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

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

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