Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Published on: June 29, 2013
Variables associated with extra uterine growth restriction in very low birth weight infants
Paola Azara Tabicas Lima1, Manoel de Carvalho1, Ana Carolina Carioca da Costa2
1Clínica Perinatal Laranjeiras, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Fernandes Figueira/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Insights
Extrauterine growth restriction affects over a quarter of very low birth weight infants, particularly those small for gestational age. Neonatal morbidities also significantly impact growth outcomes in these vulnerable newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Growth and Development
- Perinatal Medicine
Background:
- Extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) is a significant concern in preterm infants.
- Identifying risk factors for EUGR is crucial for improving neonatal outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.
- To evaluate the influence of perinatal variables, clinical practices, and neonatal morbidities on EUGR.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study in four neonatal units in Rio de Janeiro.
- Analyzed 570 very low birth weight infants, including perinatal, clinical, and morbidity data.
- Defined EUGR using z-scores for weight or head circumference ≤ -2 for corrected age.
Main Results:
- The incidence of EUGR based on weight was 26% (149/570); based on head circumference, it was 5% (29/570).
- Infants small for gestational age (SGA) showed the highest impact on both weight (PR=4.33) and head circumference (PR=2.11) growth restriction.
- Mean z-scores at discharge indicated growth deficits for both weight and head circumference.
Conclusions:
- Extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) is highly prevalent in VLBW infants.
- Small for gestational age (SGA) status and neonatal morbidities are significant risk factors for EUGR.
- Interventions targeting SGA infants and managing neonatal morbidities are essential to reduce EUGR.
Objectives:
To determine the rate of extrauterine growth restriction in very low birth weight infants and to evaluate the influence of perinatal variables, clinical practices, and neonatal morbidities on this outcome.
Methods:
A longitudinal study was performed in four neonatal units in the city of Rio de Janeiro. 570 very low birth weight infants were analyzed. The study included perinatal variables, variables related to clinical practices, and incident morbidities in these preterm infants. Extrauterine growth restriction was defined using z-scores for weight or head circumference ≤ -2 for corrected age. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and R software.
Results:
This study comprised 570 infants, of which 49% were males, and 33% were small for gestational age (SGA). The mean weight and head circumference at birth were 1,113 ± 267 g and 27 ± 2 cm, respectively. The mean z-scores of birth weight and weight at discharge were -0.96 ± 0.78 and -1.54 ± 0.75, respectively; for head circumference, the mean z-scores at birth and at discharge were -0.63 ± 1.18 and -0.45 ± 0.94, respectively. The rate of extrauterine growth restriction considering the weight was 26% (149/570) and considering the head circumference, 5% (29/570). SGA was the variable with the greatest impact on both growth restriction for weight (PR = 4.33) and for head circumference (PR = 2.11) in adjusted analyses.
Conclusion:
extrauterine growth restriction was high in the population, especially for SGA newborns and those with neonatal morbidities.
Related Concept Videos
01:07Teratogenicity
01:18Polygenic Traits
01:10Nature and Nurture