Growth and development of term disproportionate small-for-gestational age infants at the age of 7 years

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Developmental Biology
• Neonatology

Background:

• Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) can impact long-term child development.
• Disproportionate IUGR at term may lead to persistent growth deficits.
• Understanding the long-term sequelae of SGA is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the long-term growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes in term infants with disproportionate SGA.
• To assess the persistence of growth deficits and the presence of neurological soft signs up to 7 years of age.
• To correlate neurological findings with behavioral and academic problems in SGA children.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal follow-up study of 24 term infants with disproportionate SGA and 24 matched controls from birth to 7 years.
• Assessment of anthropometric measurements (weight, height, head circumference, ponderal index).
• Evaluation of neurological soft signs, behavioral observations, and academic performance.

Main Results:

• SGA children remained underweight-for-height with a low ponderal index and smaller head circumference at age 7.
• Minor shifts in individual growth curves were observed after age 3.
• Multiple soft neurological signs were identified in 12 SGA children, associated with behavioral and academic difficulties.

Conclusions:

• Disproportionate SGA at term is associated with persistent underweight and reduced head circumference at 7 years.
• Neurological soft signs in SGA children correlate with behavioral and academic challenges.
• Early intrauterine growth restriction has lasting effects on physical growth and neurodevelopment.