-12). RESULTS: Consistent with the STAR model, low threat sensitivity and low affiliation were independently related to CU traits across informants and time. Moreover, there was significant interaction between the STAR dimensions, such that children with lower sensitivity to threat and lower affiliation had higher parent-reported CU traits. Unlike CU traits, children with higher threat sensitivity had higher parent-reported CP and anxiety. Finally, children with lower affiliation had higher parent-reported CP, anxiety, and depression. Results largely replicated across informants and time, and sensitivity analysis revealed similar findings in children with and without DSM-5 defined CP. CONCLUSIONS: Results support the STAR model hypotheses as they pertain to CU traits and delineate threat sensitivity and affiliation as independent transdiagnostic risk factors for different types of psychopathology. Future research is needed to develop fuller and more reliable and valid measures of affiliation and threat sensitivity across multiple assessment modalities.

Observations of Positive Parenting from Online Parent-Child Interactions at Age 1.

Objective: Brief, reliable, and cost-effective methods to assess parenting are critical for advancing parenting research. Design: We adapted the Three Bags task and Parent Child Interaction Rating System (PCIRS) for rating online visits with 219 parent-child dyads (White, n = 104 [47.5%], Black, n = 115 [52.5%]) and combined the video data with survey data collected during pregnancy and when children were aged 1. Results: The PCIRS codes of positive regard, stimulation of child cognitive development, and sensitivity showed high reliability across the three parent-child interaction tasks. A latent positive parenting factor combining ratings across codes and tasks showed good model fit, which was similar regardless of parent self-identified race or ethnicity, age, socioeconomic disadvantage, marital/partnered status, and parity, as well as methodological factors relevant to the online video assessment method (e.g., phone vs. laptop/tablet). In support of construct validity, observed positive parenting was related to parent-reported positive parenting and child socioemotional development. Finally, parent reports of supportive relationships in pregnancy, but not neighborhood safety or pandemic worries, were prospectively related to higher positive parenting observed at age 1. With the exception of older parental age and married/partnered status, no other parent, child, sociodemographic, or methodological variables were related to higher overall video exclusions across tasks. Conclusions: PCIRS may provide a reliable approach to rate positive parenting at age 1, providing future avenues for developing more ecologically valid assessments and implementing interventions through online encounters that may be more acceptable, accessible, or preferred among parents of young children.

The effect of oral probiotics on glycemic control of women with gestational diabetes mellitus-a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus should be treated adequately to avoid maternal hyperglycemia-related complications. Previously, probiotic supplements were suggested to improve fasting blood glucose in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. However, a major limitation of previous studies was that preprandial and especially postprandial glucose values, which are important predictors of pregnancy outcomes, were not studied. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the effect of a mixture of probiotic strains on maternal glycemic parameters, particularly preprandial and postprandial glucose values and pregnancy outcomes among women with gestational diabetes mellitus. STUDY DESIGN: A multicenter prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Women newly diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus were randomly allocated into a research group, receiving 2 capsules of oral probiotic formula containing Bifidobacterium bifidum, B lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, L paracasei, L rhamnosus, and Streptococcus thermophilus (>6 × 109/capsule), and a control group, receiving a placebo (2 capsules/day) until delivery. Glycemic control was evaluated by daily glucose charts. After 2 weeks, pharmacotherapy was started in case of poor glycemic control. The primary outcomes were the rate of women requiring medications for glycemic control and mean daily glucose charts after 2 weeks of treatment with the study products. RESULTS: Forty-one and 44 women were analyzed in the treatment and placebo cohorts, respectively. Mean daily glucose during the first 2 weeks in the probiotics and placebo groups was 99.7±7.9 and 98.0±9.3 mg/dL, respectively (P=.35). The rate of women needing pharmacotherapy because of poor glycemic control after 2 weeks of treatment in the probiotics and placebo groups was 24 (59%) and 18 (41%), respectively (P=.10). Mean preprandial and postprandial glucose levels throughout the study period were similar between the groups (P>.05). There were no differences in maternal and neonatal outcomes, including birthweight and adverse effect profile between the groups. CONCLUSION: The oral probiotic product tested in this study did not affect glycemic control of women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Promoting Empathy and Affiliation in Relationships (PEAR) study: protocol for a longitudinal study investigating the development of early childhood callous-unemotional traits.

