Analysis of relationship between memory functions and blood indices across parturition in primigravidae

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONPsychoneuroendocrinology is a nascent and vibrant field of endocrinology, revealing the unexplored paths of the diversifying field relating to cognitive functions and blood indices which is an interesting learning arena. During the period of pregnancy, women undergo various physical stress factors such as exertion and fatigue. In accordance with the available literature, these factors have been linked with cognitive impairment which is believed to be the result of increased levels of corticosteroids, Oxytocin, and endogenous opiates (substances associated with conception and parturition). 1,2Betaendorphins, substance associated with conception ABSTRACT Background: Psychoneuroendocrinology is a nascent and vibrant field of endocrinology, revealing the unexplored paths of the diversifying field relating to cognitive functions and blood indices which is an interesting learning arena. This work, establishes the relationship of cognitive status and blood indices across parturition among the same subjects. Methods: The experimental design aimed at administration of cognitive assessment function tests as per Wechsler's memory scale to pregnant subjects and getting specific blood parameters analysed across parturition. The statistical analysis included regression analysis to eliminate the effect of age on the parameters considered and a paired T test to establish relationship across parturition among the same subjects. Results: Cognitive assessment of the subjects clearly revealed that the following aspects of cognitive functions during conception are significantly impaired post parturition general memory, mental control 1, 2, 3, immediate recall memory. (Mental control 4 and 5). Symbolic memory (observations). Whereas the following cognitive functions of the same subjects during conception, are NOT significantly impaired post parturition, orientation, digit cognition (mental control 6 and 7). In the case of blood indices, as per the results obtained, it is quite clearly evident that the following blood parameters of the same subjects showed statistically significant difference during conception compared to post parturition. Mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Whereas the following blood parameters of the same subjects showed NO statistically significant difference during conception compared to post parturition, haemoglobin (Hb), total count (TC), platelet count (PC) Conclusions: The domain of cognition related to immediate and recent memory functions, Mean corpuscular blood indices have shown significant variation during pregnancy compared to post parturition. Therefore, the parameters considered in this study indirectly reflects upon the hormonal influence on cognition and blood indices, further studies will help venture more into this newer field of psycho endoneuroimmunology.