Intrauterine Growth Restriction Cases Research Articles

Sonographic Placental Aspects in Fetal Growth Restriction

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a complication diagnosed in about 10% of pregnancies and is associated with significant perinatal mortality and morbidity. Both the diagnosis and the correct management of cases of intrauterine growth restriction remain a challenge of modern obstetrics. A normal placental development is essential for a proper intrauterine physical and neurological growth of the fetus throughout pregnancy. Various pathophysiological situations may reflect in abnormal placental development linked with severe pregnancy disorders. In this paper we aim to exemplify sonographic aspects in various placental pathology associated with FGR along with the recommended management. Placental insufficiency is the most common risk factor for FGR and it cannot be directly measured and objectified, remaining a diagnostic of exclusion. The risk for perinatal adverse outcomes in placenta accreta spectrum cases is increased trough the pathological implantation especially in depth. In pregnancies complicated with placental insufficiency, secondary macroscopic lesions can be noted, as parabasal and intervillous thrombosis, hematomas, extensive fibrin deposits and infarcts areas. Even if, over time, multiple studies have targeted methods of preventing intrauterine growth restriction through actions on the mother, the effectiveness of no treatment has been demonstrated.

Serum Ferritin Level and Total Iron Binding Capacity Relationship with Iron Deficiency Anemia During Pregnancy and Labour

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a prevalent condition globally, impacting maternal and fetal health outcomes significantly. The condition is especially concerning during pregnancy, given its association with complications such as preterm labor and increased maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality rates. Objective: The study aimed to assess the prevalence of IDA among pregnant women and its correlation with fetal-maternal complications, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of current healthcare interventions in managing the condition. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Shikhzayad Women Hospital, Larkana, over six months from January 1, 2022, to July 1, 2022. Fifty pregnant women with IDA at various gestational stages were selected and evaluated for serum ferritin and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). The severity of anemia and its correlation with feto-maternal complications were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: Out of the 50 women studied, 6 had mild anemia, 37 had moderate anemia, and 7 had severe anemia. Serum ferritin levels showed that 10 participants had levels between 5-10 mg/L, 20 had levels between 10-50 mg/L, 10 had levels between 50-150 mg/L, and 10 had normal levels (150-300 mg/L). Elevated TIBC levels (400-600 ug/ml) were observed in 30 women. Feto-maternal complications included emergency cesarean sections (28 cases), postpartum hemorrhage (8 cases), disseminated intravascular coagulation (6 cases), cardiac failure (4 cases), and maternal death (4 cases). Pregnancy outcomes were reported as 5 first-trimester abortions, 2 second-trimester abortions, 4 preterm deliveries, 15 cases of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), 9 intrauterine deaths (IUD), and 5 neonatal deaths (NND). Conclusion: IDA remains a significant determinant of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. This study underscores the urgent need for enhanced preventive strategies, including iron supplementation and dietary education. Further large-scale research is required for a comprehensive understanding of IDA's impact and the development of targeted interventions.

Reproductive Safety Issues of Novel Small Molecules for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review.

Maintenance of remission during pregnancy is vital for women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The antenatal safety of novel small molecules for IBD is yet to be ascertained. We aimed to describe the current evidence on reproductive data regarding small-molecule drugs. We performed a systematic review searching Embase Classic + Embase and Ovid MEDLINE for reproductive outcomes for tofacitinib, filgotinib, upadacitininb, and ozanimod. Additionally, we asked the manufacturers for available data on file regarding reproduction. We analysed data from 10 sources; six studies and four manufacturer reports were identified from our search. Significant malformation risks were reported for tofacitinib, filgotinib, upadacitininb, and ozanimod in animal studies. In 126 tofacitinib-exposed pregnancies, there were 55 live births with 2 congenital malformations and 1 serious infant infection, 14 terminations, 15 miscarriages, and 42 outcomes unknown. In 50 filgotinib-exposed pregnancies, there were 20 healthy babies, 1 congenital malformation, 9 terminations, 10 miscarriages, and 10 outcomes unknown. In 78 upadacitinib-exposed pregnancies, there were 30 healthy babies, 15 terminations, 15 miscarriages, and 18 outcomes unknown. In 60 ozanimod-exposed pregnancies, there were 31 live births with 1 congenital malformation, 1 case of intra-uterine growth restriction, 1 case of neonatal icterus, 13 terminations, 9 miscarriages, and 8 unknown outcomes. Animal data suggest significant risks of malformations for tofacitinib, filgotinib, upadacitininb, and ozanimod. Human data from clinical trials and real-world observations do not show concerning data so far, but these are very limited. Currently, alternative treatments should be used for IBD during pregnancy.