INTRODUCTION: Children with callous-unemotional (CU) traits are at high lifetime risk of antisocial behaviour. Low affiliation (ie, social bonding difficulties) and fearlessness (ie, low threat sensitivity) are proposed risk factors for CU traits. Parenting practices (eg, harshness and low warmth) also predict risk for CU traits. However, few studies in early childhood have identified attentional or physiological markers of low affiliation and fearlessness. Moreover, no studies have tested whether parenting practices are underpinned by low affiliation or fearlessness shared by parents, which could further shape parent-child interactions and exacerbate risk for CU traits. Addressing these questions will inform knowledge of how CU traits develop and isolate novel parent and child targets for future specialised treatments for CU traits. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The Promoting Empathy and Affiliation in Relationships (PEAR) study aims to establish risk factors for CU traits in children aged 3-6 years. The PEAR study will recruit 500 parent-child dyads from two metropolitan areas of the USA. Parents and children will complete questionnaires, computer tasks and observational assessments, alongside collection of eye-tracking and physiological data, when children are aged 3-4 (time 1) and 5-6 (time 2) years. The moderating roles of child sex, race and ethnicity, family and neighbourhood disadvantage, and parental psychopathology will also be assessed. Study aims will be addressed using structural equation modelling, which will allow for flexible characterisation of low affiliation, fearlessness and parenting practices as risk factors for CU traits across multiple domains. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval was granted by Boston University (#6158E) and the University of Pennsylvania (#850638). Results will be disseminated through conferences and open-access publications. All study and task materials will be made freely available on lab websites and through the Open Science Framework (OSF).

Pregnancy and placental outcomes according to maternal BMI in women with preeclampsia: a retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: Obesity and preeclampsia share similar patho-mechanisms and can both affect placental pathology. We aimed to investigate pregnancy outcomes in correlation with placental pathology among pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia in three different maternal body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) groups. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, medical and pathological records of patients with preeclampsia and a singleton pregnancy delivered between 2008 and 2021 at a single tertiary medical center were reviewed. Study population was divided into three BMI groups: BMI < 22.6 kg/m2 (low BMI group), 22.7 ≤ BMI ≤ 28.0 kg/m2 (middle-range BMI group), and BMI > 28.0 kg/m2 (high BMI group). Data regarding maternal characteristics, neonatal outcomes, and placental histopathological lesions were compared. RESULTS: The study groups included a total of 295 patients diagnosed with preeclampsia-98, 99, and 98 in the low, middle-range, and high BMI groups respectively. Neonatal birth weight was significantly decreased in the low maternal BMI group compared to both middle and high BMI groups (p = 0.04) with a similar trend seen in placental weight (p = 0.03). Villous changes related to maternal malperfusion were more prevalent in the low and high BMI groups compared to middle-range BMI group (p < 0.01) and composite maternal vascular malperfusion lesions were also more prevalent in the groups of BMI extremities compared to the middle-range BMI group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Maternal BMI might influence neonatal outcomes and placental pathology in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia. Both extremes of BMI were associated with higher rates of placental maternal vascular malperfusion. Balanced BMI in women at risk for preeclampsia may reduce the incidence of placental lesions.

