Outcome of singleton preterm small for gestational age infants born to mothers with pregnancy-induced hypertension. A population-based study.

BACKGROUND

Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) has been associated with a decreased risk of infant mortality in small for gestational age (SGA) preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the influence of PIH on mortality and major neonatal morbidities in singleton preterm SGA infants, in the presence and absence of acute pregnancy complications.

METHODS

Population-based observational study of singleton SGA infants, born at 24 to 32 weeks gestation in the period 1995-2010 (n = 2139). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to assess the independent effect of PIH on mortality and neonatal morbidities. Acute pregnancy complications comprised premature labor, premature rupture of membranes >6 h, antepartum hemorrhage and clinical chorioamnionitis.

RESULTS

In the absence of pregnancy complications, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for mortality (0.77; 0.50-1.16), survival without severe neurological morbidity (1.14; 0.79-1.65) and survival without bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (0.85; 0.59-1.21) were similar in the PIH versus no-PIH groups. In the presence of pregnancy complications, mortality (0.76; 0.40-1.44), survival without severe neurological morbidity (1.16; 0.64-2.12) and survival without BPD (1.04; 0.58-1.86) were also similar in the PIH versus no-PIH groups.

CONCLUSIONS

PIH was not associated with improved outcome in preterm SGA infants, both in the presence and absence of acute pregnancy complications.