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

Gesina D S Ernst; Layla L de Jonge; Albert Hofman; Jan Lindemans; Henk Russcher; Eric A P Steegers; Vincent W V Jaddoe

doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2011.03.049

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.

Authors

Gesina D S Ernst¹, Layla L de Jonge, Albert Hofman, Jan Lindemans, Henk Russcher, Eric A P Steegers, Vincent W V Jaddoe

Affiliation

¹ Generation R Study Group, Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

PMID: 21575931
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2011.03.049

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