Intermittent vs continuous catheterization for postpartum urinary retention: A multicenter randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum urinary retention is a common complication in the immediate postpartum period. However, there is no consensus regarding optimal management. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare 2 catheterization strategies for the treatment of postpartum urinary retention. STUDY DESIGN: A multicenter prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted at 4 university-affiliated medical centers between January 2020 and June 2022. Individuals with postpartum urinary retention (bladder volume of >150 mL) up to 6 hours after vaginal or cesarean delivery were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 protocols: intermittent catheterization every 6 hours, up to 4 times, or continuous catheterization with an indwelling urinary catheter for 24 hours. If postpartum urinary retention was not resolved after 24 hours, an indwelling catheter was inserted for an additional 24 hours in both groups. The primary endpoint was the mean time to postpartum urinary retention resolution. The secondary endpoints included postcatheter urinary tract infection rate and length of hospital stay. The satisfaction rate was estimated using the 30-Item Birth Satisfaction Scale questionnaire. RESULTS: After randomization, 73 individuals were allocated to the intermittent catheterization group, and 74 individuals were allocated to the continuous catheterization group. The mean time to postpartum urinary retention resolution was significantly shorter in the intermittent catheterization group than in the continuous catheterization group (10.2±11.8 vs 26.5±9.0 hours; P<.001), with 75% and 93% resolution rates after 1 and 2 catheterizations, respectively. The number of individuals who achieved resolution at 24 hours was 72 (99%) in the intermittent catheterization group and 67 (91%) in the continuous catheterization group (P=.043). The satisfaction rate was higher in all categories in the intermittent catheterization group than in the continuous catheterization group (P<.001). No intercohort difference was found in the urinary tract infection rates (P=.89) or hospital stay length (P=.58). CONCLUSION: Compared with indwelling catheterization, intermittent catheterization for urinary retention after delivery was associated with quicker postpartum urinary retention resolution and a higher satisfaction rate without increasing the complication rates.

Prosocial behavior in toddlerhood and early childhood: Consistency across subtypes and over time.

Introduction: Young children show their capacity for compassion and their desire to enhance the welfare of others in multiple ways. The present study sought to address gaps in knowledge regarding prosociality in the early years. Specifically, the study examined whether different subtypes of prosociality are interrelated, whether they are consistent over time, as well as the meaning of young children's spontaneous versus cued prosocial behavior. Methods: In a longitudinal sample (N = 151), three subtypes of prosocial behavior-instrumental helping, compassionate helping (comforting), and sharing-were assessed using behavioral tasks in toddlerhood (18 months) and early childhood (36 months). Results: Consistent with hypothesis, partial convergence was found between the different prosociality subtypes at each age. There was also modest continuity over time, both within and across prosocial subtypes. Moreover, at both ages, when children helped or shared spontaneously, they also provided more assistance in the task. Children's tendency to assist spontaneously was partially consistent across situations by early childhood. Discussion: The findings indicate that a moderately stable disposition toward prosociality is already evident during early ontogeny. Moreover, different subtypes of prosocial behavior are distinct yet interrelated in the early years, suggesting they have both common and unique underlying mechanisms. Lastly, young children's spontaneous (versus cued) prosocial action appears to reflect both motivational and cognitive processes.

