A cross-sectional study of non-diabetic macrosomic infants

Abstract

Objective: To determine risk factors and short term outcomes in infants with fetal macrosomia independent of gestational diabetes. Method: Patient records of babies born in Bolu IzzetBaysal Obstetrics-Gynaecology and Paediatrics Hospital between 1st January 2007 and 31st December 2010 with weights of 4000g or more were assessed retrospectively. Data were analysed usingSPSS version 17.0. Babies born outside hospital and infants of diabetic mothers were excluded.Control group comprised 500 healthy infants weighing 2500-3999g, born during the same period. Chi-square test, student-t test, Mann-Whitney test and multiple regression analysis were the statistical tests used. Results: Of 10,898 babies delivered in our hospital during the 4 year study period, 509 (4.7%) weighed 4000g or more. Significantly more non-diabetic macrosomic babies were male compared to controls (p<0.001). Significantly more non-diabetic pregnant women older than 35 years delivered macrosomic infants compared to non-diabetic pregnant women 35 years or less (p<0.001). Significantly more non-diabetic pregnant women who delivered macrosomic infants were multipara compared to controls (p<0.001). No significant statistical differences were detected in mode of delivery between cases and controls (p>0.05). The 5th minute Apgar scores in the non-diabetic macrosomic group was significantly lower than in controls (p<0.001). Non-diabetic macrosomic babies had significantly more birth injuries than controls (p=0.009). Risk of developing hypoglycaemia and hypocalcaemia were significantly higher in non-diabetic macrosomic babies compared to controls (p<0.05). Conclusion: In our study the risk factors for nondiabetic fetal macrosomia were advanced age pregnancy, multiparity and male sex.