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Fetal growth retardation and increased infant mortality at high altitide
Insights
High altitude birth weight is reduced due to slower intrauterine growth, not preterm birth. Infant mortality remains higher at high altitudes, especially for preterm infants, possibly linked to fetal hypoxia.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Perinatology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Infant mortality rates have declined over the past two decades.
- High-altitude environments present unique challenges to fetal development and infant survival.
- Previous research indicates potential links between altitude and adverse birth outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of high altitude on birth weight and infant mortality in Colorado.
- To determine if reduced birth weight at high altitude is due to intrauterine growth retardation or preterm delivery.
- To analyze trends in infant mortality across different altitudes in Colorado.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Colorado vital statistics data from 1960-1971 and 1969-1973.
- Inclusion of over 660,000 live births and 74,000 infant deaths.
- Comparison of infant mortality rates and birth weights between high-altitude regions and Denver.
Main Results:
- Birth weights were reduced at high altitudes (2,744–3,100 m) primarily due to intrauterine growth retardation.
- Infant mortality rates at high altitudes were nearly double those in Denver, despite overall decreases.
- Elevated mortality occurred within 28 days of birth, predominantly in preterm infants (<38 weeks).
Conclusions:
- High altitude, potentially via exaggerated fetal hypoxia, retards fetal growth.
- Preterm infants born at high altitudes face increased mortality risk.
- Altitude-specific interventions may be necessary to reduce infant mortality in high-altitude populations.
Abstract:
An examination of recent Colorado vital statistics records was performed. The records included 194,526 live births and 3,100 infant deaths occurring during the years 1969-73, and some 466,000 live births and 71,000 infant deaths occurring during 1960-71. Birth weights at high altitude (2,744 to 3,100 m) were found to be reduced owing to retardation of intrauterine growth rather than preterm delivery. Despite decreased infant mortality at all altitudes in Colorado during the last 20 years, the infant mortality rate at high altitude remains almost twice that seen in Denver. The elevated mortaltiy at high altitude occurred within 28 days after birth, primarily in preterm (less than 38 weeks) infants. It appears that high altitude, possibly throuth the mechansif of exaggerated fetal hypoxia, retards fetal growth and increases the mortality rate of preterm infants.