Impact of Obstetric Nutritional Risk on Perinatal Morbidity: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Objective. Malnutrition is among the most relevant problems in pregnant women, which affects nutritional status of the fetus and newborn outcome. The impact of obstetric nutritional risk (ONR) on neonatal morbidity has not been investigated. The purpose of this work was to identify a possible association between ONR, on high-risk pregnancy (HRP) patients and perinatal morbidity. Methods. This Case Control study included 118 neonates of HRP patients who were either (Cases, n =66) or not (Controls, n =52) with ONR. Groups were then compared to identify associated Neonatal Morbidity. Study variables included: neonatal morbidity, one and five-minute APGAR scores, birth weight, gestation weeks, preterm births, newborn gender and neonatal complications. Results. Morbidity and preterm births were identified in 40 (60.6%) and 11 (21.1%) neonates (p <0.001); and 40 (60.6%) and 14 (26.9%) neonates (p <0.001), for cases and controls, respectively. Average one-minute and five-minute APGAR scores was 6 ± 1 and 8 ± 1 (p <0.05); and 8 ± 1 and 9 ± 1 (p >0.05) for cases and controls, respectively. Average birth weight and gestation weeks was 2,272.5 and 2,548.5 grams (p <0.05); and 34 ± 3.7 and 37 ± 3 weeks (p <0.05) for cases and controls, respectively. There were 34 (51.51%) and 24 (46.15%) female neonates (p < 0.05); and 32 (48.48%) and 28 (53.85%) male neonates (p >0.05) for cases and control, respectively. Conclusion. Morbidity was significantly higher in neonates of HRP patients with ONR. Therefore, Obstetric Nutritional Risk had a negative impact on perinatal morbidity and newborn outcome.