Early human development最新文献

{"title":"Impact of chorionicity and histological chorioamnionitis on neurodevelopment and mortality in extremely preterm twins","authors":"Shuji Ishida ,&nbsp;Hidehiko Nakanishi ,&nbsp;Rika Sekiya ,&nbsp;Kohei Kawada ,&nbsp;Yukako Kosaka ,&nbsp;Ayano Yamaguchi ,&nbsp;Mari Ooka ,&nbsp;Neonatal Research Network, Japan","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106370","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106370","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Histological chorioamnionitis (HCAM) is associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes; however, its role in extremely preterm twin pregnancies (&lt;28 weeks of gestation), particularly in relation to chorionicity, is unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To evaluate the association between HCAM severity and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 3 years old in extremely preterm twins, focusing on the modifying effect of chorionicity.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Utilizing data from the Neonatal Research Network of Japan (2004–2020), this retrospective cohort study included twins born at &lt;28 weeks' gestation and birth weight &lt; 1500 g. HCAM severity was classified based on Blanc's criteria. Primary outcomes were cerebral palsy (CP) and developmental quotient (DQ) &lt; 70 at 3 years old, assessed using the Kyoto Scale of Psychological Development. Secondary outcomes included death before neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge and a composite outcome of death, including CP or DQ &lt; 70. Multivariate logistic regression was performed adjusting for confounders and including interaction terms.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among 1249 infants, HCAM severity was not significantly associated with CP or DQ &lt; 70 in monochorionic diamniotic (MD) or dichorionic diamniotic (DD) twins. MD twins exhibited a significantly higher mortality risk than DD twins (adjusted odds ratio: 1.73; 95 % confidence intervals: 1.22–2.46). Moreover, significant interaction between HCAM and chorionicity was not observed for mortality.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In this large, multicenter cohort of extremely preterm twins, HCAM was not associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes or early mortality. However, monochorionic status was independently associated with increased NICU mortality, highlighting the predominant role of chorionicity in twin pregnancy–related outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 106370"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144921901","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness of an oral-motor intervention for premature infants: Feeding and maternal self-efficacy","authors":"Zohar Meroz ,&nbsp;Jennifer R. Budman ,&nbsp;Aviva Yochman ,&nbsp;Alona Bin-Nun ,&nbsp;Anat Golos","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106382","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106382","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This pilot study examines the effects of a non-invasive mother-administered oral motor stimulation intervention incorporating maternal breast milk, on feeding quality, and maternal self-efficacy, which has not previously been examined.</div></div><div><h3>Background</h3><div>Preterm infants are at risk of feeding difficulties, and while oral motor interventions have demonstrated efficacy, few have examined outcomes related to parental self-efficacy.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In a controlled prospective pilot study, 46 preterm infants were randomly assigned to intervention (<em>n</em> = 26) or control (<em>n</em> = 20) groups. The intervention group received an oral-motor stimulation program using breast milk, which involved mothers performing external oral stimulation followed by non-nutritive sucking with breast milk for 10 min, twice a day, over a 10-day period. The control group received routine care.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Intervention group showed significantly improved oral feeding quality as measured by the Infant-Driven Feeding Scales (IDFS). No significant group differences were observed in days to full oral feeding or hospital stay length. Maternal parenting self-efficacy increased significantly over time for both groups, with no significant group differences. Intervention's feasibility showed through intervention group mothers' reports that it is an applicable treatment, contributes to strengthening mother-infant bond, maternal sense of self-efficacy in the general care of their preterm infants, particularly in feeding them</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Non-invasive oral motor stimulation using breast milk promotes oral feeding quality in preterm infants.</div></div><div><h3>Implications</h3><div>Implementation of this intervention by mothers, at early hospitalization stages, may strengthen maternal self-efficacy, especially in acquiring feeding skills.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 106382"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144921902","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cord blood-derived cell therapies for preterm brain injury","authors":"Abdul Razak ,&nbsp;Lindsay Zhou ,&nbsp;Graham Jenkin ,&nbsp;Rod W. Hunt ,&nbsp;Suzanne L. Miller ,&nbsp;Courtney A. McDonald ,&nbsp;Atul Malhotra","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106369","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106369","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Preterm birth, defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation, remains a leading contributor to neonatal morbidity and long-term neurodevelopmental impairments. Brain injuries such as intraventricular haemorrhage, white matter injury and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy are common in this population and are mediated by