Impaired growth and risk of fetal death: Is the tenth percentile the appropriate standard?

J. W. Seeds, T. Peng, D. A. Grimes, R. W. Hale, G. Saade, R. C. Goodlin, S. G. Gabbe

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

88 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine whether the 10th percentile of birth weight for gestational age is appropriate to identify fetuses at risk of death associated with impaired growth. STUDY DESIGN: All live births recorded in Virginia from Jan. 1, 1991, through Dec. 31, 1993, were examined. Percentile growth curves were constructed, and fetal, neonatal, and perinatal mortality rates were calculated for births within various percentile intervals. RESULTS: Significantly elevated fetal mortality was found for birth weights through the 15th percentile. The odds ratio for fetal mortality relative to the baseline for births ≤5th percentile was 5.6, for the 5th through the 10th percentile 2.8, and for the 10th through the 15th percentile 1.9. These were all significant. CONCLUSION: Fetuses with birth weights between the 10th and 15th percentiles are at a significantly increased risk for fetal death. Therefore the use of the 15th percentile as a diagnostic threshold for the identification of the fetus at increased risk associated with impaired growth is recommended.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)658-669
Number of pages12
JournalAmerican journal of obstetrics and gynecology
Volume178
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1998
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Birth weight standards
  • Fetal death
  • Impaired growth

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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