C-reactive protein levels in early pregnancy, fetal growth patterns, and the risk for neonatal complications: the Generation R Study

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2011 Aug;205(2):132.e1-12. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2011.03.049. Epub 2011 Apr 8.

Abstract

Objective: We sought to examine the associations of maternal C-reactive protein (CRP) levels with fetal growth and the risks of neonatal complications.

Study design: CRP levels were measured in early pregnancy in 6016 women. Main outcome measures were fetal growth in each trimester and neonatal complications.

Results: As compared to the reference group (CRP levels<5 mg/L), elevated maternal CRP levels (≥25 mg/L) were associated with lower estimated fetal weight in third trimester and lower weight at birth (differences: -29 g, 95% confidence interval [CI], -58 to 0 and -128 g, 95% CI, -195 to -60, respectively). Elevated maternal CRP levels were also associated with an increased risk of a small size for gestational age in the offspring (adjusted odds ratio, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.61-5.36).

Conclusion: Maternal CRP levels in early pregnancy are associated with fetal growth restriction and increased risks of neonatal complications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 14-3-3 Proteins
  • Adult
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Birth Weight*
  • C-Reactive Protein / analysis*
  • C-Reactive Protein / metabolism
  • Cohort Studies
  • Confidence Intervals
  • Exonucleases
  • Exoribonucleases
  • Female
  • Fetal Development / physiology*
  • Fetal Weight
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Newborn, Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Infant, Newborn, Diseases / epidemiology
  • Infant, Small for Gestational Age / physiology
  • Life Style
  • Maternal Age
  • Netherlands
  • Odds Ratio
  • Pregnancy / blood*
  • Pregnancy Trimester, Second
  • Pregnancy Trimester, Third
  • Premature Birth / blood*
  • Premature Birth / epidemiology
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Assessment
  • Socioeconomic Factors

Substances

  • 14-3-3 Proteins
  • Biomarkers
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • C-Reactive Protein
  • Exonucleases
  • Exoribonucleases
  • SFN protein, human