C-reactive protein levels in early pregnancy, fetal growth patterns, and the risk for neonatal complications: the Generation R Study

Abstract

We sought to examine the associations of maternal C-reactive protein (CRP) levels with fetal growth and the risks of neonatal complications. CRP levels were measured in early pregnancy in 6016 women. Main outcome measures were fetal growth in each trimester and neonatal complications. As compared to the reference group (CRP levels<5 mg/L), elevated maternal CRP levels (≥25 mg/L) were associated with lower estimated fetal weight in third trimester and lower weight at birth (differences: -29 g, 95% confidence interval [CI], -58 to 0 and -128 g, 95% CI, -195 to -60, respectively). Elevated maternal CRP levels were also associated with an increased risk of a small size for gestational age in the offspring (adjusted odds ratio, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.61-5.36). Maternal CRP levels in early pregnancy are associated with fetal growth restriction and increased risks of neonatal complications.