Parir después de los 50 años. Estudio piloto observacional

ObjectivesTo assess whether there is a higher rate of adverse obstetric outcomes, postpartum urinary incontinence, and sexual problems among women who give birth over 50. Material and methodsA single-center ambispective observational study. Rate of cesarean birth, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), prematurity, urinary incontinence (Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form [ICIQ-SF]), and sexual dysfunction (Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI-6]) were recorded. ResultsTwenty-five (0.06%) of 38,510 births occurred in women over 50 during the study period. There were 16 (64%) cesarean births. Seven (28%) women had gestational diabetes. Preeclampsia was diagnosed in 3 (12%) women. There were 5 (20%) cases of IUGR. There were 5 (20%) preterm births. The differences in the rate of cesarean birth, gestational diabetes, and IUGR between the study group and the total population were statistically significant. The results of the ICIQ-SF and FSFI-6 questionnaires were obtained from 17 women. Some degree of urinary incontinence was found in 7 (41.1%) and sexual dysfunction in 9 (52.9%) women. ConclusionsPregnancies in women over 50 may be associated with a higher rate of gestational diabetes, IUGR, and preeclampsia. There is a high prevalence of urinary incontinence and sexual problems among these women.

Adverse Fetal Outcomes in Patients with Low Amniotic Fluid Index: Presenting Care Hospital Setting

Background: Pregnancy is a critical period where various physiological parameters are monitored to ensure the well-being of both mother and fetus. Amniotic fluid index (AFI) is one such measure, with deviations from the norm, particularly low AFI, being associated with adverse fetal outcomes. This study delves into the correlation between low AFI and fetal well-being in a tertiary care setting. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between low AFI and adverse fetal outcomes and to quantify the impact of low AFI on fetal health during delivery in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 100 pregnant women attending the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, from June 28 to September 27, 2023. AFI was measured using ultrasonography, with a particular focus on participants with an AFI of less than 5 cm. The study also included a systematic sample of patients across various gestational ages and recorded outcomes such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), oligohydramnios-associated deformations, cord compression, variable decelerations in fetal heart rate, and the presence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square and t-tests, with a significance level set at p<0.05. Results: The mean AFI was 8.7 cm (SD = 1.5). Low AFI (<5 cm) was observed in 15% of the participants. Adverse outcomes included 6 cases of IUGR (6%), 4 cases of oligohydramnios-associated deformations (4%), 3 cases of cord compression (3%), 5 cases of variable decelerations in fetal heart rate (5%), and 8 cases of meconium-stained amniotic fluid (8%). A significant association was found between low AFI and adverse fetal outcomes (χ² = 8.43, p < 0.01). Conclusion: The study confirmed a significant correlation between low AFI and the presence of adverse fetal outcomes, emphasizing the importance of vigilant fetal monitoring and management in pregnancies with low AFI.

Decreased Fatty Acid Oxidation Gene Expression in Pre-Eclampsia According to the Onset and Presence of Intrauterine Growth Restriction.

Mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (FAO) is lower in placentas with pre-eclampsia. The aim of our study was to compare the placental mRNA expression of FAO enzymes in healthy pregnancies vs. different subgroups of pre-eclampsia according to the severity, time of onset, and the presence of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). By using real-time qPCR, we measured the mRNA levels of long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD), medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD), and carnitine palmitoyltransferases 1A and 2 (CPT1A, CPT2) on the maternal side (anchoring villi in the basal decidua) and on the fetal side (chorionic plate) of the placenta (n = 56). When compared to the controls, LCHAD, MCAD, and CPT2 mRNA had decreased in all pre-eclampsia subgroups globally and on the fetal side. On the maternal side, LCHAD mRNA was also lower in all pre-eclampsia subgroups; however, MCAD and CPT2 mRNA were only reduced in severe and early-onset disease, as well as CPT2 in IUGR (p < 0.05). There were no differences in CPT1A mRNA expression. We conclude that the FAO enzymes mRNA in the placenta was lower in pre-eclampsia, with higher reductions observed in severe, early-onset, and IUGR cases and more striking reductions on the fetal side.

