Publications by authors named "N Vrachnis"
Introduction: The seasonality of human births has been studied globally for over two centuries, revealing diverse patterns across populations shaped by intricate interactions involving both biological and socio-cultural factors. This study offers a thorough examination of national birth data in Greece spanning from 1956 to 2022, aiming to elucidate long-term trends and changes in seasonal birth patterns.
Materials And Methods: Data on live births in Greece were categorized by month based on national registries, and the analysis of birth seasonality was conducted annually.
Placental insufficiency and gestational diabetes, which are both serious pregnancy complications, are linked to altered fetal growth, whether restricted or excessive, and result in metabolic dysfunction, hypoxic/oxidative injury, and adverse perinatal outcomes. Although much research has been carried out in this field, the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms have not as yet been fully elucidated. Particularly because of the role it plays in cardiovascular performance, glucose metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress, the adipokine apelin was recently shown to be a potential regulator of fetal growth and metabolic programming.
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- The study explores the relationship between the rising preterm birth rate (PBR) and the incidence of multiple births in Greece from 1991 to 2022, using official birth data.
- Results showed a very strong positive correlation (rho = 0.950) between PBR and multiple birth rate (MBR), with MBR explaining 83.8% of the changes in PBR during this period.
- While a perfect correlation was observed from 1991 to 2011 (rho = 0.987), the correlation weakened from 2011 to 2022 (rho = 0.655), indicating a shift in the dynamics influencing preterm births.
Introduction: Preterm labour is a serious pregnancy complication that is the primary cause of infant mortality, with detrimental impacts on the offspring and the mother in the short as well as the long term. This study aims to comprehensively present the time trends of national preterm birth rates (PBRs) in Greece.
Methods: Official national data regarding live births in Greece were acquired from the Hellenic Statistical Authority, and the annual total PBR and rates for gestational age groups were computed per 100 total live births spanning from 1980 to 2022.
Article Synopsis
- The study aims to investigate the rising cesarean section rates in Greece and implement interventions to promote vaginal delivery through a trial named ENGAGE, focusing on evidence-based practices.
- Twenty-two maternity units across Greece will participate in a multicenter trial involving 20,000 to 25,000 births, employing a stepped-wedge design whereby units will gradually implement interventions over 8-18 months.
- Key interventions include applying updated clinical guidelines, training on cardiotocography, and providing ongoing support to healthcare professionals, with data on cesarean rates and outcomes collected for analysis throughout the study.