Intrauterine growth retardation and plasma fatty acids in the mother and the fetus.
BACKGROUND
Assessing the relationship between plasma fatty acids, specially polyunsaturated fatty acids in the mother and the fetus and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) in an apparently well-nourished population.


METHODS
Case-control intrapartum analysis.


METHODS
Academic tertiary hospital.


METHODS
There were 17 IUGR newborn cases (23 mothers) and 34 newborn control cases (46 mothers).


METHODS
Eleven fatty acids were blindly analysed in plasma by means of gas chromatography.


RESULTS
Percentage values of eicosapentaenoic acid among mothers from the IUGR group were significantly higher than controls, whereas stearic absolute values were significantly reduced. On the other hand there were no differences in percentage values nor in absolute values regarding the 11 fatty acids analysed in newborn infants.


CONCLUSIONS
In an apparently well-nourished population IUGR is not associated with an alteration in plasma fatty acids on the fetal side. However, on the maternal side some imbalance in eicosapentaenoic and stearic acids were found which will require further study.
Matorras
R
R
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital from Cruces, University of País Vasco, Vizcaya, Spain.
Perteagudo
L
L
Nieto
A
A
Sanjurjo
P
P
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy
D005227:Fatty Acids