Biomarkers of maternal environmental enteric dysfunction are associated with shorter gestation and reduced length in newborn infants in Uganda.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Adverse birth outcomes, including preterm birth and stunting at birth, have long-term health implications. The relation between adverse birth outcomes and chronic, asymptomatic gastrointestinal inflammation (environmental enteric dysfunction-EED) is poorly understood.

Objective

We aimed to examine the relation between maternal EED and adverse birth outcomes in a sample of pregnant Ugandan women and their newborn infants.

Design

We conducted a prospective cohort study in Mukono, Uganda. A total of 258 pregnant women were enrolled at their first prenatal visit (∼18 weeks of gestation). EED was measured by urinary lactulose:mannitol (L:M) ratio and serum concentrations of antibodies to the bacterial components flagellin and LPS. Covariates were obtained from s

SUBMITTER: Lauer JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6186209 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature