Maternal nutrient supplementation for suspected impaired fetal growth.
BACKGROUND
One way of attempting to improve fetal growth has been nutrient supplementation for the mother when fetal growth is impaired. Different nutrients such as carbohydrates and amino acids have been suggested as treatments for impaired fetal growth.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this review was to assess the effects of nutrient administration for suspected fetal growth impairment on fetal growth and perinatal outcome.


METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register. Date of last search: 1 November 2002.


METHODS
Acceptably controlled trials of nutrient administration for suspected impaired fetal growth compared to placebo or no treatment.


METHODS
Trial quality was assessed.


RESULTS
Three studies involving 121 women were included. They were small and/or had methodological limitations. No difference was detected in the number of small for gestational age infants whose mothers had received nutrients compared to those who did not (relative risk for calf blood extract 0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.20 to 1.47; for glucose 1.11, 95% CI 0.64 to 1.92; for galactose 0.78, 95% CI 0.39 to 1.54.


CONCLUSIONS
There is not enough evidence to evaluate the use of nutrient therapy for suspected impaired fetal growth. The studies were too small to detect any rare adverse effects.
Say
L
L
Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, Geneva 27, Switzerland. sayl@who.int
Gülmezoglu
A M
AM
Hofmeyr
G J
GJ
D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D018529:Nutritional Support; D011247:Pregnancy