TITLE:
From IUGR to Fetal Demise: Epidemiological and Prognostic Profile in Yaoundé
AUTHORS:
Junie Annick Metogo Ntsama, Henri Léonard Mol, Irma Aurélia Manga, Monique Nyirabagenzi Lado, Serge Robert Nyada, Ngo Dingom Madye Ange, Bayokolak Amandine Pierre, Wilfried Loïc Tatsipie Meukem, Noa Ndoua Claude Cyrille
KEYWORDS:
IUFD, IUGR, Fetal Death, Yaoundé
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.16 No.5,
May
29,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) remains a major public health problem, particularly in developing countries. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is one of its most common complications. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic, and prognostic aspects of IUFD complicating IUGR in three hospitals in Yaoundé. Methods: This was a descriptive study with prospective and retrospective data collection, conducted from January 1, 2014, to April 30, 2024, at the Yaoundé Central Hospital (HCY), the Yaoundé Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital (HGOPY), and the Deo Gratias Hospital. The sample consisted of 52 pregnant women admitted for IUFD with IUGR diagnosed by ultrasound or growth curve projection. Results: The mean age of the pregnant women was 26.69 ± 8.71 years. The majority of the pregnant women were single (61.6%) and primiparous or nulliparous (32.7% each). The etiology of IUFD complicating IUGR was unknown in 51.9% of cases. Severe preeclampsia was the most common documented cause (26.9%). Management was dominated by spontaneous onset of labor in 76.9% of cases, resulting in vaginal delivery in 76.9% of cases. Conclusion: IUFD complicating IUGR in Yaoundé is mainly of undetermined etiology, highlighting the need to improve etiological investigation. Severe preeclampsia remains a major risk factor. Better prenatal monitoring and early management of IUGR are essential to reduce the incidence of this complication.