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Small for gestational age: growth and puberty issues
1Department of Pediatrics, Maulana Azad Medical College and Associated Lok Nayak Hospital,New Delhi, India. Correspondence to: Dr Sangeeta Yadav, Director Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi 110 002, India. sangeetayadava@gmail.com.
Insights
Infants born small for gestational age (SGA) face increased risks for growth failure, metabolic syndrome, and pubertal issues. Early detection and consistent follow-up in specialized clinics are crucial for managing these long-term health concerns.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Endocrinology
- Neonatology
Background:
- Infants born small for gestational age (SGA) exhibit a significantly higher risk of growth failure and adult-onset disorders.
- Rapid catch-up growth in SGA infants is linked to metabolic syndrome, while inadequate growth may result in short stature.
- Altered pubertal development is a common concern for children born SGA.
Purpose of the Study:
- Address the limited literature and lack of established guidelines for managing children born small for gestational age.
- Provide a structured approach to the follow-up and management of SGA infants.
- Highlight the importance of early detection and intervention for SGA-related complications.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a comprehensive literature search on PubMed focusing on SGA epidemiology, growth, puberty, comorbidities, pathogenesis, and management.
- Emphasized relevance for developing countries in the literature review.
- Developed a follow-up algorithm for SGA children based on empirical data.
Main Results:
- Being born small for gestational age predisposes individuals to numerous metabolic and pubertal disorders.
- Early surveillance in growth clinics is essential for identifying potential issues.
- Regular follow-up is necessary to prevent and manage associated comorbidities.
Conclusions:
- Children born small for gestational age require specialized attention due to increased risks of metabolic and pubertal disorders.
- Early detection and management through growth clinic surveillance are critical.
- Consistent follow-up plays a vital role in preventing long-term health complications in SGA individuals.
Context:
Small for gestational age infants have multifold increased risk of growth failure and adulthood disorders. Those who experience rapid catch up growth are at risk of developing metabolic syndrome, whereas those without catch up may end up with short stature. These children are also prone to an altered pubertal development.
Need And Purpose:
Scarcity of literature, lack of published guidelines on the follow-up and management plan of children born with small for gestational age.
Evidence Acquisition:
Literature search in PubMed was conducted with regard to epidemiology, growth and puberty, comorbidities, its pathogenesis and management in small for gestational age, with particular relevance for developing countries. An algorithm for follow-up of these children is outlined, based on available empiric data.
Conclusions:
Being born small for gestational age predisposes to many metabolic and pubertal disorders. Special emphasis is needed for early detection and management through early surveillance in growth clinics, and regular follow-up to prevent associated comorbidities.
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