Association between prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substance mixtures and intrauterine growth restriction risk: A large, nested case–control study in Guangxi, China

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is an abnormal fetal growth pattern that can lead to neonatal morbidity and mortality. IUGR may be affected by prenatal exposure to environmental pollutants, including perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). However, research linking PFAS exposure to IUGR is limited, with inconsistent results. We aimed to investigate the association between PFAS exposure and IUGR by using nested casecontrol study based on Guangxi Zhuang Birth Cohort (GZBC), in Guangxi, China. A total of 200 IUGR cases and 600 controls were enrolled in this study. The maternal serum concentrations of nine PFASs were measured using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLCMS). The associations single and mixed effects of prenatal PFAS exposure on IUGR risk were assessed using conditional logistic regression (single-exposure), Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and quantile g-computation (qgcomp) models. In the conditional logistic regression models, the log10-transformed concentrations of perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA, adjusted OR: 4.41, 95% CI: 3.03–6.41), perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA, adjusted OR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.14–3.32), and perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS, adjusted OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.15–2.91) were positively associated with risk of IUGR. In the BKMR models, the combined effect of PFASs was positively associated with IUGR risk. In the qgcomp models, we also found an increased IUGR risk (OR=5.92, 95% CI: 2.33–15.06) when all nine PFASs increased by one tertile as a whole, and PFHpA (43.9%) contributed the largest positive weights. These findings suggested prenatal exposure to single and mixtures of PFASs may increase IUGR risk, with the effect being largely driven by the PFHpA concentration.

Risk Factors Associated With Intrauterine Growth Restriction: A Case-Control Study.

Background Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a disorder in which the fetus fails to reach its genetic development potential and is considered to be present when the weight at birth is less than the 10th percentile; as a result, it is at risk of increased postnatal morbidity and mortality. Every year, approximately 24% of newborns worldwide are determined to have IUGR. The objective of the present study was to identify various sociodemographic, medical, and obstetric risk factors associated with IUGR. Methodology A case-control study was conducted from January 2020 to December 2022. Fifty-four cases and 54 controls were included in the study. Postnatal women with neonates having birth weight below the 10th percentile for gestational age (GA) were recruited as cases in the study.Control cases were postnatal women with neonatal birth weight appropriate for (GA).Detailed history with respect to socio-demographic, medical, and obstetric parameters was noted and compared. Results Among the sociodemographic factors, only socioeconomic status showed significant statistical differences with the age group of 21 to 25 years showing maximum (51.9%) IUGR cases. Among the maternal risk factors, anemia (29.6%) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (22.2%) were marked as significant risk factors for IUGR. There was no significant difference in the distribution of past medical and obstetric histories between the two research groups. Conclusion Due to the poor living conditions, low literacy rates, and general lack of knowledge, low socioeconomic level increases the risk of IUGR. This leads to nutritional deficiencies andinsufficient growth environment which results inanemia and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy which arepotentrisk factors for IUGR. IUGR may be caused by maternal risk factors as well as past medical and obstetric conditions. However, for the risk factor of IUGR, the birth weight at the time of delivery could be taken into consideration as well.

Characterization of Intrauterine Growth Restriction in Pregnant Women Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics America Arias Havana, Cuba 2022

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a pathology of multifactorial causes and complex management for the obstetrician. For a fetus, not reaching its growth potential represents a significant increase in the risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Cases of IUGR were more frequent in patients between 20 and 34 years of age with associated pathologies such as hypertension (HTN), urinary tract infection (UTI) and preeclampsia. The most frequent route of birth was eutocic births since the caesarean sections performed were mostly by previous caesarean sections. Of a total of 1656 births in 2022, 88 were CIUR, six early and 82 late.

Pregnancy outcomes in patients with portal cavernoma: A case series study.

