Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 10, 2025
Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Published on: June 29, 2013
Care of neonates following in-utero growth restriction: A prospective cohort study exploring neonatal morbidity
M G Alda1,2, A G Wood3,4,5, T MacDonald6,7
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. malda@mercy.com.au.
Insights
Small-for-Gestational-Age (SGA) preterm infants face higher risks of hypothermia, necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), and hypoglycaemia. These morbidities are independent risks beyond prematurity alone.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Perinatal Medicine
- Pediatric Research
Background:
- Preterm infants are at increased risk for neonatal morbidities.
- Small-for-Gestational-Age (SGA) is a condition where infants are born smaller than expected for their gestational age.
- The specific neonatal risks associated with SGA preterm infants require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare neonatal morbidities in Small-for-Gestational-Age (SGA) preterm infants versus matched controls.
- To identify independent risk factors for adverse neonatal outcomes in SGA preterm infants.
- To analyze growth patterns and clinical data in SGA and control preterm infants.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of preterm infants (24-36 weeks gestation) in an Australian NICU.
- Matching of SGA infants (birthweight <10th centile) with same-sex, well-grown controls based on gestation or birthweight.
- Collection and comparison of neonatal clinical data, including growth and morbidities.
Main Results:
- SGA infants exhibited higher rates of hypothermia, necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), and hypoglycaemia compared to controls.
- Intraventricular haemorrhage was more frequent in birthweight-matched controls.
- SGA infants demonstrated faster birthweight regain (day 8 vs. day 11).
Conclusions:
- Small-for-Gestational-Age (SGA) is an independent risk factor for specific neonatal morbidities.
- SGA confers risks beyond those associated with being preterm and well-grown.
- Targeted interventions for SGA preterm infants may be necessary to mitigate these risks.
Objective:
This study compared neonatal morbidities in Small-for-Gestational-Age (SGA) preterm infants to gestation- and birthweight-matched controls.
Methods:
Prospective cohort study conducted on preterm infants born between 24+0 and 36+6 weeks of gestation at an Australian NICU. SGA infants (birthweight <10th centile) were matched with same-sex, well-grown controls (birthweight ≥10th centile) based on gestation or birthweight. Neonatal clinical data, including growth and morbidities, were compared.
Results:
Among 148 preterm infants (54 SGA, 54 in each control group). SGA infants had higher rates of hypothermia, necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), and hypoglycaemia compared to controls. Intraventricular haemorrhage was more prevalent in birthweight-matched controls. SGA infants regained birthweight faster (day 8 vs. day 11, p < 0.0002). No significant differences were found in length of stay or respiratory support.
Conclusion:
SGA is an independent risk factor for hypothermia, NEC, and hypoglycaemia, beyond the risks incurred by being born preterm but well-grown for gestation.
