(29) Early growth in first trimester scan in adolescent pregnancies: Results from a comparative cohort study.

Background: In the present study we aim to assess the Crown-rump length (CRL) values measured in first trimester scan in adolescent pregnancies compared with the respective CRL values in adult pregnancies.

Methods: All consecutive pregnancies that underwent a first trimester ultrasound scan in two fetomaternal units in Greece during a twelve-year period were included in the present study.
Ultrasound findings, demographic characteristics and medical records were retrospectively reviewed and recorded in an anonymous database. Cases with a maternal age < 20 years were characterized as adolescent pregnancies, and all other cases were grouped as adult pregnancies (control group).
All statistical analyses were performed using R (version 4.2.2) software packages. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to test the normality of the variables. Multivariate linear regression model and linear regression model were used to assess the association between the weighted for gestational age CRL and the independent variables. The results are represented as the effect size of the CRL. Statistical significance was set at P< 0.05 (two tailed).

Results: In total, 3234 pregnancies were included in the present study; 325 were identified as adolescent pregnancies and 2909 were adult pregnancies. In multivariate analysis, CRL values were statistically significant lower (52.6 mm and 58.8 mm respectively) in adolescent pregnancies (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Based on our results, pregnancy in adolescents has been associated, with statistically significant lower CRL measures compared with adult pregnancies. More prospective studies with larger cohort series are needed.