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Multiple fetuses, growth deviations and mortality in a very preterm birth cohort

K M Heinonen1, V Jokela

  • 1Children's Hospital, University of Kuopio, Finland.

Journal of Perinatal Medicine
|January 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Deviant fetal growth, both small and large for gestational age, significantly increases preterm infant mortality risk. This risk is even higher with multiple fetuses experiencing growth deviations, necessitating close monitoring.

Area of Science:

  • Perinatal Medicine
  • Neonatology
  • Fetal Development

Background:

  • Deviant fetal growth is a concern in preterm births.
  • Understanding its impact on mortality is crucial for improving outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the association between deviant fetal growth and mortality in very preterm infants.
  • To investigate the impact of multiple deviant fetal growth on mortality risk.

Main Methods:

  • Univariate and multivariate analyses were used.
  • A cohort of 355 very preterm infants (born ≤32 weeks' gestation) was studied.
  • Fetal growth norms were established from a separate singleton preterm cohort.

Main Results:

  • Both small for gestational age (SGA) and large for gestational age (LGA) preterms had higher mortality than appropriately grown infants (66% and 53% vs. 35%).
  • Mortality risk significantly increased when multiple fetuses exhibited deviant growth (SGA or LGA).

Conclusions:

  • Deviant fetal growth is a significant risk factor for mortality in very preterm infants.
  • Multiple deviant fetal growth, especially LGA, warrants intensive fetal and neonatal monitoring.
  • Perinatal variables interactions are important for assessing outcomes in preterm infants.

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