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Updated: Feb 14, 2026
07:04
Human Placental and Decidual Organ Cultures to Study Infections at the Maternal-fetal Interface
Published on: July 21, 2016
21.6K
Birth-weight differences at term are explained by placental dysfunction and not by maternal ethnicity.
J Morales-Roselló1, T Dias2,3, A Khalil4,5
1Servicio de Obstetricia, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
Summary
Birth weight variation in term fetuses is not significantly linked to maternal ethnicity. Placental dysfunction, indicated by the cerebroplacental ratio (CPR), and fetal gender are key determinants of fetal growth.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Medicine
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Fetal Growth Studies
Background:
- Birth weight (BW) is a critical indicator of fetal health and neonatal outcomes.
- Ethnic variations and placental function are recognized factors influencing fetal growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of ethnicity, fetal gender, and placental dysfunction on the birth weight of term fetuses from South Asian and Caucasian backgrounds.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of 627 term pregnancies in Spain and Sri Lanka.
- Biometry and Doppler examinations were performed within two weeks of delivery.
- Multivariable regression analysis assessed the influence of gestational age, cerebroplacental ratio (CPR), maternal factors, and fetal gender on BW.
Main Results:
- Fetuses in Sri Lanka had lower mean BW compared to those in Spain.
- Gestational age, maternal weight, CPR, maternal height, and fetal gender significantly correlated with BW.
- Maternal ethnicity, age, and parity did not show a significant association with BW.
Conclusions:
- Fetal birth weight variation at term is primarily influenced by placental function rather than ethnic origin.
- Cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) emerged as a significant predictor of fetal weight, highlighting the role of placental dysfunction.
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