Exploring the Link between Maternal Hematological Disorders during Pregnancy and Neurological Development in Newborns: Mixed Cohort Study

Life (Basel). 2023 Oct 5;13(10):2014. doi: 10.3390/life13102014.

Abstract

Maternal hematological disorders during pregnancy may pose a risk to the neurological development of newborns. To investigate the association between maternal hematological disorders during pregnancy and neurological outcomes in newborns, this mixed cohort study was conducted on 200 pregnant women diagnosed with hematological disorders during pregnancy. Some cases have been identified in the past who have completed the pregnancy in full, as well as cases in pregnancy. Currently, the children of all mothers have been followed up to evaluate the neurological outcomes of the children at the age of three months. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between maternal hematological disorders and neurological outcomes in newborns. Children born to mothers with hematological disorders had a higher risk of developmental delays (OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 0.90-2.50), cognitive impairments (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.20-2.70), and motor impairments (OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.00-2.50) compared to children born to mothers without hematological disorders. Hemophilia was associated with the highest risk of neurological outcomes (developmental delay: OR = 2.80, 95% CI = 1.60-4.90; cognitive impairment: OR = 3.20, 95% CI = 2.00-5.10; motor impairment: OR = 2.60, 95% CI = 1.50-4.60). Conclusion: Our study suggests that maternal hematological disorders during pregnancy may increase the risk of negative neurological consequences in newborns. Further research is needed to identify potential mechanisms and explore preventive measures.

Keywords: cognitive impairment; developmental delay; hematological disorders; hemophilia; motor impairment; neurological outcomes; pregnancy.

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.