A Study to Evaluate the Clinical Profiles of Asymmetric and Mixed Types of Intrauterine Growth Retardation

Introduction: The prevalence of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is about 28% in the general population. IUGR posesincreased risk of fetal mortality and morbidity and also contributes to developmental origin of health and disease. Of the threetypes of IUGR, Type III is more common in developing countries. This study evaluates the clinical profiles of Type II and Type IIIIUGR and also to evaluate any differences between the two types.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, observational, and analytical study was conducted on 86 pregnant women withgestational age of more than 24 weeks, clinically diagnosed as IUGR and confirmed by ultrasound. They were followed up tilldischarge in the postnatal period. Any significant antenatal, intranatal, or postnatal events were recorded.Results: There were increased incidences of oligohydramnios, preterm birth, and requirement of cesarean section whichare increased in the cases of IUGR, more in Type II than in Type III IUGR. Furthermore, there were significant differences inmaternal Vitamin D levels between the low and normal birth weight groups in Type II IUGR.Conclusion: IUGR is associated with increased risk of preterm birth and operative delivery. Deficient maternal serum Vitamin Dlevels are a risk factor for low birth weight in asymmetric IUGR only, though further studies need to be conducted in this regard.