Non-cirrhotic portal vein cavernoma (PVC) is a cause of portal hypertension (PH) frequently affecting women of childbearing age. Cavernous transformation of the portal vein is frequently associated with prothrombotic disorders and often entails multiple hemodynamic changes, porto-collateral shunt development and thrombopenia, all of which can affect the course of pregnancy. Our aim was to evaluate the risk of PH-related complications and pregnancy outcomes in patients with PVC. Retrospective case series study of patients with PVC undergoing pregnancy in a tertiary care hospital. Eight pregnancies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. All patients had a predisposing factor for PVC. One episode of variceal bleeding was reported at week 28. Six cesarean sections were scheduled to avoid labor while two urgent surgeries were indicated due to fetal distress and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). In all but one case, anticoagulation was prescribed after delivery. No hemorrhagic or thrombotic complications were reported. There were four cases of IUGR with no case of miscarriage or stillbirth. Pregnancy in patients with PVC has an overall favorable outcome albeit a higher risk of PH-derived complications, and IUGR may be expected. Hence, PVC must not be considered a contraindication for pregnancy although larger prospective studies are necessary.

Intrauterine Growth Restriction-Prediction and Peripartum Data on Hospital Care.

Background and Objectives: We aimed to prospectively obtain data on pregnancies complicated with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in the Prenatal Diagnosis Unit of the Emergency County Hospital of Craiova. We collected the demographic data of mothers, the prenatal ultrasound (US) features, the intrapartum data, and the immediate postnatal data of newborns. We aimed to assess the detection rates of IUGR fetuses (the performance of the US in estimating the actual neonatal birth weight), to describe the prenatal care pattern in our unit, and to establish predictors for the number of total hospitalization days needed postnatally. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from cases diagnosed with IUGR undergoing prenatal care in our hospital. We compared the percentile of estimated fetal weight (EFW) using the Hadlock 4 technique with the percentile of weight at birth. We retrospectively performed a regression analysis to correlate the variables predicting the number of hospitalization days. Results: Data on 111 women were processed during the period of 1 September 2019-1 September 2022. We confirmed the significant differences in US features between early- (Eo) and late-onset (Lo) IUGR cases. The detection rates were higher if the EFW was lower, and Eo-IUGR was associated with a higher number of US scans. We obtained a mathematical formula for estimating the total number of hospitalization days needed postnatally. Conclusion: Early- and late-onset IUGR have different US features prenatally and different postnatal outcomes. If the US EFW percentile is lower, a prenatal diagnosis is more likely to be made, and a closer follow-up is offered in our hospital. The total number of hospitalization days may be predicted using intrapartum and immediate postnatal data in both groups, having the potential to optimize the final financial costs and to organize the neonatal department efficiently.

Evaluation of Oxidative Stress Markers in Relation APGAR Scores to in Egyptian Newborns with Intrauterine Growth Retardation

The study aimed to estimate the status of oxidative stress markers in neonates of both sexes born 37- 41with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) comparing them to healthy convenient for gestational. The study included 44 Egyptian neonates with IUGR of both sexes and 45 neonates of both sexes with appropriate for gestational age. In both groups the neonates were delivered vaginally without any assisted vaginal delivery to mothers without known medical conditions affecting placental sufficiency. Malondialdehyde (MDA, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and paraoxonase-1(PON1) were measured. Obstetric data including mode of delivery, instrumental delivery and gestational age at delivery by ultrasound Neonatal assessment including gestational age by new Ballard, sex of neonate, weight, head circumference, APGAR score at 1 and 5 minutes, length, full general &amp; systemic examinations of newborn. The activity of MDA was increased, whilelevels of TAC and PON1 were significantly lower in IUGR than controls. APGAR score at both 1 min and 5 min and Ballard were significantly decreased in the IUGR group. Mean birth weight, length, maternal gestational age and head circumference of IUGR cases were decreased than control. APGAR scores were negatively correlated with MDA. In conclusion oxidative stress associated with IUGR newborns and antioxidants during pregnancy may be advised. Oxidative stress markers might have early prediction value for diagnosis of these conditions and probable pharmacological intervention with antioxidants may improve the pregnancy conditions.

