Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Auxological and metabolic study in small for gestational age children during 2 years follow-up
Paola Polo Perucchin1, Cristina Traggiai, Maria Grazia Calevo
1Paediatric Department, University of Genova, IRCCS G. Gaslini, Genoa 16147, Italy.
Insights
This study compared growth and metabolic status in preterm (PT) and full-term (FT) small for gestational age (SGA) babies. While most SGA infants achieved catch-up growth, prematurity combined with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) impacted auxological outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neonatology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Small for gestational age (SGA) infants present unique auxological and metabolic challenges.
- Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is a significant factor influencing infant development.
- Understanding the long-term outcomes for SGA infants is crucial for appropriate clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the auxological and metabolic status of preterm (PT) and full-term (FT) SGA babies from birth to two years.
- To investigate the role of IUGR in the auxological and metabolic outcomes of SGA infants.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 44 SGA infants (22 FT, 22 PT) was followed for two years with six-monthly assessments.
- Anthropometric measurements (weight, length) and metabolic markers (glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides) were collected.
- Homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was used to evaluate insulin sensitivity.
Main Results:
- Both PT and FT SGA infants showed significant growth in the first six months, with weight gain slowing in PT infants between 6-12 months.
- Catch-up growth was observed in 90% of FT and 87% of PT SGA infants by 24 months.
- Insulin levels and HOMA-IR decreased over time in both groups, particularly between 6-12 months. PT SGA infants with IUGR had smaller size, lower growth velocity, and higher initial insulin/HOMA-IR compared to FT SGA without IUGR.
Conclusions:
- No significant differences in auxological and metabolic parameters were found between PT and FT SGA infants.
- Prematurity combined with IUGR is a significant factor influencing auxological outcomes in SGA infants.
- The timing of auxological follow-up for SGA subjects should consider the presence of prematurity and IUGR.
Objective:
To compare auxological and metabolic status of preterm (PT) and fullterm (FT) small for gestational age (SGA) babies from birth until age 2 years and to study the role of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) in auxological and metabolic outcome in SGA babies.
Methods:
We enrolled 44 SGA babies (22 FTs, 22 PTs) followed up six monthly. Anthropometric and metabolic measurements (fasting glucose, basal insulin level, total-cholesterol, triglycerides) were performed. HOMA-IR was selected to assess insulin sensitivity.
Results:
Both FTs and PTs from birth to age 6 months showed a significant increase in weight and length; the weight gain decreased from 6 to 12 months only in PTs. At 24 months, we observed catch-up growth in 90% of FTs and 87% of PTs. Insulinemia and HOMA-IR decreased from birth to 24 months, in particular between 6 and 12 months. PTs SGA with IUGR were significantly smaller than FTs SGA without IUGR (p = 0.01) and showed a lower length growth velocity. Moreover they showed also higher insulin levels and HOMA-IR at birth; these values decreased at 12 and 24 months.
Conclusions:
Our study showed no significant difference between PTs and FTs SGA in auxological and metabolic parameters. However, prematurity with IUGR proved to be a significant factor that should be considered in the timing of auxological follow-up of SGA subjects.
