ABSTRACT

Conclusions:

Obesity is a major health problem and is notable as a preventable cause of mortality in preterm infants.We believe that close perinatal follow-up may help mitigate this risk.

Results:

Data from a total of 100 mother/infant pairs were analyzed. Prepartum BMI was ≥30kg/m2 in 33 (33%) of the mothers and defined as group 1. Those with a BMI<30kg/m2 were defined as Group 2. Mean gestational age in group 1 and 2 was 29.89±2.98 and 30.36±2.79 weeks (p=0.682) and mean birth weight was 1368±512 and 1475±515g (p=0.331), respectively. Mortality was found to be significantly higher in group 1(30.3%; p=0.009). Other preterm morbidities occured at similar rates in both groups. In regression analysis, maternal BMI≥30kg/ m2 was found to be an independent risk factor for neonatal mortality (odds ratio 4.5,95%CI 1.4-14.5;p=0.01).

Materials and Methods:

The records of infants born at ≤34 weeks of gestation were analyzed retrospectively. Mother/infant pairs were grouped according to the mother’s prepartum body mass index (BMI≥30kg/m2 and <30kg/m2) for comparison.

Introduction:

Obesity is among the most important health problems facing developed and developing countries today. Data are scarce regarding the impact of maternal obesity on preterm infants. This study aimed to investigate the effect of maternal obesity on morbidity and mortality in preterm infants.