Determination of maternal serum pro-inflammatory cytokine changes in intrauterine growth restriction.

To evaluate maternal serum inflammatory marker changes in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) pregnancies. 50 healthy pregnant women and 50 patients diagnosed with IUGR were enrolled. Maternal serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10 levels were measured before delivery and neonatal outcomes were evaluated. Birth weight, Apgar scores, and cord blood gas pH were lower in the IUGR group (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001 and p=0.006, respectively). While the levels of ESR, hsCRP, IL-6, and TNF-α were higher, the IL-10 level was found to be lower in the IUGR group (p<0.001, p=0.033, p<0.001, p=0.004 and p<0.001, respectively). As ESR, hsCRP, and IL-6 levels increased, birth weight, Apgar scores, and cord blood gas pH decreased (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.02, p=0.002, p=0.001, p=0.03, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001 and p=0.02, respectively). As TNF-α level increased, only birth weight and Apgar score at the 1st minute decreased (p=0.006 and p=0.048, respectively). As IL-10 level decreased, birth weight, Apgar scores, and cord blood gas pH decreased (p<0.001 for all). IL-6 (>3.2 pg/ml) had a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 100%, PPV of 100% and NPV of 100%. While birth weight, Apgar score and cord blood pH decreased in IUGR cases, ESR, hsCRP, IL-6 and TNF-α levels increased. Combined measurement of these markers can be used for the diagnosis of IUGR.

Diagnostic models for the detection of intrauterine growth restriction and placental insufficiency severity based on magnetic resonance imaging of the placenta.

We aimed to provide diagnostic models based on different parameters of placental magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), as well as the severity of placental insufficiency. We included 44 foetuses with appropriate weight for gestational age (AGA) and 46 foetuses with documented IUGR, defined as the estimated foetal weight (EFW) below the 10th centile. Using Doppler ultrasound, IUGR cases were divided into 2 groups: 1) IUGR with severity signs: EFW < 3rd centile, or cerebroplacental ratio < 5th centile, or abnormal umbilical/uterine artery pulsatility index; and 2) non-severe IUGR without any of this criterion. For all these participants, placental MRI was performed in the third gestational trimester, and its parameters were compared between AGA and IUGR, as well as between the severe and non-severe IUGR groups. Two diagnostic models consisting of significant predictors were developed, and their performance was investigated with accuracy metrics. The severity signs were detected in 25 (54.3%) IUGR cases. The diagnostic model for the differentiation of IUGR from AGA revealed an acceptable performance (area under the curve [AUC] of 0.749) and consisted of 2 variables: 1) the largest size of infarct ≥ 25 mm (odds ratio [OR] = 5.01, p = 0.001), and 2) thickness : volume ratio ≥ 0.043 (OR = 3.76, p = 0.027); while, the logistic regression model for detection of the severity signs was even better, with AUC = 0.862, and comprised of 2 predictors: 1) placental infarct percent ≥ 10% (OR = 26.73, p = 0.004), and 2) placental globular shape (OR = 5.40, p = 0.034). Placental MRI parameters can differentiate IUGR from AGA, and more precisely, assess the severity of placental insufficiency in IUGR foetuses.

Prenatal Sonographic Three-dimensional Virtual Organ Computer-assisted Analysis Thymic Volume Calculation May Predict Intrauterine Growth Restriction.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) refers to fetuses that are small for their gestational age. There is no effective test to predict this disease. The aim of our study is whether fetal three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography (USG)-assisted thymus volume (TV) measurement predicts IUGR cases. Fetal 3D USG thymus measurement between 15 and 24 weeks of gestation was performed in a total of 100 women of reproductive age. Fetal TV was measured using the virtual organ computer-assisted analysis system program. All cases were followed up in terms of pregnancy complications until delivery. IUGR was developed in six cases in total. In cases with IUGR, mean fetal TV was found to be statistically significantly lower than in healthy cases without it. When the fetal TV was taken as 0.1645, the sensitivity was calculated as 89.5% and the specificity as 50% for predicting IUGR. The use of low fetal volume parameters is a significant and good indicator for predicting IUGR according to the binary logistic regression analysis result. According to the results of this study, 3D fetal TV measurement may be used in routine second-trimester sonographic anomaly screening to predict the development of fetal IUGR. In this way, fetal mortality and morbidity caused by IUGR may be reduced.

