The study was done in an effort to evaluate biological reproductive capacity in a selected homogeneous (all residents of small city and all of the white race) group of pregnant adolescents compared to a 20-30 year old control group of pregnant young adults.

Fifty patients having less than 19 years and fifty patients between 20-30 years were followed in a longitudinal way during their pregnancies using clinical, biochemical and biophysical (Ultrasound, both intravaginal and transabdominal, and Doppler velocimetry) procedures.

All patients underwent monthly objective obstetrical examinations, with particular attention to maternal weight and blood pressure, and hematochemical laboratory analyses.

Three echographic examinations were carried out during the pregnancy (12th , 21st and 31st gestational weeks). Doppler flussimetry was done at the 22nd , 24th and 28th week to evaluate maternal-fetal hemodynamics.

The frequency of hypertensive pathologies and Intrauterine Growth Retardation was not significantly different between the two groups.

The outcome of delivery was not the same, however; the incidence of Caesarean Sections linked to maternal dystocia was significantly greater in the adolescent group. Newborn birth weight was not significantly different between the two groups.

The Authors underline three essential points: #1. Even though the number of cases was limited, it appears evident that if a group is homogeneous and prenatal care is good, the reproductive differences between adolescents and young adults become insignificant; #2. Obstetrical support to the pregnant adolescent involves an informative approach and maternal-fetal surveillance. The informative approach involves teaching the mother the importance of proper nutrition and healthy life style habits during her entire pregnancy.

In our Adolescentology Center, pregnancy assistance was scheduled at the first meeting with the new mother. In this way, fetal biophysical monitoring could be carried out in the most efficacious way and patient contact is preserved. We observed good patient collaboration and all patients completed their established programs; #3. Prenatal assistance for the adolescent should be done by specialized centres able to offer not only medical help, but also psychological and social support.

The Authors believe that biological factors are not as important as socio-cultural factors concerning the outcome of adolescent pregnancies. Unfortunately, lower socio-economic groups are often unable to obtain adequate prenatal care.

Vincenzi Renzo, Ciotti Giuseppina, Gangale A. Maria, Cataldi Tecla, Giannini Flavio, Garzetti G. Gioele: "Biological reproductive capacity in female adolescent patients: our experience". Paper presented at the First International Congress of Adolescentology, Assisi, Italy, October 22-24 1993.

Key Words: Adolescent pregnancy, Low birth weight, Reproductive capacity.

Vincenzi Renzo, Ciotti Giuseppina, Gangale A. Maria, Cataldi Tecla, Giannini Flavio, Garzetti G. Gioele: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - University of Ancona Ancona, Italy.