Maternal‐Fetal Histocompatibility in Intrauterine Growth Retarded and Normal Weight Babies

Abstract

To determine whether risk for intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is increased in HLA-DQA1 compatible pregnancies. Paired maternal and cord blood samples were obtained from 30 IUGR and 31 non-IUGR pregnancies delivered at a university hospital. Samples were typed for eight HLA-DQA1 alleles using 10 sequence-specific oligonucleotides probes. Associations between IUGR and HLA-DQ compatibility status, and other risk factors were examined using logistic regression analysis. HLA-DQ compatibility and history of spontaneous abortion were not individually significant risk factors for IUGR; however, there was an interactive effect between these two factors and IUGR (P = 0.085) that improved the overall fit of the logistic model (P < 0.001). No individual allele was more common in IUGR pregnancies. HLA compatibility per se is not associated with sufficient inhibition of fetal growth to result in IUGR as defined. However, in women with a history of spontaneous abortion, HLA compatibility may have an effect.