SLC38A4 Amino Acid Transporter Expression Is Significantly Lower in Early Preterm Intrauterine Growth Restriction Complicated Placentas.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), predominantly caused by placental insufficiency, affects partitioning of nutrients to the fetus. The system A sodium-coupled transporters (SNAT or SLC38), of types A1, A2, and A4, control non-essential amino acid uptake and supply. Here, we aimed to investigate the expression of these transporters across different placental disease cohorts and cells. To determine disease impact, transporter expressions at the gene (qPCR) and protein (western blots) level were assessed in gestationally matched placental tissues. Early (&lt;34 weeks), and late (34-36 weeks) onset IUGR cases with/out preeclampsia were compared to preterm controls. We also investigated level of transporter expression in primary trophoblasts under glucose deprivation (n = 6) and hypoxia conditions (n = 7). SLC38A4 protein was significantly downregulated in early preterm pregnancies complicated with IUGR with/out preeclampsia. There were no differences in late preterm IUGR cohorts. Furthermore, we demonstrate for the first time in primary trophoblast cells, that gene expression of the transporters was sensitive to and induced by glucose starvation. SLC38A4 mRNA expression was also significantly upregulated in response to hypoxia. Thus, SLC38A4 expression was persistently low in early preterm IUGR pregnancies, regardless of disease aetiology. This suggests that gestational age at delivery, and consequently IUGR severity, may influence loss of its expression.

Obesity and Metabolic Traits after High-Fat Diet in Iberian Pigs with Low Birth Weight of Placental Origin.

Simple SummaryIntrauterine growth restriction is an increasingly concerning issue for human pregnancies because of its perinatal and longer-term consequences on offspring health. We have explored, in a swine model, differences in the adult phenotype of offspring with low birth weight induced by maternal malnutrition or placental insufficiency.Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and later obesity and metabolic disorders have classically been associated with maternal malnutrition, but most cases of IUGR are related to placental insufficiency. The current study, using a swine model for IUGR and obesity, aimed to determine the interaction of birth weight (categorized as low birth weight [LBW] or normal birth-weight [NBW]) and postnatal diet (categorized as maintenance diet [MD] or fattening diet [FD]) on body weight, adiposity and metabolic traits. FD induced higher body weight and adiposity (both p < 0.0001), with higher fructosamine levels (p < 0.005) and a trend toward higher HOMA-β index (p = 0.05). NBW pigs remained heavier than LBW pigs during the early juvenile period (p < 0.005), but there were no differences at later stages. There were no differences in metabolic traits during juvenile development, but there were differences in adulthood, when LBW pigs showed higher glucose and lower insulin levels than NBW pigs (both p < 0.05). These results suggest that (a) FD allows LBW offspring to achieve similar obesity in adulthood as NBW offspring, and (b) glucose metabolism is more compromised in obese LBW than obese NBW pigs. The comparison of our data with previous studies highlights significant differences between offspring with LBW induced by maternal malnutrition or placental insufficiency, which should be considered when studying the condition.

STUDY OF INTRAUTERINE GROWTH RESTRICTION IN PREGNANCY AND THE MATERNAL AND PERINATAL OUTCOME IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE.

