To determine the prevalence of obesity amongst pregnant women in Qatar and to compare pregnancy complications and perinatal outcome among obese and non-obese women, a retrospective controlled study was conducted at the Women's Hospital, Doha, during the period from 1st January to the end of June 2001. We compared 75 obese and 75 non-obese women matched for age and parity. Maternal demografic variables included maternal age, parity, race and body mass index. The antepartum variables were gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), abruptio placentae and intrauterine growth restriction. Intrapartum variables were preterm labor; mode of delivery and meconium in labor. Neonatal variables included low birth weight, macrosomia, low Apgar score, stillbirth and admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Compared to non-obese women, obese pregnant women had significantly adverse perinatal outcomes including gestational diabetes (34.7% vs. 12%, P<0.001), PIH (16% vs. 2.7%, P=0.012), macrosomia (20% vs. 6.7%, P=0.031), cesarean section (29.3% vs. 13.3%, P=0.038) and admission to NICU (17.3 vs. 5.3%, p=0.039). Other adverse outcomes were higher in the obese group but the differences were not statistically significant. Obesity in pregnancy appears to be an independent risk factor for adverse perinatal outcome. Maternal obesity may be one of the most important preventable risk factors for perinatal morbidity and mortality.

Background: Liver cell injury commonly occurs after perinatal asphyxia. This study aimed to identify the neonatal and maternal factors related to hepatic dysfunction associated with birth asphyxia. Methods: A case control study was carried out in Basra comprising 43 asphyxiated newborns, and 57 healthy full terms enrolled as control. Serum levels of liver enzymes [alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP)] were measured and compared between the study and control groups. Levels beyond +2SD above the mean of control considered high. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS program version 20. Chi-Square test and ANOVA were used where appropriate, P-value <0.05 was considered as significant. Elevated levels of enzymes were studied in relation to selected neonatal and maternal variables. Results: Higher levels of liver enzymes were found related to gestational age > 40 weeks, newborn’s body weight > 4 Kg, mother’s age>35 years, parity > 4 children and maternal medical disease. The results were statistically significant (P<0.05). However, no statistical differences were detected regarding newborn’s gender and growth status, maternal education and mode of delivery. Conclusion: The study highlights the relationship between maternal and neonatal risk factors and perinatal asphyxia associated with hepatic dysfunction.

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