Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Fetal macrosomia is usually defined when the estimated fetal weight is greater than or equal to 4000 grams. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of macrosomia, to identify its etiological factors and to evaluate maternal and perinatal prognosis. METHODS: This is a case-control study conducted in maternity units of 10 general referral hospitals in the city of Lubumbashi in Democratic Republic of Congo between 1 December 2013 and 31 March 2014. The post-partum women were divided into two groups according to their fetal birth weight: group I (≥4000 grams or more) and groups II (from 2500 to 3500 grams). Maternal characteristics, obstetrical environment as well as maternal and perinatal prognosis were studied and compared in the two groups. Data were analyzed using Epi Info 7.1 software. Differences were considered significant if p <0,05. RESULTS: A total of 668 mothers-newborns pairs were included in the study, 167 macrosoma and 501 controls. The incidence of fetal macrosomia was 5,7%. Compared to mothers from the control group, we found that mothers of macrosomic infants were older, multiparous, multigravidae, obese, diabetic and had previously delivered a macrosomic fetus. The rates of cesarean delivery and pathological delivery were significantly higher in mothers of macrosomic infants than in those of the control group. Male sex was significantly more prevalent among macrosomic infants than among the control group. Shoulder dystocia was recorded only in the macrosomic group. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of delivery of a macrosomic infant in Lubumbashi is 5,7%. Macrosomia is often the cause of maternal and perinatal complications. Reduction of maternal and perinatal complications passes through a better understanding of risk factors and an early detection.