[Perinatal mortality of IUGR neonates]

Area of Science:

• Perinatology
• Fetal Medicine
• Neonatalogy

Context:

• Intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUGR) affects a significant number of pregnancies.
• Assessing the impact of IUGR on perinatal outcomes is crucial for clinical management.
• Previous studies have indicated a potential link between fetal growth restriction and adverse perinatal events.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the role of intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUGR) in perinatal mortality.
• To compare stillbirth and perinatal mortality rates between fetuses with IUGR and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) fetuses.
• To analyze the impact of gestational age at delivery on perinatal outcomes in IUGR and AGA groups.

Summary:

• A prospective study of 329 singleton pregnancies with IUGR (body weight <10th percentile) and 530 AGA controls (24-40 weeks gestation) was conducted.
• IUGR fetuses exhibited a greater stillbirth rate, with increased frequency in late preterm pregnancies (28-35 weeks gestation).
• Perinatal mortality rates were significantly higher in IUGR fetuses compared to AGA fetuses, especially between 28-35 weeks gestation, indicating a deleterious effect on neonatal survival.

Impact:

• This study underscores the increased risk of stillbirth and perinatal mortality associated with IUGR.
• Findings emphasize the importance of identifying and managing IUGR to improve neonatal survival rates.
• The results provide critical data for clinical decision-making regarding timing of delivery in pregnancies complicated by IUGR.