BACKGROUND: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is still one of the most common causes of foetal morbidity and mortality, as well as neonatal mortality and morbidity. It's mostly accountable for the high number of perinatal deaths. IUGR is described as a rate of foetal growth smaller than the typical growth expected during a certain gestational age and can be caused by a variety of maternal, foetal, and placental variables. Birth weight less than two standard deviations or less than the 10th percentile of the mean for a certain gestational age is considered small for gestational age (SGA). Neonatal mortality has decreased signicantly in recent decades as a result of developments in antenatal and neonatal critical care, as well as management of low birth weight babies, although stillbirth rates have remained stable. These children in the later stage of life can develop developmental delays, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and long-term health issues. In the current article, we discuss regarding the incidence of IUGR in study population, and the associated maternal diseases along with perinatal outcome. METHOD: The study was done in a peri-urban tertiary care centre in Nagpur from January 2021 till December 2021 for a duration of 1 year, where 100 women with diagnosed Intra Uterine Growth Restriction were admitted and followed up. Demographic characters were noted and maternal and fetal monitoring was done regularly. Mode of delivery was planned according to gestational age, degree of IUGR, doppler changes. Maternal and perinatal outcome and complications were noted. RESULTS: 100 cases of IUGR were recruited for the study from January 2021 till December 2021 for a duration of 1 year out of total of 1246 deliveries which were recorded in the hospital during this time period. In the present study, the incidence of IUGR was 8.02%. Pregnancy Induced Hypertension was the most signicant risk factor associated with IUGR which was 53%, followed by anaemia- 12%. Previous pregnancies which had IUGR with IUGR in this pregnancy were found in 9 patients. Of the 64 LSCS, foetal distress was the commonest indication (33 cases, 51.5%) followed by abnormal Doppler ndings (17 cases 26.5 %). 86 % of babies had asymmetric IUGR while patients with symmetric IUGR were 14%. CONCLUSION: IUGR leads to the causes of neonatal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. It can be easily assessed at an early stage. Serial clinical, ultrasonographic and doppler follow up will help in diagnosing IUGR and decision making to avoid intrauterine demise, neonatal and perinatal mortality. Surveillance of high-risk pregnancies is also required.

153 The experience of the largest greek maternity hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction and aims of the study: The objective of our study is to report the impact of Covid-19 infection during pregnancy to maternal and neonatal outcomes. Methods: We documented the medical records of all pregnant women who were admitted to “Alexandra” maternity hospital in Athens, Greece from March 2020 to March 2021 and tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (n=85). A nasopharyngeal swab specimen was collected from all pregnant women who were admitted to hospital during the pandemic and evaluated for Covid-19 infection via real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The demographic data, clinical status, laboratory values, pregnancy characteristics, maternal and fetal outcomes were documented for all SARS-CoV-2 positive pregnant women. Results: During the study period a total of 85 pregnant women positive for Covid-19 were admitted to our department. Gestational age (GA) of pregnancy during admission ranged from 7 to 42 weeks of gestation. Mean maternal age was 29.6 years. Patient history revealed comorbidities such as hypertension, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, thrombophilia, hepatitis B and asthma. Sixty-seven out of eighty-five pregnant women delivered within the study period. Cesarean section was performed in 59.7% of the cases. The majority of cases (77.7%) were asymptomatic during admission and remained asymptomatic during the course of their hospitalization while three patients required invasive ventilation. All neonates tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. Neither maternal nor neonatal deaths occurred in the study population. Conclusions: In accordance with recent published studies, our experience delineates the mild course of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy in the majority of cases. At the same time, neonatal outcomes appear favorable as well. However, further studies are warranted as increased severity of COVID-19 infection during pregnancy and sporadic cases of intrauterine growth restriction have also been reported.

Comparison of Diagnostic Values of Maternal Arginine Concentration for Different Pregnancy Complications: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abnormal arginine metabolism contributes to the development of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preeclampsia (PE), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which increase the health burden of mothers and induce adverse birth outcomes. However, associations between maternal arginine concentration and different pregnancy complications have not been systematically compared. The PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science databases were searched for peer-reviewed publications to evaluate the diagnostic value of plasma arginine concentration in complicated pregnancies. Standardized mean difference (SMD) of the arginine concentration was pooled by a random effects model. The results show that increased maternal arginine concentrations were observed in IUGR (SMD: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.20, 0.76; I2 = 47.0%) and GDM (SMD: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.81; I2 = 82.3%) cases but not in PE patients (SMD: 0.21; 95% CI: −0.04, 0.47; I2 = 80.3%) compared with the normal cohorts. Subgroup analyses indicated that the non-fasting circulating arginine concentration in third trimester was increased significantly in GDM and severe IUGR pregnancies, but the change mode was dependent on ethnicity. Additionally, only severe PE persons were accompanied by higher plasma arginine concentrations. These findings suggest that maternal arginine concentration is an important reference for assessing the development of pregnancy complications.