Postmaturity (Clifford syndrome)
Introduction
Birth after 42 weeks of gestation.
Etiology
- the causes of prolonged gestation are unknown
- certain fetal anomalies (anencephaly) predispose to
prolonged gestation but these cases are rare
Macroscopic appearance
- gross appearance of newborn in case of true postmaturity
- skin — wrinkled, dry and peeling. Fingernails
are long. Little vernix remains.
- lanugo — almost absent
- meconium staining is frequently seen
- there is often little subcutaneous fat but
some infants are obviously macrosomic (LGA)
Clinical signs
Possible complications
- meconium aspiration syndrome
- birth asphyxia
- oligohydramnios, cord accidents
- macrosomia increases risk of birth trauma
- hypoglycemia, hypothermia in the early postnatal period
- increased perinatal mortality compared to term gravidity
