By analyzing data from Swiss maternity hospital registries during the period of false calls spanish flu (1918/19), scientists from the University of Zurich noted a significant increase in low birth weight and fetal deaths during and after the pandemic and argued They are similar to patterns shown during the recent Covid-19 pandemic.
In an observational study, it appeared that PLOS OneKaspar Staub of the University of Zurich emphasizes that after the so-called pandemic spanish fluin 1918 and 1919, Increased likelihood of low birth weight and stillbirth among Swiss women. They stressed that if this trend is confirmed by more studies, it may indicate some consistency between epidemics.
February 11, 2021 Biotechnology Magazines and News We published extensive information about this researcher from the Institute for Evolutionary Medicine at the University of Zurich about his involvement in research on both epidemics, published in Annals of Internal Medicine.
Specifically, he compared it with a team of experts in evolutionary medicine, history, geography, and epidemiology spanish flu The Covid-19 pandemic broke out in 1918 and 1919 in the canton of Bern (Switzerland).
Now, Staub’s team studied temporal changes in neonatal health outcomes (birth weight, gestational age, stillbirth rates) and the impact of different cofactors over two time periods. In addition, they specifically investigated neonatal health following the 1918/19 influenza pandemic.
Linear and logistic regression models
Data were transcribed from the Maternity Hospital of Bern and cover two time periods: 1880, 1885, 1890, 1895 and 1900 (N = 1530, birth coverage 20%); 1914-1922 (N = 6924 births Coverage 40-50%).
Linear regression models were used to estimate the effect of birth year on birth weight, and logistic regression models were used to estimate the effects of birth year and epidemic exposure on preterm birth, stillbirth, and low birth weight. LBW).
Average birth weight increased only slightly between the two data sets; while preterm birth and stillbirth rates decreased significantly from 1914 to 1922 compared with 1880 to 1900.
Sex, parity, gestational age, and maternal age were significantly associated with birth weight in both periods. The probability of LBW increased significantly in 1918 and 1919compared to 1914.
Mothers who are highly exposed to pandemic influenza during pregnancy are at higher risk of stillbirth.
‘Spanish Flu’ and Covid-19
Therefore, its authors emphasize that in this work they demonstrated Factors affecting newborn health are multifactorial but similar in both periods. Furthermore, exposure to the 1918/19 pandemic was less associated with low birth weight and more associated with an increased risk of stillbirth.
“They concluded that if this trend were confirmed by more studies, May indicate some consistency between epidemics, as a similar pattern has recently emerged with Covid-19. “
They conclude by saying that this study is another example showing that the largest epidemic of the last century is associated with an increased risk of stillbirth and low birth weight. “This motivates us to better prepare for future epidemics to mitigate their impact on maternal and newborn health.”
Staub and his team were able to conduct this research thanks to funding from the Swiss National Science Foundation and the Maxi Foundation in Zurich. They declare that they had no role in study design, data, collection and analysis, decision for publication, or preparation of the text.
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