Gestational age and birth weight are closely correlated with each other, and these are major determinants of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Many neonates with congenital anomalies are premature and of low birth weight. Intrauterine growth
retardation can be caused either by congenital malformation itself or by the conditions bringing about congenital malformation.
In the cases with prenatal diagnosis, it is ideal for a mother to deliver an affected fetus at full-term for maximal fetal growth and a better prognosis. But several factors, such as fatal growth, organ maturation and the detrimental effect of
malformation, must be considered for the optimal time of delivery. Therefore, it is important whether the affected fetus gains body weight continuously throughout the intrauterine period.
We found that midgut volvulus, esophageal atresia, Hirschsprung's disease, and jejunoileal atresia showed a positive correlation between gestational age and birth weight. On the contrary, meconium peritonitis, duodenal atresia, diaphragmatic
hernia,
anorectal malformation, gastroschisis and omphalocele did not gain body weight through the 3rd trimester of pregnancy
We consider that this finding will aid the optimal time of delivery of the fetus with congenital malformation, diagnosed prenatally.
|