A case control study of the prevalence of perinatal complications associated with fetal macrosomia in Antigua and Barbuda.

The prevalence of obstetric, perinatal and neonatal complications associated with fetal macrosomia at Holberton Hospital in Antigua and Barbuda was assessed by a retrospective, case-control study. All babies of birthweight (BW) greater than 4.5 kg born between July 1991 and January 1997 and all babies with BW greater than 4.0 kg born between July 1991 and January 1995, were included. Control babies, were selected from those born on the same day as the index case. Babies of BW > 4.0 kg and babies of BW > 4.5 kg were 5.7% and 1% of births respectively Records were complete for 157 large babies (40 with BW > 4.5 kg) and 157 control babies < 4.0 kg. Mothers of large babies were significantly older, more parous, more likely to have diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and deliver after 40 weeks gestation. At delivery, mothers of large babies were more likely to bleed. Large babies had lower one minute and five minute Apgar score, were more likely to be meconium stained, have respiratory distress, have birth trauma or dystocia and to be admitted to Special Care Nursery. There was no difference in Caesarean section rate, hospital days, neonatal jaundice or mortality. Babies with BW > 4.5 kg had mortality of 7.5% versus 1.8% for those < 4.5 kg. Fetal macrosomia remains a difficult obstetrical problem associated with significant maternal, perinatal and neonatal consequences. Morbidity and mortality are still significant in developed and developing countries alike.