Does augmented growth impose an increased risk of fetal death?
OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to examine the risk of fetal death associated with augmented fetal growth.


METHODS
All live births recorded in Virginia between January 1, 1991, and December 31, 1993, were examined. Mortality rates were examined for infants born at or beyond 24 weeks' gestational age with weights between the 75th and 90th percentiles, from the 90th to the 95th percentile, and >95th percentile.


RESULTS
Mortality rates were found to rise only slightly with birth weights >90th percentile. A recorded diagnosis of maternal diabetes, however, was associated with a significant risk in the presence of augmented fetal growth. Augmented fetal growth without maternal glucose intolerance showed no increase in mortality.


CONCLUSIONS
Augmented fetal growth in the absence of maternal glucose intolerance appeared not to be associated with a significant increase in the risk of death among these births. Increased risk was found when augmented fetal growth was associated with maternal diabetes.
Seeds
J W
JW
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal and Fetal Medicine Section, Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia, Richmond USA.
Peng
T C
TC
D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death / Q000209:etiology*; D020567:Fetal Weight; D005333:Fetus / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007226:Infant Mortality; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009026:Mortality; D011247:Pregnancy; D011254:Pregnancy in Diabetics / Q000150:complications; D012307:Risk Factors