Abstract
BackgroundIntrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and small for gestational age (SGA) birth have been considered possible indicators of the presence of malformations. The aim of this study is to evaluate such relationships in a population of newborns, along with other epidemiological and auxological parameters, in particular the ponderal index (PI).MethodsWe analyzed the birth data of 1093 infants, classified according to weight for gestational age as SGA, appropriate for gestational age (AGA) or large for gestational age (LGA). The prevalence of malformations was analyzed in relation to weight percentile at birth and SGA birth, maternal smoking, pregnancy diseases and PI.ResultsOur analysis showed no significant relationship between the prevalence of malformations and SGA birth. Maternal smoking and pregnancy diseases were strongly related to SGA birth, but not to a higher prevalence of malformations. PI, however, had a significant relationship with a higher prevalence of malformations, if analyzed as either a continuous variable or a categorical variable (cutoff: < 2.4).ConclusionsThe association between congenital malformations and birth weight for gestational age seems to be weak. As part of diagnostic screening for malformations in the neonatal period, PI could be considered a better predictor of risk than weight percentile.
Highlights
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and small for gestational age (SGA) birth have been considered possible indicators of the presence of malformations
The diagnosis of IUGR is not always easy or direct; small for gestational age (SGA) birth is usually considered an indirect indicator of IUGR, even if these two concepts are not identical
The aim of this study is to evaluate, in a population of newborns, the possible relationship between the presence of major congenital malformations and various epidemiological and auxological parameters, in particular low birth weight in relation to gestational age (SGA birth) and ponderal index (PI) as a marker of asymmetric intrauterine growth
Summary
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and small for gestational age (SGA) birth have been considered possible indicators of the presence of malformations. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) can be either symmetric or asymmetric. Symmetric IUGR is characterized by a similar and proportionate reduction in all auxological parameters, including weight, length, and cranial and abdominal circumference. Asymmetric IUGR is characterized by a greater reduction in body weight, when compared to length. The diagnosis of IUGR is not always easy or direct; small for gestational age (SGA) birth is usually considered an indirect indicator of IUGR, even if these two concepts are not identical. – growth retardation occurs as a result of a congenital malformation. – growth retardation and congenital malformations occur as different manifestations of a common, independent etiological factor. The offspring of multiple pregnancies show an increased incidence of prematurity, a lower birth weight and a higher prevalence of congenital malformations at birth [2]
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