Fetal growth and infantile colic
- aThe Danish Epidemiologic Science Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Aarhus, Denmark, bThe Medical Research Unit, Ringkjøbing County, Denmark, cPerinatal Epidemiological Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark, dDepartment of Pediatrics, Aarhus University Hospital
- Dr Søndergaard, The Danish Epidemiologic Science Centre, University Of Aarhus, Vennelyst Boulevard 6, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark email: cs{at}soci.au.dk
- Accepted 7 January 2000
Abstract
AIM To describe how fetal growth and gestational age affect infantile colic, while considering other potential risk factors.
STUDY DESIGN A population based follow up study of 2035 healthy singleton infants without any disability born to Danish mothers. Information was collected by self administered questionnaires at 16 and 30 weeks of gestation, at delivery, and 8 months post partum. Infantile colic is defined according to Wessel's criteria, but symptoms are restricted to crying for more than three hours a day, for more than three days a week, and for more than three weeks.
RESULTS The cumulated incidence of infantile colic was 10.9%. Low birth weight babies (< 2500 g) had more than twice the risk (odds ratio = 2.7, 95% confidence interval 1.2 to 6.1) of infantile colic when controlled for gestational age, maternal height, and smoking.
CONCLUSION Low birth weight may be associated with infantile colic, and further research will be aimed to focus on fetal growth and infantile colic.
