Low birthweight in New York City and upstate New York following the events of September 11th

BACKGROUND: We examined pregnancy outcomes in New York City (NYC) and upstate New York after the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center disaster. METHODS: Using birth certificate data for NY residents (n = 1,660,401 births), we estimated risk of low birthweight (LBW: <2,500 g) and preterm birth (<37 weeks) one week after September 11th versus three weeks before, and for 10 four-week intervals post-disaster versus these intervals in the two previous years. To corroborate regression results, we used time-series analysis. RESULTS: One week after September 11th in NYC, we observed an adjusted odds of 1.44 for births <1,500 g (P = 0.07) and 1.67 for births 1,500-1,999 g (P = 0.01), but a decreased odds of 2,000-2,499 g. We found no immediate change in LBW upstate or preterm in either location. In extended analyses, we found, in both locations, increased odds of <1,500-g births around New Year and 33-36 weeks post-disaster and decreased odds of moderate preterm for several weeks post-disaster. Time-series analyses yielded similar findings. CONCLUSIONS: The events of September 11, 2001 in NYC were associated with immediate increases in births <2,000 g, slightly delayed decreased preterm delivery, and delayed increases in LBW among infants exposed periconception or in the first two trimesters. Stress may contribute to observed associations.     

Lifeline: Samaritans of New York

The Samaritans of New York is a suicide prevention hotline operated by a group of 90 trained volunteers. The hotline handles approximately 40,000 calls per year ranging from people who are facing serious illnesses to people who are deeply depressed about personal situations. Every call is strictly confidential, and all callers hear a warm non-judgmental voice providing them with options. Sexual issues can play a large role in many of the calls that the hotline receives. The volunteers are trained to deal with such issues without responding in a personal manner, and this training is described. Sometimes the hotline coordinates educational programs for other organizations. Contact information is provided.     

Hypertension in the Hispanic and black population in New York City

Little data have been accumulated on the health care problems of underserved, urban Hispanic-Americans. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypertension and the adequacy of treatment for Hispanic-Americans (predominately Puerto Ricans) and blacks living in the South Bronx section of New York City.     

Fragile X screening program in New York State

Most fragile X [fra(X)] males in New York State have not been identified. Hence, a large number of female relatives are unaware of their risks for having an affected child. A program was established in New York State in 1987 to screen for the fra(X) syndrome in mentally retarded males with living relatives. The goal of the program is to identify affected males and inform their families about the diagnosis. In this way relatives would be able to assess their risks for having a fra(X) male. In order to identify the males a screening form was developed to assess 10 features which included physical characteristics, behavior, and family history. Males who exhibited at least 5 of these manifestations were selected for cytogenetic analysis. Any male who had macroorchidism or a family history of mental retardation was also included. A total of 995 males have been screened of which 352 (35%) were selected for cytogenetic analyses. Seventeen (10.5%) of the 161 completed studies were positive for fra(X). A large number of possible female carriers were identified in the families of the propositi. This program identifies fra(X) males in a population of the mentally retarded for whom there had been no previous diagnosis. By using a two-step procedure, it is possible to screen a large population of the mentally retarded for fra(X) without testing each male cytogenetically.