INTRODUCTION Poorly treated or untreated maternal overt hyperthyroidism may affect pregnancy outcome. Fetal and neonatal hypo- or hyper-thyroidism and neonatal central hypothyroidism may complicate health issues during intrauterine and neonatal periods. AIM To review articles related to appropriate management of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy and lactation. METHODS A literature review was...

While the use of creatine in human pregnancy is yet to be fully evaluated, its long-term use in healthy adults appears to be safe, and its well documented neuroprotective properties have recently been extended by demonstrations that creatine improves cognitive function in normal and elderly people, and motor skills in sleep-deprived subjects. Creatine has many actions likely to benefit the fetu...

Zinc is a key element for growth and development. In this narrative review, we focus on the role of dietary zinc in early life (including embryo, fetus and preterm neonate), analyzing consequences of zinc deficiency and adequacy of current recommendations on dietary zinc. We performed a systematic search of articles on the role of zinc in early life. We selected and analyzed 81 studies. Results...

Early evidence that long-term effects of an adverse environment in fetal life and infancy may be determinants of CVD in humans came from geographical studies. The large geographical differences in death rates from CVD in England and Wales remain largely unexplained. Variations in adult diet and cigarette smoking do not explain why the highest rates are in industrial areas in the north and west ...

AIMS To study the distribution of clinically important red cell antibodies in pregnancy, and the associated fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. METHODS The case notes of women with clinically important red cell antibodies identified in their serum during pregnancy were reviewed. RESULTS During a 12 month period 22,264 women were referred for antenatal screening. Clinically important...

BACKGROUND Differences in responses to environmental chemicals and drugs between life stages are likely due in part to differences in the expression of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes and transporters (XMETs). No comprehensive analysis of the mRNA expression of XMETs has been carried out through life stages in any species. RESULTS Using full-genome arrays, the mRNA expression of all XMETs and...

To the Editor: Two sisters, Patient K (age 36) and Patient S (age 38) lived in the same household and shared all foods prepared in their home. Patient K was pregnant, and her sister, Patient S, became pregnant two months later. Patient K suffered a sudden, spontaneous abortion; two months later, Patient S also suffered a spontaneous abortion. Two sisters-in-law, Patient L (age 33) and Patient 2...

Context: Metformin therapy for treatment of GDM (Gestational Diabetes Mellitus) is not yet approved by FDA. Objectives: To assess the glycaemic control in women with GDM who received metformin therapy and to know the maternal side-effects and effects on the fetus-neonate. Material and Methods: A preliminary retrospective cohort analysis of 38 women with GDM who received metformin along with die...

INTRODUCTION This review of the safety and risks of nitrous oxide (N(2) O) labor analgesia presents results of a search for evidence of its effects on labor, the mother, the fetus, the neonate, breastfeeding, and maternal-infant bonding. Concerns about apoptotic damage to the brains of immature mammals exposed to high doses of N(2) O during late gestation, possible cardiovascular risks from hyp...