Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026
Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Published on: June 29, 2013
Management of infants with intra-uterine growth restriction
Ashok K Deorari1, Ramesh Agarwal, Vinod K Paul
1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India. sdeorari@yahoo.com
Insights
Intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) affects two-thirds of low birth weight (LBW) infants in India. Management guidelines differ for neonates below the 3rd percentile versus those between the 3rd-10th percentile.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal health
- Indian pediatrics
- Growth disorders
Background:
- Intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a significant contributor to low birth weight (LBW) infants in India, accounting for nearly two-thirds of cases.
- Maternal factors like poor nutrition and short birth spacing, alongside obstetric and medical complications, predispose to IUGR.
- Growth restriction can be symmetrical or asymmetrical, determined by the timing of the insult during gestation, with asymmetrical IUGR showing a brain-sparing effect.
Framework:
- The study categorizes IUGR neonates into two groups based on percentile thresholds (<3rd and 3rd-10th).
- This framework allows for tailored management strategies based on the severity of growth restriction.
- Guidelines are established within a protocol for managing neonates in these distinct IUGR categories.
Implementation:
- Management protocols are designed to address the specific needs of neonates in the <3rd percentile group.
- Separate guidelines are provided for neonates falling within the 3rd-10th percentile range.
- The protocol aims to standardize care for IUGR neonates based on established percentile classifications.
Implications:
- Implementing these guidelines can lead to improved outcomes for LBW infants suffering from IUGR in India.
- Differentiated management based on percentile groups may reduce common morbidities associated with severe IUGR.
- Standardized protocols enhance the quality of care for neonates with intra-uterine growth restriction.
Abstract:
Intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) contributes to almost two-thirds of LBW infants born in India. Poor nutritional status and frequent pregnancies are common pre-disposing conditions in addition to obstetric and medical problems during pregnancy. Growth restriction may be symmetrical or asymmetrical depending on the time of insult during pregnancy. The pathological insult in an asymmetrical IUGR occurs during the later part of the pregnancy and has a brain-sparing effect. Common morbidities are more frequent in < 3rd percentile group as compared to 3rd-10th percentile group. Guidelines for management of IUGR neonates in these two groups have been provided in the protocol.
