INTRAUTERINE GROWTH RETARDATION: HOW TO DEFINK IT

Abstract

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is generally defined by birthweight below the P3. However, weight can be affected in the last weeks of pregnancy without necessarily reflecting prolonged impairment in intrauterine growth. Early in pregnancy growth is affected proportionatly and the term “intrauterine growth retardation” seems more appropritate. In an attempt to clarify this we assumed that by taking into account the proportions of the infant independent of weight, we could be able to define intrauterine growth better. Crown-rump length, subischial leg length and head circumference were measured and the proportion in a three dimensional way was studied in 49 infants with a birthweight below the third percentile.There was no correlation between the Ponderal Index and the P-score of the body proportions, nor for birthweight and P-score.These preliminary results indicate that the body proportion could be a more appropriate indication of IUGR than weight or than the relation weight to height (Ponderal index).