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

Abstract

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 and insufficient growth environment which results in anemia and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy which are potent risk 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.

Study of fetomaternal implications in intrauterine growth restriction pregnancies

“…The major risk factors identified were anemia, preeclampsia and oligohydramnios. Similar risk factors were noted in study by Dapkekar et al 7 The limitations of the study mainly involved a small sample size and a limited duration of the study which can be considered for the future scope of the present study.…”

“…Six babies had some perinatal morbidity and required NICU admission while the perinatal mortality was ten percentages. [7][8][9][10][11] It was observed that maximum of the study population, 60% belonged to the age group of 20-30 years. In a study by Dapkekar et al the majority of IUGR cases were found in women belonging to the younger age group (21 to 25 years).…”

“…In a study by Dapkekar et al the majority of IUGR cases were found in women belonging to the younger age group (21 to 25 years). 7 Hence, young maternal age was identified as an independent risk factor for FGR. Cases of IUGR were commonly seen in multigravidae patients (60%).…”

Characterizing Early Cardiac Metabolic Programming via 30% Maternal Nutrient Reduction during Fetal Development in a Non-Human Primate Model

“…MNR is a recognized risk factor for IUGR and SGA [39,40]. However, it is not the sole cause, as other factors, such as maternal health conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes), smoking, drug use, and genetic factors, can also contribute to these conditions [41,42].…”

Diagnosis, Prevention, and Management of Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR)

“…Despite the significant reduction in perinatal morbidity and mortality over the last 30 years, fetal growth restriction (FGR), or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), is the second most usual cause of perinatal mortality [1]. Normal fetal growth is defined as fetal growth that corresponds between the 10th and 90th percentile of the growth chart, as defined specifically for different populations.…”