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Linking the Perinatal Environment to Neonatal Cardiovascular Outcomes
Saichidroopi Korada1, Maria R Jebbia2,3, Leeann R Pavlek1,2,3
1Center for Perinatal Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH.
Insights
High-risk pregnancies increase maternal and neonatal health issues. This review explores how these conditions impact fetal and neonatal heart development, affecting long-term cardiac health.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Cardiology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- High-risk pregnancies are increasing globally, leading to greater maternal and neonatal morbidity.
- Common complications include preterm birth, hypertensive disorders, fetal growth restriction, diabetes mellitus, and chorioamnionitis.
- These perinatal conditions are linked to fetal and neonatal cardiac morbidities, such as altered cardiac growth and dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of how high-risk pregnancies affect fetal and neonatal cardiac development.
- To elucidate the link between the perinatal environment and long-term cardiac outcomes.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article.
- It synthesizes existing research on the topic.
Main Results:
- Perinatal conditions in high-risk pregnancies contribute to significant cardiac morbidities in fetuses and neonates.
- These effects can persist, leading to increased cardiac issues in children and adults.
Conclusions:
- The perinatal environment significantly influences fetal and neonatal cardiac development.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term implications of high-risk pregnancies on cardiac health.
Abstract:
Cases of high-risk pregnancies continue to rise throughout the United States and globally, increasing rates of maternal and neonatal morbidity. Common pregnancy complications and morbidities include preterm birth, hypertensive disorders, fetal growth restriction, diabetes mellitus, and chorioamnionitis. Exposure to these perinatal conditions contributes to cardiac morbidities in the fetus and neonate, including altered cardiac growth, congenital heart disease, and cardiac dysfunction. Significant research has demonstrated lasting effects of these pregnancy complications, with increased rates of cardiac morbidities seen in children and adults after these perinatal exposures. The link between the perinatal environment and long-term outcomes has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this review is to discuss the current understanding of the implications of a high-risk pregnancy on fetal and neonatal cardiac development.
