Gynecology & Obstetrics
Open Access

Abstract

Outcomes of Neonates in Pregnancies with Intrauterine Growth Restriction in Developing Countries: A Cross-sectional Study Over a Period of 6 Months

Karthik Chandra Bassetty, Pranay Phukan, Reena Dutta Ahmed and Reeta Borah

Background: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in developing countries is a major health problem. Maternal risk factors play a huge role in causing IUGR, many of which are preventable or modifiable.

Aim: To find out the risk factors and outcomes of IUGR infants in pregnant women coming for delivery in a developing country.

Method: A cross sectional observational study was conducted at the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Assam Medical College and hospital from July 2016 to December 2016. IUGR was diagnosed clinically by a lag of 4 weeks between actual gestational age and uterine fundal height. Total of 200 pregnant women with IUGR coming for delivery were included. Information regarding occupation, gestational age, maternal risk factors, mode of delivery and neonatal outcome were recorded on predesigned proforma. Mothers were followed up till delivery and neonates were followed up till discharge or death.

Results: Out of 200 clinically diagnosed pregnancies with IUGR, 148 neonates were IUGR as per Fenton’s Growth Chart, significant risk factors for IUGR were gestational hypertension (p=0.0001), anaemia (p=0.0001), ethnicity (p<0.05). Our method of clinically selecting patients was highly accurate (p<0.05) when compared with birth weight as per Fenton’s chart. Of 143 IUGR neonates, 6(4%) were still born, 10(6.7%) had died at birth due to resuscitation failure, 45(30%) had sepsis while 70(47%) needed NICU admission for some morbidity.

Conclusion: As anaemia and gestational hypertension being the prime and treatable causes of IUGR, proper antenatal care would be the key to reducing the IUGR burden in our setup.