New Japanese neonatal anthropometric charts for gestational age at birth.

Background: More than 10 years have passed since the previous Japanese neonatal growth charts were published, therefore the aim of this study was to develop an updated set of Japanese neonatal growth charts.

Methods: We used data from the registry database of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology from 2003 until 2005. A total of 150,471 singleton live births without stillbirth or severe congenital malformation were enrolled in the preliminary analysis.

Abdominal aortic intima-media thickness in preschool children born preterm.

Recently aortic intima-media thickness (IMT) has been used as an earlier marker of preclinical atherosclerosis in high-risk children, such as those with type 1 diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia. Children who were born preterm have an early elevation in insulin resistance, which may be a risk factor for metabolic syndrome in adulthood. However, there is no optimal marker of subsequent cardiovascular disease for children born preterm.

Distribution of birth weight for gestational age in Japanese infants delivered by cesarean section.

Background: Neonatal anthropometric charts of the distribution of measurements, mainly birth weight, taken at different gestational ages are widely used by obstetricians and pediatricians. However, the relationship between delivery mode and neonatal anthropometric data has not been investigated in Japan or other countries.

Methods: The subjects were selected from the registration database of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (2003-2005).

Type of milk feeding affects hematological parameters and serum lipid profile in Japanese infants.

Background: Type and volume of infant feeding determines infant growth, hematological parameters, and serum lipids.

Methods: Study subjects consisted of 103 infants who were born vaginally at term, with birthweight >2200 g. Milk feeding amount, type, and anthropometry were measured at 1 and 6 months.

Differences in perception of the WHO International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes between pediatricians and obstetricians in Japan.

Background: The World Health Organization International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes (WHO Code) aims to protect and promote breastfeeding. Japan ratified the WHO Code in 1994, but most hospitals in Japan continue to receive free supplies of infant formula and distribute discharge packs to new mothers provided by infant formula companies. The aim of this study was to explore the knowledge and attitudes of pediatricians and obstetricians in Japan to the WHO Code.