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Published on: November 21, 2014

Foetal intrauterine growth restrictions with Helicobacter pylori infection

G D Eslick1, P Yan, H H-X Xia

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Sydney, Nepean Hospital, Penrith, Australia.

Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|August 29, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection during pregnancy may increase the risk of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). This study found H. pylori seropositivity to be an independent risk factor for IUGR, alongside smoking and maternal height.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neonatal Health

Background:

  • Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is linked to growth restriction in children.
  • The potential impact of H. pylori on fetal development requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between H. pylori infection and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in pregnant women.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 448 pregnant women in their third trimester were assessed.
  • Data collected included maternal demographics, smoking history, and neonatal birth weight.
  • IUGR was defined as birth weight below the 10th percentile for gestational age.

Main Results:

  • 20% of women were seropositive for H. pylori. H. pylori prevalence varied significantly by ethnicity.
  • Intrauterine growth restriction occurred in 7.5% of neonates.
  • H. pylori seropositivity (OR=2.41), smoking (OR=3.55), and maternal height (OR=0.48) were independent risk factors for IUGR.

Conclusions:

  • H. pylori infection during pregnancy may negatively impact fetal growth.
  • Findings suggest H. pylori as a potential risk factor for intrauterine growth restriction.
Abstract

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