With the aim of collecting evidence on repetition of low birth weight, intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR), and prematurity in successive pregnancies, a systematic review was conducted on MEDLINE, LILACS, PAHO, and MedCarib from 1965 to 2004, using as descriptors: "low birth weight and recurrence, repetition or previous", "risk factors and repetition, recurrence or previous LBW", "IUGR and recurrence, repetition or previous", "risk factors and repetition, recurrence or previous IUGR", "prematurity and recurrence, repetition or previous", and "risk factors and repetition, recurrence or previous prematurity". Of 24 studies, 18 were excluded due to inconsistency between the title and the actual subject investigated (obstetric history as a risk factor rather than a selection criterion). The most important risk factors associated with repetition of low birth weight were maternal age > 30 years, smoking, short inter-gestational interval, and black skin color; those associated with IUGR were maternal age < 20 or > 35 years, low maternal education, high blood pressure, drug addiction, and non-technical/non-professional paternal occupation; and with preterm birth, premature rupture of membranes, chorioamnionitis, preeclampsia, preterm labor, and inter-gestational interval less than 12 months.
Low Birth Weight Infant; Fetal Growth Retardation; Premature Infant; Risk Factors
