Trends of Macrosomia at University Clinics of Kinshasa

Abstract

Context. The prevalence of macrosomia varies through the world according to racial and ethnic factors, life style and importance of non communicable diseases (maternal obesity, diabetes-gestational and type 2), post-term gestation and multiparity. At the University Clinics of Kinshasa (UCK), 30 years ago, the frequency of macrosomia was 2.4%. Objectives. To update data on the frequency of macrosomia at UCK, regarding variations in maternal anthropometrics (obesity) and socio-demographic factors. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted at UCK from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2016. Mothers who delivered babies weighing at least 4000 g were included in this study. Results. The frequency of macrosomia was 3.7%. Trend shows a variation of this frequency over time with lowest frequency (2.1%) in 2012 and highest (5.3%) in 2009. The mother average age and parity were 32.3 ± 5.4 years and 3 ± 2, respectively. Pregnancies were complicated by polyhydramnios (48%) and gestational diabetes (19.7%). Caesarean section was performed in 60.5% cases, mainly for macrosomia (47.8%) and 81.6% of newborns had constitutional macrosomia. Adverse obstetrical outcomes of macrosomia were dominated by caesarean section (28.9%), lacerations of birth canal (23%) and neonatal distress (9.2%). Conclusion. Macrosomia remains a constant finding at UCK, and is associated with maternal, fetal and neonatal adverse outcomes. Trend shows a variation of the frequency over time between 2.1% and 5.3%.