Birth weight reference for Japanese twins and risk factors for infant mortality: A population-based study.

There is no standard birth weight curve for twins in Japan other than a prototype curve based on 1988-1991. Twins have a high perinatal mortality rate than singletons; therefore, we developed a new standard curve for twin birth weight using data from the 1995-2016 Vital Statistics and compared it with previous reports. We used 469,064 cases for analysis, excluding stillbirths and cases with missing values, and created a standard curve using LMS (statistical methods to vary the distribution by using skewness, median, and coefficient of variation) method.

Nutrition-specific interventions for preventing and controlling anaemia throughout the life cycle: an overview of systematic reviews.

Background: Anaemia is a prevalent health problem worldwide. Some types are preventable or controllable with iron supplementation (pills or drops), fortification (sprinkles or powders containing iron added to food) or improvements to dietary diversity and quality (e.g.

Supporting the Decision Making of Children With Cancer: A Meta-synthesis.

Recently, awareness of children's decision making has increased in an effort to enhance palliative care. However, the conceptual framework for decision making among children with cancer remains unclear. We clarified the decision-making process of children with cancer regarding their care, treatment, and support from family and health care professionals, and identified their needs and preferences.

Secondhand Smoke Exposure During Pregnancy and Mothers' Subsequent Breastfeeding Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Secondhand smoke exposure of non-smoking women during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of adverse birth outcomes. However, the available evidence regarding the association between expectant mothers' secondhand smoke exposure and breastfeeding outcomes remains limited. This systematic review aimed to examine associations between secondhand smoke exposure of nonsmoking women during pregnancy with the initiation, prevalence, and duration or breastfeeding compared to women who were breastfeeding and had not been exposed to secondhand smoke.

Association of secondhand smoke and depressive symptoms in nonsmoking pregnant Women: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Globally about 30% of adult women and 40% of children are exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS) from active smokers. SHS exposure of pregnant women has been associated with postpartum depression. Unexposed women in pregnancy had lower rates of postpartum depression than women exposed to SHS.

Health Facility Staff Training for Improving Breastfeeding Outcome: A Systematic Review for Step 2 of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.

The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) implemented through the "Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding" has been widely promoted as an intervention that improves breastfeeding rates. Step 2 requires the training of all healthcare staff in skills that are necessary to implement the policy. This systematic review provides evidence about the effect of training healthcare staff in hospitals and birth centers on breastfeeding outcomes.

Evaluation of Myocardial Function According to Early Diastolic Intraventricular Pressure Difference in Fetuses.

Background: Intraventricular pressure difference (IVPD), the diastolic suction during early diastole, is known as a useful marker of myocardial diastolic function in adults with different heart diseases, but there are no studies of fetal IVPD. The aim of this study was to determine whether IVPD exists and changes prenatally and whether IVPD correlates with preexisting parameters to evaluate fetal cardiac diastolic function and ventricular dominance.

Methods: Cross-sectional study data (stroke volume, fetal cardiac output, E/A ratio, and myocardial performance index) from 117 healthy fetuses at 17 to 36 weeks of gestation were retrospectively evaluated.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasound Scanning for Prenatal Microcephaly in the context of Zika Virus Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

To assess the accuracy of ultrasound measurements of fetal biometric parameters for prenatal diagnosis of microcephaly in the context of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection, we searched bibliographic databases for studies published until March 3rd, 2016. We extracted the numbers of true positives, false positives, true negatives, and false negatives and performed a meta-analysis to estimate group sensitivity and specificity. Predictive values for ZIKV-infected pregnancies were extrapolated from those obtained for pregnancies unrelated to ZIKV.

Bed rest with and without hospitalisation in multiple pregnancy for improving perinatal outcomes.

Background: Strict or partial bed rest in hospital or at home is commonly recommended for women with multiple pregnancy to improve pregnancy outcomes. In order to advise women to rest in bed for any length of time, a policy for clinical practice needs to be supported by reliable evidence and weighed against possible adverse effects resulting from prolonged activity restriction.

Objectives: The objective of this review is to assess the effectiveness of bed rest in hospital or at home to improve perinatal outcomes in women with a multiple pregnancy.

Zika virus infection in pregnancy: a systematic review of disease course and complications.

Objectives: To characterize maternal Zika virus (ZIKV) infection and complement the evidence base for the WHO interim guidance on pregnancy management in the context of ZIKV infection.

Methods: We searched the relevant database from inception until March 2016. Two review authors independently screened and assessed full texts of eligible reports and extracted data from relevant studies.

Japanese secular trends in birthweight and the prevalence of low birthweight infants during the last three decades: A population-based study.

Since low birthweight has been correlated with both neonatal and long-term health, we performed this epidemiological study to evaluate the Japanese secular trends in mean birthweight and the prevalence of preterm/term low birthweight infants during the last three decades. We used population-based birth certificate data from January 1979 to December 2010. Time trends were analysed using a linear regression model.

Vitamin supplementation for preventing miscarriage.

Background: Miscarriage is a common complication of pregnancy that can be caused by a wide range of factors. Poor dietary intake of vitamins has been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, therefore supplementing women with vitamins either prior to or in early pregnancy may help prevent miscarriage.

Objectives: The objectives of this review were to determine the effectiveness and safety of any vitamin supplementation, on the risk of spontaneous miscarriage.