overlapping pathophysiological mechanisms including inflammation, cerebrovascular immaturity, cell death and impaired repair. Current therapeutic options for these conditions are limited and are largely supportive. Umbilical cord blood (UCB)-derived cell therapy has emerged as a novel strategy to target these shared pathophysiological pathways. UCB contains diverse cell types—hematopoietic stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, endothelial progenitor cells and regulatory T cells—with regenerative, immunomodulatory and neuroprotective properties. Preclinical studies in rodent and limited large-animal models show consistent benefits of UCB therapy, including attenuation of neuroinflammation, reduced apoptosis, promotion of oligodendrocyte maturation and improved functional outcomes. However, variability in model design and lack of long-term endpoints hinder clinical translation. Clinical research into cord blood-derived therapies for preterm brain injury is still in its early stages, with most studies to date focused on feasibility and safety rather than efficacy. While preventative approaches have dominated, therapeutic trials for infants with established brain injury remain limited. Small case series suggest potential benefits in intraventricular haemorrhage, but other injury types, such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, stroke, or cerebellar haemorrhage, remain largely unexplored in the preterm population. Recent studies using reinfusion of a preterm infant's own cord blood derived cells show promising safety and early signs of reduced risk for conditions like cerebral palsy. Larger efficacy trials are now underway, including those targeting severe, established preterm brain injuries, marking a significant step toward clinical application.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 106369"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144908098","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"“From birth to puberty: the main physio-pathological changes of the mammary gland during childhood and adolescence, described and illustrated”","authors":"Cristiana Boldrini ,&nbsp;Roberta Dattoli ,&nbsp;Angelica Marra ,&nbsp;Micol Bottalico ,&nbsp;Alessandro Cina ,&nbsp;Paolo Belli","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106356","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106356","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Under hormonal stimulation, from birth to puberty, various normal and abnormal changes in the mammary gland occur, and pediatric patients may sometimes present with significant breast changes. Many conditions are physiological and transient; however, they can cause anxiety and concern. Some of them, although less common, may involve a non-physiological process or a latent disease, therefore, timely diagnosis is essential to prevent complications that can lead to permanent consequences. The objective of this review is to provide a systematic description of the clinical and radiological characteristics of the most common breast disorders during childhood and puberty, in order to help formulate a correct differential diagnosis and promptly intervene if necessary. A set of illustrations relating to the conditions described is supplied to complete the document, mainly ultrasound images but not only, which can support the professional in clinical practice. The main literature on pediatric breast (reviews and case reports) published over the past twenty-five years was examined, using as keywords “breast development,” “pediatric breast,” “breast enlargement”; “neonatal mastitis”; “infantile breast/mammary ductal ectasia”; “gynecomastia”; “isolated premature thelarche”; “central precocious puberty”; “breast asymmetry”; “breast ductal ectasia”; “juvenile breast hypertrophy”; “fibrocystic changes”; “fibroadenoma”. A careful physical examination, combined with a targeted ultrasound evaluation, in most cases allows for a correct diagnosis of the breast pathology in childhood and adolescence; appropriate laboratory tests may be necessary. Furthermore, ultrasound examination may help avoid unnecessary worry, and set aside unnecessary invasive diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 106356"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144772871","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Alterations in EEG functional connectivity in preterm infants: A systematic review","authors":"Jiaqi Li ,&nbsp;Chunjie Jiang ,&nbsp;Xin Xu ,&nbsp;Guoqiang Cheng","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106387","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106387","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To synthesise current evidence on electroencephalography-based functional connectivity in preterm infants and clarify how prematurity alters early brain-network maturation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A PRISMA-guided search (PubMed and Web of Science, inception–Mar 2025) identified 24 studies that quantified resting-state functional connectivity or graph-theory metrics in infants born &lt;37 weeks' gestation. Study quality was rated with a six-item electroencephalography-functional connectivity checklist (reference montage, epoch length/number, artefact rejection, volume-conduction control, multiple-comparison correction).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Across studies, neonatal functional connectivity development showed patterns that varied by frequency band, postmenstrual age, and behavioural state. Reported trends included decreasing delta-band coherence with advancing postmenstrual age, increasing frontal theta synchrony, and sleep-state differences in which active sleep more often featured focal high-frequency coupling, whereas quiet sleep involved broader low-frequency integration. Some longitudinal and follow-up studies suggested beta-band connectivity alterations and changes in network topology that may persist into adolescence or adulthood. Graph-theoretical analyses generally described a shift from neonatal small-world organization toward greater segregation, although preterm groups in several studies showed higher clustering and lower efficiency than controls. Methodological heterogeneity was notable, with only one study fulfilling all quality criteria; common limitations included low-density montages (≤ 32 channels) and lack of multiple-comparison control.