A dynamical systems model of intrauterine fetal growth |
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| Authors: | Mohammad T Freigoun Penghong Guo Emily E Hohman Alison D Gernand Danielle Symons Downs |
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| Institution: | 1. Control Systems Engineering Laboratory, School for the Engineering of Matter, Transport, and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA;2. Center for Childhood Obesity Research, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA;3. Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA;4. Exercise Psychology Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA;5. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA |
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| Abstract: | ABSTRACTThe underlying mechanisms for how maternal perinatal obesity and intrauterine environment influence foetal development are not well understood and thus require further understanding. In this paper, energy balance concepts are used to develop a comprehensive dynamical systems model for foetal growth that illustrates how maternal factors (energy intake and physical activity) influence foetal weight and related components (fat mass, fat-free mass, and placental volume) over time. The model is estimated from intensive measurements of foetal weight and placental volume obtained as part of Healthy Mom Zone (HMZ), a novel intervention for managing gestational weight gain in obese/overweight women. The overall result of the modelling procedure is a parsimonious system of equations that reliably predicts foetal weight gain and birth weight based on a sensible number of assessments. This model can inform clinical care recommendations as well as how adaptive interventions, such as HMZ, can influence foetal growth and birth outcomes. |
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| Keywords: | System identification optimization biomedical modelling |
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