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(1) Background: Neonates born to SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers are at risk of infection, as well as adverse outcomes due to the infection. The aim of our study was to analyze the impact of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection on neonatal outcome. (2) Methods: We conducted a prospective, longitudinal study. We collected data on maternal symptomatology upon admission and their correlation with the development of the infant. Through a questionnaire we analyzed the impact on breastfeeding of the separation of the mother from the newborn, as well as the maternal psycho-emotional effect. (3) Results: Ninety infants were enrolled in the study, from one twin pregnancy and the rest singleton pregnancies. Out of the 89 mothers, 34 showed symptoms. Neonates from mothers with anosmia and ageusia had a higher value of WBC and lymphocytes (p = 0.06 and p = 0.04). Breastfeeding was started in 57.3% of mothers after their discharge from hospital and only 41.6% of the whole study group continued at the follow-up visit. Mothers who described a negative experience during hospitalization associated a 2.42 times higher risk of not continuing breastfeeding. (4) Conclusion: None of the infants enrolled in the study had SARS-CoV-2 infection either at birth or within the first two months of life. Breastfeeding was started with more than half newborns after discharge from hospital. The negative experience generated by the separation from their babies influenced breastfeeding.

(1) Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is essential in vasculo- and angiogenesis due to its role in endothelial cell proliferation and migration. As a vascular proliferative factor, VEGF is one of the hallmarks of cancer and, in adult populations, the relationship between genetic polymorphism and neoplasm was widely investigated. For the neonatal population, only a few studies attempted to uncover the link between the genetic polymorphism of VEGF and neonatal pathology, especially related to late-onset complications. Our objective is to evaluate the literature surrounding VEGF genetic polymorphisms and the morbidity of the neonatal period. (2) Methods: A systematic search was initially conducted in December 2022. The PubMed platform was used to explore MEDLINE (1946 to 2022) and PubMed Central (2000 to 2022) by applying the search string ((VEGF polymorphism*) and newborn*). (3) Results: The PubMed search yielded 62 documents. A narrative synthesis of the findings was undertaken considering our predetermined subheadings (infants with low birth weight or preterm birth, heart pathologies, lung diseases, eye conditions, cerebral pathologies, and digestive pathologies). (4) Conclusion: The VEGF polymorphisms seem to be associated with neonatal pathology. The involvement of VEGF and VEGF polymorphism has been demonstrated for retinopathy of prematurity.

Background: The interplay between vitamin K (vitK) (as carboxylation cofactor, partially produced by the gut microbiota) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), the end-product of fiber fermentation in the gut, has never been assessed in mother–newborn pairs, although newborns are considered vitK deficient and with sterile gut. Methods: We collected venous blood from 45 healthy mothers with uncomplicated term pregnancies and umbilical cord blood from their newborns at birth. The concentrations of total SCFAs and hepatic/extra-hepatic vitK-dependent proteins (VKDPs), as proxies of vitK status were assayed: undercarboxylated and total matrix Gla protein (ucMGP and tMGP), undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC), undercarboxylated Gla-rich protein (ucGRP), and protein induced by vitK absence II (PIVKA-II). Results: We found significantly higher ucOC (18.6-fold), ucMGP (9.2-fold), and PIVKA-II (5.6-fold) levels in newborns, while tMGP (5.1-fold) and SCFAs (2.4-fold) were higher in mothers, and ucGRP was insignificantly modified. In mother–newborn pairs, only ucGRP (r = 0.746, p < 0.01) and SCFAs (r = 0.428, p = 0.01) levels were correlated. Conclusions: We report for the first time the presence of SCFAs in humans at birth, probably transferred through the placenta to the fetus. The increased circulating undercarboxylated VKDPSs in newborns revealed a higher vitamin K deficiency at the extrahepatic level compared to liver VKDPs.

Polymorphism of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is known to play a role in cell development. Only the paternal IGF2 copy is active, while the copy inherited from the mother is inactive. This study aimed to explore whether maternal and paternal factors influence IGF2 polymorphism in newborns with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) compared to appropriate for gestational age (AGA). A cross-sectional exploratory study was conducted from June 2014 to November 2015 at the Neonatology, Gynecology 1 Clinic, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. The ApaI IGF2 genotypes and allele frequencies were similar in the IUGR and AGA groups (p-value > 0.10). The IUGR babies with a protective IGF2 genetic profile had significantly younger parents (a difference in the median age of 8 years for mothers and 9 years for fathers; p-value < 0.009). The IUGR babies had parents with lower birth weights than AGA babies (mothers’ medians: 2800 g vs. 3100 g; fathers’ medians: 3000 g vs. 3400 g; p-value < 0.02). In univariable regression analysis, the mother’s and father’s birth weight proved to be associated with IUGR. The father’s birth weight proved to be the only factor significantly associated with IUGR, independent of the mother’s birth weight or the presence of a protective IGF2 genetic profile (odd ratio = 0.998 [0.996 to 1.000], p-value = 0.032).

The aim of the study was to assess the use of echocardiographic measurements in newborns of diabetic mothers. Maternal diabetes is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality in pregnancy and in perinatal period. Thirty-five newborns of diabetic mothers (pregestational or gestational diabetes; case group) and thirty-five controls (control group), born between January 2009 and December 2012 in Cluj-Napoca (north-west of Romania), were included in this study. A Logiq e ultrasound with an 8 MHz transducer was used to measure echocardiographic parameters. The interventricular septal thickness in case group was higher as compared with control group (at end systole = 6.61±1.64 mm vs. 5.75±0.95 mm, p=0.0371; at end diastole = 4.61±1.59 mm vs. 3.42±0.70 mm, p=0.0001). A risk ratio of 2.333 (0.656, 8.298) was obtained for septal hypertrophy. A higher proportion of septal hypertrophy was identified in the newborns of mothers with gestational diabetes compared to the newborns of pregestational diabetes mothers (p=0.0058). The mean birth weight was significantly higher in newborns of diabetic mothers (3695.57±738.63) as compared with controls (3276.14±496.51; p=0.0071). Infants born to mothers with diabetes proved to be at a high risk of septal hypertrophy.

im: The aim of our research was to design and implement data collection instruments to be use in context of an observational prospective clinical study with follow-up conducted on new born with intrauterine growth restriction. Methods: The structure of the data collection forms (paper based and electronic based) was first identified and for each variable the best type to accomplish the research aim was established. The code for categorical variables has also been decided as well as the units of measurements for quantitative variables. In respect of good practice, a set of confounding factors (as gender, date of birth, etc.) have also been identified and integrated in data collection instruments. Data-entry validation rules were implemented for each variable to reduce data input errors when the electronic data collection instrument was created. Results: Two data collection instruments have been developed and successfully implemented: a paper-based form and an electronic data collection instrument. The developed forms included demographics, neonatal complications (as hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, etc.), biochemical data at birth and follow-up, immunological data, as well as basal and follow-up echocardiographic data. Data-entry validation criteria have been implemented in electronic data collection instrument to assure validity and precision when paper-based data are translated in electronic form. Furthermore, to assure subject’s confidentiality a careful attention was given to HIPPA identifiers when electronic data collection instrument was developed. Conclusion: Data collection instruments were successfully developed and implemented as an a priori step in a clinical research for assisting data collection and management in a case of an observational prospective study with follow-up visits.