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Prematurity induces lasting alterations in segregation–integration balance and frequency-specific coupling that relate to later cognitive and motor outcomes. Methodological heterogeneity and small samples, however, limit cross-study comparability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 106387"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144987945","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimizing antenatal corticosteroid therapy: Balancing benefit and risk in the era of precision medicine","authors":"Hannah R.S. Watson ,&nbsp;Matthew W. Kemp ,&nbsp;Erin L. Johnson","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106389","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106389","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) therapy is a cornerstone of modern perinatal care and remains an effective intervention for reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality associated with preterm birth. However, emerging evidence highlights the need for a more refined approach to ACS use, especially with contemporary expansion of the ACS therapy eligible population. A relatively small pool of evidence exists for several sub-populations exposed to ACS therapy, including multiple pregnancies, intrauterine growth restriction and in the setting of chorioamnionitis. This review synthesized current evidence on the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of ACS, with particular focus on dose optimization, long-term outcomes, and variability in fetal treatment response. We examined the potential of developing tools to assess fetal lung maturation and thus pregnancies that would most benefit from ACS therapy. Additionally, we sought to address emerging concerns regarding ACS overexposure and unintended effects on non-pulmonary fetal systems. The review highlights key knowledge gaps, particularly in relation to long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes, optimal dosing strategies, and tools for individualized risk prediction. Development of precision-based approaches to ACS therapy is essential to ensure maximal benefit and minimal harm across varied clinical contexts in which this intervention is used.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 106389"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145039308","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Predictors of father-infant attachment security in a Portuguese sample","authors":"Rita Almeida ,&nbsp;Luísa Barros ,&nbsp;Margarida Santos ,&nbsp;Marjorie Beeghly ,&nbsp;Marina Fuertes","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106374","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106374","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A growing literature shows that fathers play a critical role in their children's development and mental health. However, few studies have evaluated fathers as caregivers and attachment figures, particularly across cultures. We address this gap by investigating specific predictors of infant-father attachment patterns during the first year postpartum and their links to infant-father attachment at 12 months. The sample included Portuguese father-infant dyads who were recruited at the infant's birth and followed longitudinally to 12 months. At 3 and 9 months, dyads were observed during free play and the Face-to-Face Still-Face paradigm (FFSF). Fathers also reported on their involvement in daily caregiving activities. At 12 months, father-infant dyads were observed in Ainsworth's Strange Situation paradigm (SSP), and fathers reported on their parenting stress. Results showed that multiple infant and paternal variables were associated with secure attachment at 12 months, including a social-positive regulatory pattern exhibited in the FFSF at 9 months, greater paternal sensitivity and less control, and more infant cooperation, during free play at 3 and 9 months, and greater paternal involvement in specific caregiving activities at 9 months. Fathers of infants with a disorganized attachment were less involved in play interactions at 3 and 9 months, and their infants exhibited less cooperative behavior and were more likely to display an inconsolable regulatory pattern during the FFSF. Results of binary logistic regression indicate that 9-month paternal sensitivity and control predicted secure attachment. This study confirms the uniqueness of father-infant relationships.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 106374"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144917685","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Associations between fetal movement and maternal-fetal attachment in late pregnancy.","authors":"Kathy Ayala, Lissa Falcioni, Jeff Eilbott, Jocelyn Lamore, Kristin Voegtline, Helena J V Rutherford","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106351","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106351","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) represents the evolving psychological bond between a pregnant person and their fetus, reflecting early emotional investment and expectations of the maternal role. Maternal awareness and response to fetal movement are key components of MFA, suggesting that fetal activity may serve as a meaningful cue in the development of maternal representations of the baby. Previous work shows that engaging in fetal movement counting significantly enhances MFA scores, and mothers who perceive greater fetal movements have higher