Developmental assessment of intrauterine growth retarded babies of varying maternal etiology
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B D Bhatia1, K N Agarwal, N P Jain
1Department of Pediatrics, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, U.P.
Insights
Intrauterine growth retarded (IUGR) babies born to undernourished mothers showed the most significant head circumference deficits and developmental delays. Catch-up growth was observed in other IUGR groups.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Pediatric Development
- Maternal Health
Background:
- Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) affects fetal development and can have long-term consequences.
- Maternal factors, including nutrition and health conditions, significantly influence fetal growth.
- Assessing head circumference and developmental milestones is crucial for monitoring infant health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the head circumference and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 9 months in full-term infants with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR).
- To compare outcomes among IUGR infants based on the etiology of maternal conditions (undernourishment, small maternal size, toxemia, idiopathic).
- To compare IUGR infant outcomes with appropriate for gestational age (AGA) controls (full-term and preterm).
Main Methods:
- Serial head circumference measurements were taken.
- Developmental performance was assessed at 9 months of age.
- IUGR infants were categorized by maternal etiology and compared to AGA controls.
Main Results:
- IUGR infants of undernourished mothers exhibited the greatest head circumference retardation.
- IUGR infants from mothers with toxemia or idiopathic IUGR showed catch-up head growth.
- Delayed development was observed in 19.5% of all IUGR infants, with undernourished mothers' infants most affected.
Conclusions:
- Maternal undernutrition is a significant risk factor for severe head circumference deficits and developmental delays in IUGR infants.
- Catch-up head growth is possible in IUGR infants, particularly in cases related to maternal toxemia or idiopathic IUGR.
- Targeted interventions for IUGR infants, especially those born to undernourished mothers, are essential for optimizing developmental outcomes.
Abstract:
Head circumference was measured serially and developmental performance assessed at the age of 9 months in 41 full-term intrauterine growth retarded babies of varying maternal etiologies. 18 full term and 12 preterm babies who were appropriate for gestational age (AGA) served as controls. The IUGR babies of undernourished mothers had maximum retardation in head circumference. The IUGR babies of small sized mothers had head circumference equal to that of fullterm AGA babies. The IUGR babies of mothers with toxemia of pregnancy and idiopathic group also reached very close to that of fullterm AGA babies for head circumference demonstrating catch up growth. 19.5 per cent of IUGR (as homogenous group) babies were found to have delayed development compared to 16.7 per cent of preterm and 5.6 per cent of fullterm AGA babies. Amongst IUGR groups, babies of undernourished mothers were found to suffer most, followed by babies of mothers with toxemia of pregnancy. None of the babies in the idiopathic group and only one out of 12 in small maternal size group were found to have delayed development.