An informative video before planned cesarean delivery and maternal anxiety-a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Cesarean delivery is one of the most common procedures performed in obstetrics, and although cesarean delivery is a blissful occasion, it is commonly associated with fear and anxiety for the new mother. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to study the impact of watching a detailed, informative video on maternal anxiety levels, childbirth experience, and patient satisfaction in patients undergoing a primary cesarean delivery. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a multicenter randomized control trial. Women scheduled to undergo a primary nonemergent cesarean delivery were recruited. All participants in the intervention group watched an informative video on recruitment. This 4-minute video described in detail the expected cesarean delivery process: preparations before entering the operation room, regional anesthesia administration, sterile covering, the surgical procedure itself, and recovery (including mobilization and lactation). Situation-specific anxiety was measured at recruitment, before exposure to the video (S1), at the day of the operation (S2), and at postpartum day 1 (S3) using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory score. In addition, participants answered a 10-item Childbirth Experience Questionnaire. A sample size of 63 per group was planned to achieve 80% power to detect a difference of 5 points in the primary outcome (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory score on the day of the operation). RESULTS: Overall, 154 participants from 4 medical centers were randomized, and 132 participants were analyzed after completing all questionnaires, 64 participants in the video group and 68 participants in the control group. The groups did not differ in demographics and delivery characteristics and had similar baseline anxiety levels (S1). On operation day (S2, the primary outcome), significantly lower anxiety levels were reported in the video group than in the control group (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scores, 41.3±9.5 vs 49.3±10.3; P<.001). Moreover, anxiety levels in postpartum day 1 (S3) remained significantly lower in the video group (P<.001). No difference between the groups in childbirth experience score or patient satisfaction was demonstrated. CONCLUSION: A detailed informative video shown to patients before primary cesarean delivery decreased maternal anxiety levels before and after the procedure.

Feasibility of Fetal Proximal Lateral Cerebral Ventricle Measurement.

OBJECTIVES: Measuring the posterior horn of the lateral ventricle in the fetus during ultrasound scans may be challenging. We aimed to examine this measurement feasibility, in relation to gestational age. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted, including nonanomalous fetuses, in which both lateral ventricles measured less than 10 mm during anomaly scans. The measurements were performed according to the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology guidelines. Success rate of measuring both ventricles was assessed at different gestational ages. Association between lateral ventricle width with contralateral ventricle width, gender, gestational age, and fetal head position were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 156 cases were recruited. The lateral ventricle distal to the probe was measured in all cases. In 10 cases proximal lateral ventricle could not be adequately measured (failed proximal ventricle measurement group). In 146 scans both ventricle measurements were available. All 10 cases of failed proximal ventricle measurement were in third trimester (30-38 weeks). Success rate of measurement of both ventricles was 100%, 96.2%, 71.4%, and 37.5% for gestational week 14-29, 30-32, 33-35, and 36-38, respectively (P <.001). Proximal lateral ventricle width was strongly associated with the distal ventricle width (B = 0.422, 95% confidence interval 0.29, 0.555, P <.001), but not with head position, fetal gender, or gestational age. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of the proximal lateral ventricle is feasible in most cases, even during late third trimester scans. Efforts should be made to visualize both ventricles in every evaluation of the fetal brain.

Association of the Cerebro-Placental Ratio With Adverse Outcomes in Pregnancies Affected by Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

OBJECTIVES: Cerebro-placental ratio (CPR) is a doppler tool contributes to clinical decision-making in pregnancies affected by small for gestational age weight (SGA). Pregnancies affected by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) tend to have higher newborn weight, but greater risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. We hypothesized that in GDM-complicated-pregnancies CPR will be associated with adverse perinatal outcomes even in the absence of SGA. METHODS: This prospective single-center cohort study included non-anomalous singleton pregnancies in women with GDM. Those with pre-pregnancy diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disorder or suspected SGA were excluded. Routine fetal sonographic assessment included CPR-defined as middle cerebral artery pulsatilty index/umbilical artery pulsatilty index. Masked CPR measurement closest to birth was used, classified as >10th (normal) or ≤10th centile (low). Primary outcome was a composite, consisting of stillbirth, Caesarean birth due to abnormal fetal heart rate pattern, 5-minute Apgar <7, cord arterial pH < 7.0, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, or NICU admission >24 hours. RESULTS: Of 281 participants, 24 (8.5%) had low CPR, at a mean gestational age of 36.3 weeks (IQR 34.0-37.4). Birthweight percentile was significantly lower among the low CPR group (35th [IQR 16-31] versus 60th [IQR 31-82]; P = .002). There was no statistically difference in the primary composite outcome between the groups (8.3% versus 7.0%, P = .68). Low CPR was significantly associated with a higher risk of neonatal hypoglycemia (adjusted odds ratio 3.2, 95% CI 1.2-8.3). CONCLUSION: In pregnancies affected by GDM, CPR ≤10th percentile was not associated with adverse perinatal outcome but was associated with neonatal hypoglycemia.