MFA scores compared to those who perceive fewer movements. However, it remains unclear if this association reflects perception alone, or whether associations between objective fetal movement and MFA exist. Therefore, we objectively measured fetal movement alongside MFA in 51 pregnant women (mean age 28.9 years, SD = 6.0) in their third trimester (mean gestational weeks 36.7, SD = 2.2). Fetal movement was objectively measured with a Toitu MT-516 fetal actocardiograph and MFA was assessed using the Prenatal Attachment Inventory-Revised. Greater fetal movement was associated with higher MFA scores, independent of maternal mood, parity, knowledge of fetal sex, and gestational age. Taken together, these findings underscore the relevance of fetal movement within the psychology of pregnancy, suggesting that fetal movement outside of maternal perception may function as a communicative signal to enhance MFA. As maternal-fetal attachment is linked to postpartum bonding and caregiving, understanding these prenatal associations provides insight into how early psychological and relational processes shape postnatal development across the perinatal period.</p>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"210 ","pages":"106351"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12715726/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144798480","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Discontinuation of automated oxygen control in preterm infants in the NICU: A 5-year single centre real-world experience","authors":"Fleur Brouwer ,&nbsp;Sophie J.E. Cramer ,&nbsp;Ratna N.G.B. Tan ,&nbsp;Arjan B. te Pas ,&nbsp;Janneke Dekker","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106386","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106386","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>With AOC integrated as standard care, this study aimed to evaluate the experience of discontinuation in a real-world single centre setting.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This observational study at Leiden University Medical Centre combined focus groups, which explored caregivers' criteria for AOC discontinuation and restart, with a retrospective analysis of preterm infants (24–37 weeks gestation) who received AOC for ≥24 h. This analysis assessed caregivers' decision-making regarding AOC discontinuation, success rate and clinical parameters within 48 hour post-discontinuation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Discontinuation decisions were based on FiO₂ levels and variability over the preceding 24 h. Among 172 infants, the success rate was 78.5 %, varying by gestational age (GA): 50 % for extremely preterm (&lt;28 weeks), 84.8 % for very preterm (28–32 weeks), and 84.0 % for preterm infants (&gt;32 weeks) (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001).</div><div>Clinical parameters over the 48 hour post-discontinuation differed between infants who successfully discontinued and those requiring a restart. Extremely preterm infants showed lower SpO₂ levels, reflecting a leftward shift in SpO₂ distribution post-discontinuation and prolonged instability during the restart phase. Very preterm infants showed a similar shift, though less pronounced, while preterm infants maintained SpO₂ levels above 90 %. Further analysis revealed extremely preterm infants exhibited greater SpO₂ fluctuations, which further increases after AOC restart. Variability in FiO₂ increased across all GA subgroups after AOC restart, with the most significant increase in extremely preterm infants.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>AOC discontinuation success rates vary by GA, with extremely preterm infants facing the most difficulty maintaining stable oxygenation, even after AOC restart.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 106386"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145044169","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Small-for-gestational-age and eating problems in infants aged 2.5 years: a nationwide population-based study in Japan","authors":"Akihito Takeuchi ,&nbsp;Naomi Matsumoto ,&nbsp;Yousuke Higuchi ,&nbsp;Asami Ohyama ,&nbsp;Kei Tamai ,&nbsp;Kazue Nakamura ,&nbsp;Makoto Nakamura ,&nbsp;Misao Kageyama ,&nbsp;Takashi Yorifuji","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106352","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106352","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To examine the association between small-for-gestational-age (SGA) status and eating behaviors in infants.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Data from a large nationwide population-based longitudinal survey in Japan that began in 2010 was analyzed. The study participants were preterm and term children aged 2.5 years with information on eating behaviors (n = 32,096). SGA was defined as birth weight below the 10th percentile for GA, based on the Japanese reference value for birth size. Poisson regression was used to estimate the risk ratios (RRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between SGA status and each eating problems at 2.5 years of age, adjusting for potential infant- and parent-related confounding factors.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>SGA children were more likely to have a small appetite (aRR: 2.08, 95 % CI: 1.86–2.32) and fluctuating appetite (aRR: 1.09, 95 % CI: 1.04–1.14), and were more likely to be unable to eat calmly (aRR 1.10, 95 % CI:1.05–1.15) than non-SGA children after controlling for potential confounding variables.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>SGA was a risk factor for appetite and behavioral problems during eating. For SGA children who are prone to difficulties with eating behavior, a multifaceted approach should be taken to help them improve.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 106352"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144772872","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}