Fetal Malnutrition and its consequences in growth and development. An approach for the stomatologist

Abstract

Introduction: the assessment of growth and development is an important indicator of health and nutrition. Malnutrition can affect body proportions and slow cell growth and development of bone, dental and periodontal tissue. This is an aspect of vital importance for the dentist in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of these cases. Method: A clinical, longitudinal and prospective study was conducted in order to determine the effects of fetal malnutrition on physical growth. It was carried out in a sample of live births without congenital malformations at the Mariana Grajales Teaching Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital in the city of Santa Clara in 1987; thirty-eight of them were diagnosed as malnourished considering the low fetal birth weight and gestational age, and 45, with adequate growth, served as controls. All patients underwent anthropometric measurements (weight, height and head circumference) at birth, at three and six months, one year and eight, 15 and 20 years of age. Results: It was determined the existence of significant differences between groups in all investigated variables and age, therefore confirming the effects of malnutrition and lack of recovery of the malnourished individuals. These results allow us to expand knowledge in this area, which is necessary for a better comprehensive and multidisciplinary care and, above all, to prevent the consequences of insufficient prenatal growth.