Neurodevelopmental assessment of infants born to mothers with hypertensive disorder of pregnancy at six months of age

Abstract

Infant neurodevelopment is a complex process which may be affected by different events during pregnancy, such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). We conducted a prospective cohort study to compare the prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders in infants born to mothers with and without HDP at six months of age. Participants attended the Health Observatory of Instituto de Desarrollo e Investigaciones Pediátricas “Prof. Dr. Fernando E. Viteri” during 2018 and 2019. Infant neurodevelopment was assessed with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development—Third Edition (Bayley-III). Data were analyzed using Chi-square, Student’s t-test and Mann–Whitney test. Of the 132 participating infants, 68 and 64 were born to mothers with and without HDP, respectively. At six months, the prevalence of risk of neurodevelopmental delay was significantly higher in infants born to mothers with than without HDP (27.9% vs. 9.4%; p = 0.008) (odds ratio, 3.71; 95% confidence interval, 1.30; 12.28). In conclusion, infants born to mothers with HDP had three times increased risk of neurodevelopmental delay at six months of age.

Hypertension Related Co-Morbidities and Complications in Women of Sub-Saharan Africa: A Brief Review

“…[155][156][157][158] Notably, neurological issues are at higher rates of developmental delays in babies born to HDP mothers. 153 Additionally, maternal HDP elevates the likelihood of offspring developing conditions such as autism spectrum disorder by 1.4-fold and attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder by 1.3-fold, signifying a profound and far-reaching impact on their health and development. 153 Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy Physiology Pregnancy presents a major stress test for the cardiovascular system, constituting a dynamic process necessitating diverse maternal adaptations to establish successful uteroplacental circulation with escalating metabolic demands for fetal growth and development.…”

“…153 Additionally, maternal HDP elevates the likelihood of offspring developing conditions such as autism spectrum disorder by 1.4-fold and attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder by 1.3-fold, signifying a profound and far-reaching impact on their health and development. 153 Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy Physiology Pregnancy presents a major stress test for the cardiovascular system, constituting a dynamic process necessitating diverse maternal adaptations to establish successful uteroplacental circulation with escalating metabolic demands for fetal growth and development. 159 These physiological changes in the maternal cardiovascular system manifest rapidly within the initial 6 weeks of gestation, encompassing a decrease in mean arterial BP and an augmentation in arterial vasodilation, glomerular filtration rate, stroke volume, cardiac output, and arterial vasodilation.…”

“…Long-term effects on children exposed to maternal HDP involve lower cognitive abilities, mental disorders, neurodevelopmental problems, and increased risks of CVD and metabolic disorders. 153,154 The diagnosis of HDP amplifies the risk of offspring developing adverse metabolic outcomes, improper growth and development, and neurological and cardiovascular outcomes. [155][156][157][158] Notably, neurological issues are at higher rates of developmental delays in babies born to HDP mothers.…”

“…Long-term effects on children exposed to maternal HDP involve lower cognitive abilities, mental disorders, neurodevelopmental problems, and increased risks of CVD and metabolic disorders. 153,154…”

“…155–158 Notably, neurological issues are at higher rates of developmental delays in babies born to HDP mothers. 153 Additionally, maternal HDP elevates the likelihood of offspring developing conditions such as autism spectrum disorder by 1.4-fold and attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder by 1.3-fold, signifying a profound and far-reaching impact on their health and development. 153…”