Is fetal gender associated with adverse perinatal outcome in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)?
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a difference in perinatal outcome by gender among growth-restricted fetuses.


METHODS
This was a retrospective cohort study of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) singleton pregnancies over a 5-year period. Clinical outcomes compared by gender included preterm delivery, perinatal mortality (PNM), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), grade 3 or 4 intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). Statistical analysis included bivariate and multivariable techniques.


RESULTS
Seven hundred and twenty-seven singleton pregnancies with IUGR were identified. Three hundred and forty-six (47.6%) were males. Birth weight was similar between the groups. After adjusting for maternal demographics, medical history, gestational age, mode of delivery, and antenatal corticosteroids, adverse perinatal outcomes were similar between the groups. Severity of outcomes was also similar between males and females (P = .66).


CONCLUSIONS
Male fetuses with IUGR have similar outcomes when compared with female IUGR fetuses. Gender does not play a role in perinatal outcome in the setting of fetal growth restriction.
Quiñones
Joanne N
JN
Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Stamilio
David M
DM
Coassolo
Kara M
KM
Macones
George A
GA
Odibo
Anthony O
AO
D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors