Intrauterine Growth Retardation - A Review Article

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is defined as fetal growth less than the normal growth potential of a specific infant because of genetic or environmental factors. The terms IUGR and Small for Gestational Age (SGA) are often used alternatively to describe the same problem, although there exists subtle differences between the two. The burden of IUGR is concentrated mainly in Asia which accounts for nearly 75% of all affected infants. Various maternal, placental, neonatal, environmental and genetic factors are contributing to the preponderance of IUGR infants in Asia. These newborns are unique because of their peculiar and increased risk of immediate and long term complications in comparison with the appropriate gestational age born infants. In this review we would like to present the types of IUGR infants; possible etiology related to maternal, fetal and placental causes; short term and long term neurodevelopmental outcomes, and evidence based preventive interventions effective in reducing the IUGR burden. This review also highlights the genetic contribution of the mother to the fetus and the placenta in the genesis of unexplained or idiopathic intrauterine growth restriction.