[Complications due to malnutrition and intrauterine growth restriction in preterm newborns].

BACKGROUND

To analyze neonatal complications in preterm infants with or without previous diagnosis of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and malnutrition at birth.

METHODS

We integrated four preterm cohorts: IUGR and malnourished at birth (n = 24), IUGR without malnutrition (n = 22), without IUGR and malnourished (n = 43), and with proper weight without IUGR (n = 224). Nutritional status was determined by weighted index adjusted for weeks of gestation and fetal ultrasound IUGR. Apgar, type of resuscitation, neonatal morbidities, and hospital days of stay were analyzed at birth.

RESULTS

Malnutrition was observed more frequently in infants with preeclamptic or eclamptic mothers, or in multiple pregnancies. There were no differences in birth conditions between groups. There were more complications in cohorts of infants with IUGR, but even more if they had malnutrition as well. Infants with IUGR adjusted for gestational age had more days of hospital stay, without differences regarding their nutritional status.

CONCLUSIONS

In preterm infants, important growth impairments at birth (malnutrition) after being diagnosed with IUGR increase the likelihood of neonatal complications.