[Intrauterine weight index in fetal growth retardation]

Abstract

The intra uterine ponderal index (IPI) estimated by ultrasound examination (US) in 79 patients with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is presented. The IPI was calculated using the following formula: [formula: see text] 13.2 (DFO) + 22 (DAT) + 8.9 (DAP) - 48.4 (LF) - 7469.1, and ETF = 0.55 (LF) + 8.66. Correlation indexes (r) of EPF, ETF and IPI with neonatal weight, length and ponderal index were 0.92, 0.87 and 0.51 (p < 0.001). The IPI revealed a gradual increase with respect to gestational age ranging from 1.63 to 3.08. The p 10 of the IPI was 1.96 for pregnancies of 30 to 34 weeks and 2.35 for pregnancies of 35 to 39 weeks. Those cases of IUGR with IPI < p 10 (n = 7) had a higher incidence of cesarean section (86% vs 30%, p < 0.01), intrapartum fetal distress (71% vs 11%, p < 0.01), Apgar score of < 7 at 5' (29% vs 1.4%, p < 0.05), PBF < 5 points (43% vs 4.7%, p < 0.01), and moderate or severe neonatal morbidity (57% vs 21%, p < 0.05) than those with IPI > or = p 10 (n = 72). No difference were found with respect to the presence of antepartum meconium (29% vs 6%, p = 0.09). In conclusion, ultrasonographic estimation of the IPI is another element of the examination that can help in the diagnosis of fetal condition in cases of IUGR, permitting to distinguish those fetuses that, having and estimated weight below the tenth percentile in a growth curve, are in higher perinatal risk.