Spatial distribution and secular trend (1991–2014) of small for gestational age infants born in Jujuy

DIPIERRI J.E.

ARCHIVOS ARGENTINOS DE PEDIATRIA

SOC ARGENTINA PEDIATRIA

Lugar: Buenos Aires; Año: 2023

0325-0075

Introduction. A fetus that does not reach the expected growth potential in utero is considered small forgestational age (SGA). Such restriction depends on genetic and/or environmental factors, being altitude avery relevant factor. This study analyzes the spatial distribution of the prevalence of SGA and its seculartrend in Jujuy (1991–2014).Materials and methods. The records of 308 469 live births in Jujuy (Health Statistics and InformationDepartment) were analyzed. The prevalence of SGA (weight/gestational age < P10 and < P3) wasestimated for sex according to the INTERGROWTH-21st standard in the ecoregions of Jujuy (Valle andRamal –less than 2000MASL–, Puna, and Quebrada) across 3periods (1991–2000, 2001–2009, 2010–2014)and proportions were compared. The secular trend was assessed using the Joinpoint regression analysis.Results. The overall prevalence of SGA was 2.3% (< P3) and 7% (< P10). Significantly higher valueswere observed in Puna and Quebrada in both SGA categories and across all periods. Only in Valle,significant differences were observed between sexes across all periods. The prevalence of SGA showeda significant downward secular trend at a provincial and regional level, and this was greater in Quebrada(5.2% < P3 and 3.5% < P10).Conclusions. A consistent and significant decrease in the prevalence of SGA has been observedsince the 1990s in Jujuy, where altitude is itself a determining factor of size at birth, since the Puna andQuebrada regions showed the highest prevalence of SGA during the entire period.