Hyperglycemia-Induced MicroRNA-155 Promotes Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Production in Human Mesangial Cells via SOCS1 Suppression

Abstract

Background:
Early adolescent pregnancy (≤ 15 years) represents a high-risk obstetric and social category due to the anatomical and physiological immaturity of the maternal organism.
Objectives: To compare the course of pregnancy, delivery complications, and perinatal outcomes between early adolescent gravidas and primiparous women of optimal reproductive age.
Materials and methods: This prospective comparative study included 85 pregnant adolescents aged 12–15 years (study group) and 170 healthy primiparous women aged 20–25 years (control group).
Results: Pregnant adolescents exhibited significantly higher rates of maternal anemia (54.1% vs. 21.2%; p < 0.001), moderate preeclampsia (15.3% vs. 5.9%; p = 0.018), and urinary tract infections (28.2% vs. 10.6%; p = 0.001). The preterm birth rate was 2.4-fold higher in adolescents (18.8% vs. 7.6%; p = 0.008). Infants born to adolescent mothers had a higher incidence of low birth weight (< 2500 g; 22.4% vs. 8.2%; p = 0.002) and fetal growth restriction (OR = 2.82; 95% CI: 1.28–6.21; p = 0.010).
Conclusions: Early adolescent pregnancy is associated with elevated risks of anemia, preterm labor, and fetal growth restriction, underscoring the urgent need for specialized antenatal care protocols for young gravidas.

Keywords:
Adolescent pregnancy; teenage pregnancy; preterm birth; maternal anemia; fetal growth restriction.