Role of Omega-3 Supplementation on Lipid Profile and Serum Leptin Level in Neonates With Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Intrauterine growth restriction is a major cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity .

It is noted to affect approximately 5-15 % of pregnant women. Egypt has one of the highest incidences of Intrauterine Growth Restriction. The incidence of IUGR varies among countries, populations, races and increases with decreasing gestational age. 14 to 20 million infants have been affected with Intrauterine Growth Restriction cases in the developing countries annually.

A complex and dynamic interaction of maternal, placental and fetal environment is involved in ensuring normal fetal growth. An imbalance or lack of coordination in this complex system may lead to Intrauterine Growth Restriction. Intrauterine Growth Restriction( IUGR) results in significant perinatal and long-term complications, including increased neonatal mortality and morbidity and higher risk for developing metabolic syndrome later in life.

Physiological differences have been noted in growth restricted infants. Intrauterine amino acid disturbances similar to biochemical changes seen in postnatal protein deprived states have been detected. Protein metabolism defect and altered lipid metabolism also have been described.

Undernourishment in utero appears to be associated with persisting changes in the metabolic functions. Birth weight influences the lipoprotein profile and cholesteryl ester transfer protein, which promotes a proatherogenic lipoprotein profile in plasma by determining chemical, physical and biological properties of the respective lipoprotein particle in neonates.