[Intra-uterine growth retardation: etiologic factors and management].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to define the etiologic factors, the diagnostic proceduresand obstetrical rules to be observed during a pregnancy in relation with low birth weight.


METHODS
This is a retrospective study of 124 cases, carried out at the military hospital of Tunis, between January 1st 1999 and December 31 st 2001.


RESULTS
The frequency of intra-uterine growth retardation (IVGR) was 2.1%. 46.8% of the patients were primiparous. The mean age of the patients was 30 years. 25.8% of the patients developed toxemia. The etiology was predominantly renovascular-syndromes, urinary infections, and idiopathic hypotrophy. The positive diagnosis was suggesred by the measure of the uterine height in 96% and was confirmed by sonogaphy in all cases. The ombilical Doppler was pathological in 17.76% of the cases. A corticosteroid administration for pulmonary maturation was prescribed in 28% of the cases. Obstetrical common rule was fetal extraction: 42.7% of the patients were delivered by cesarean.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a real need to insist on the importance of early detection of fetal hypotrophy and of better management of the women at risk.
Rachdi
R
R
Service de gynécologie-obstétrique--Hopital Militaire dce Tunis, Tunis.
Chlyah
M
M
Messaoudi
F
F
Kallel
M
M
Yazidi
M
M
Basly
M
M
Zayene
H
H
Messaoudi
L
L
Chibani
M
M
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000740:Anemia / Q000150:complications; D002585:Cesarean Section; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005325:Fetal Organ Maturity / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects / Q000196:embryology; D008423:Maternal Age; D008875:Middle Aged; D010298:Parity; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014416:Tunisia; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000150:complications
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones