Assessing neonatal complications of intrauterine growth restriction; A one-week assessment at the National Institute of Child Health, Karachi.

Abstract

Background: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is characterized by fetal growth below the expected rate for a given infant's potential due to genetic or environmental factors. Neonates with IUGR are at risk for various short-term and long-term complications, which can lead to increased mortality and morbidity. Preterm IUGR affects approximately 7% to 9% of newborns, and it is associated with 50% of unexplained stillbirths. This study aimed to determine the frequency of complications associated with IUGR within one week of birth among neonates admitted to the National Institute of Child Health (NICH) neonatal department in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methodology: This study was conducted at NICH Karachi, Pakistan. Neonates diagnosed with IUGR were included after obtaining informed consent. Outcomes, including complications such as hypocalcemia, hypothermia, sepsis, jaundice, persistent pulmonary hypertension, and hypoglycemia, were systematically assessed.

Results: The mean age of neonates was 4.9 ± 1.3 days. Among the 191 neonates studied, 61.3% were male and 38.7% were female. Complications observed included hypocalcemia (8.3%), hypothermia (5.2%), sepsis (15.2%), jaundice (23.6%), hypoglycemia (6.2%), and persistent pulmonary hypertension (10.6%). Notably, 30.9% of the neonates exhibited no complications.

Conclusion: Jaundice was identified as the most common complication of IUGR, followed by sepsis and persistent pulmonary hypertension. These findings underscore the need for further research to explore the risk factors associated with IUGR complications and to develop strategies for early detection and management to improve neonatal outcomes.