Is fetal gender associated with adverse perinatal outcome in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)?

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a difference in perinatal outcome by gender among growth-restricted fetuses.

STUDY

DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) singleton pregnancies over a 5-year period. Clinical outcomes compared by gender included preterm delivery, perinatal mortality (PNM), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), grade 3 or 4 intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). Statistical analysis included bivariate and multivariable techniques.

RESULTS

Seven hundred and twenty-seven singleton pregnancies with IUGR were identified. Three hundred and forty-six (47.6%) were males. Birth weight was similar between the groups. After adjusting for maternal demographics, medical history, gestational age, mode of delivery, and antenatal corticosteroids, adverse perinatal outcomes were similar between the groups. Severity of outcomes was also similar between males and females (P = .66).

CONCLUSION

Male fetuses with IUGR have similar outcomes when compared with female IUGR fetuses. Gender does not play a role in perinatal outcome in the setting of fetal growth restriction.