Developmental trajectories of empathic concern in infancy and their links to social competence in early childhood.

BACKGROUND: Empathic concern is an important component of children's social competence. Yet, little is known about the role of the development of concern for others during infancy as a predictor of social competence in early childhood. METHODS: Israeli infants (N = 165, 50% girls) were observed five times, from 3 to 36 months. Empathic concern was assessed at ages 3-18 months using observations, and four components of social competence were assessed at 36 months using observations and teacher reports. RESULTS: Four groups with distinct developmental trajectories of empathic concern from 3 to 18 months were identified: early-onset (starting high and increasing), low-empathy (starting low with minimal increase), rising (starting low and increasing considerably), and a very small group with a negative slope (decreasing). The first three trajectories differed on aspects of social competence at 36 months. Early-onset children continued to exhibit the highest empathic concern. Both the early-onset and rising groups had greater affective knowledge than the low-empathy group. Moreover, the rising group had better peer relations compared with low-empathy trajectory children. CONCLUSIONS: Children who exhibit high levels of empathy early in infancy are likely to show high social competence later on. However, even when initial empathy levels are low, subsequent growth in empathy from 3 to 18 months can occur, with positive consequences for children's social competence at 36 months. Only children with low initial empathic concern and minimal growth across infancy are at increased risk of having poorer socioemotional capabilities in early childhood.

Association between level of training and reliability of intrapartum transperineal ultrasound measurement of angle of progression.

OBJECTIVES: Intrapartum transperineal ultrasound (ITU) is an accepted tool for assessing fetal head position and station prior to operative vaginal delivery attempt. However, the validity of intrapartum ultrasound in real-life obstetrics with operators at different proficiency level is yet to be established. We aimed to investigate the association between operator level of training and reliability of angle of progression (AOP) measurements in real-life obstetrics. METHODS: This was a retrospective study in one university medical center. We included women who underwent ITU for the measurement of AOP, before vacuum assisted delivery from November 2017 to September 2020. AOP measurements performed by residents and their correlation to head station were compared to those performed by specialists. RESULTS: A total of 320 cases met the inclusion criteria. In 234 of them, AOP measurements were performed by specialists and in 86 by residents. Average AOP for each station was similar between the specialists and the residents groups, indicating similar accuracy. However, measurements in the residents group were more scattered (median deviation 11.4° vs. 8.9°, respectively, p = .021), indicating poorer precision. CONCLUSIONS: AOP measurements performed by obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) specialists are more precise than those performed by residents. Efforts should be taken to improve ITU training and to implement assessment of performance programs.

Predicting externalizing behavior in toddlerhood from early individual differences in empathy.

BACKGROUND: From middle childhood onward, there is often a negative link between empathy and externalizing behavior problems. Patterns at younger ages are still unclear, with mixed findings of no association, negative associations, and positive associations. This study examines links between empathy and externalizing problems, beginning in infancy. METHODS: A community sample of infants (N = 165) was assessed for empathy at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 36 months, using behavioral observations. Externalizing problems were reported at 18 months (by mothers) and 36 months (by mothers and daycare teachers). RESULTS: Boys showed more externalizing problems than girls. For boys, negative associations between empathy and externalizing appeared, particularly with teacher reports. For girls, there were positive associations between empathy and externalizing, which weakened with age. For both genders, empathy at ages 3, 6, and 18 months appeared to protect against increases in externalizing from 18 to 36 months. CONCLUSIONS: The role of empathy in the development of early externalizing depends on both gender and age; toddler boys' externalizing may more typically stem from low empathy, whereas girls' early externalizing appears to be underlain by heightened sensitivity and unregulated or assertive approach attempts.