Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 10, 2026
Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Published on: June 29, 2013
The burden of extra uterine growth restriction on postnatal growth in very low birth weight preterm newborns
Laura Lucaccioni1, Elisa Pietrella2, Giovanni Malmusi2
1Pediatric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mothers, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy. laura.lucaccioni@unimore.it.
Insights
Extra-uterine growth restriction (EUGR) in very preterm infants impacts growth and is linked to later metabolic issues. Monitoring anthropometrics during NICU stays is vital for predicting long-term outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neonatology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Extra-uterine growth restriction (EUGR) affects very preterm infants, hindering growth despite nutritional support.
- EUGR is a significant risk factor for adverse long-term metabolic, anthropometric, and cognitive outcomes.
- Understanding EUGR's impact on growth and development is crucial for improving infant health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate anthropometric and metabolic outcomes at peripubertal age in ex-preterm very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.
- To determine the influence of EUGR on the development of short stature.
- To identify potential links between EUGR and metabolic health in later childhood.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of VLBW infants (birth weight < 1500g) born between 2005-2009.
- Clinical evaluation at peripubertal age included measurements of height, head circumference, weight, BMI, and laboratory tests.
- Statistical analysis employed Mann-Whitney U, Spearman, paired t-tests, and Kruskal-Wallis tests.
Main Results:
- Significant impairment in weight, length, and head circumference SDS was observed at discharge for the entire cohort.
- EUGR was present in all Small for Gestational Age (SGA) infants and 50% of Appropriate for Gestational Age (AGA) infants at discharge.
- Four subjects (5.19%) had short stature at peripubertal age, all with EUGR, and three received rhGH treatment. Asymmetric EUGR was linked to lower HDL cholesterol and higher fasting blood glucose.
Conclusions:
- SGA infants born at birth exhibit EUGR at discharge, correlating with metabolic development at peripubertal age.
- Recording anthropometric parameters during NICU stay is critical for predicting weight, BMI, and metabolic risk factors later in life.
- Early identification and management of EUGR are essential for optimizing long-term health outcomes in preterm infants.
Background:
Extra-uterine growth restriction (EUGR) is a condition caused by the failure of very preterm infants to reach their potential growth during the NICU hospital stay. Despite improvements in nutritional supports, their growth pattern is still far from that expected. EUGR is now recognized as a major risk factor for long-term metabolic, anthropometric, and cognitive outcomes. Aim of our study was to evaluate anthropometric and metabolic outcome at peripubertal age in a population of ex-preterm VLBW infants and to detect the possible influence of EUGR on short stature.
Methods:
Retrospective cohort study of children born in a single centre between 2005 and 2009 with VLBW (birth weight < 1500 g). Families were recruited by telephone. During the clinical evaluation at peri-pubertal age, we measured height, head circumference, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI), and clinical laboratory tests. Data were analyzed using SPSSv10.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). The Mann-Whitney U test was used for inter-group comparisons of continuous variables, and the Spearman test was used for correlations between variables. For intra-group comparisons, the paired t-test was used. Differences among three or more groups were assessed using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test.
Results:
We enrolled 78 patients, 21 (27%) born Small for Gestational Age (SGA). Comparing anthropometrics at discharge with those at birth, a significant impairment was found in the whole population for weight, length, and head circumference SDS (p < 0.001). EUGR was detected in all the children born SGA and in 50% of the children born AGA. At peripubertal age four subjects presented with short stature (5.19%): all were EUGR, and three were on rhGH treatment. Patients who developed asymmetric EUGR had lower HDL cholesterol (p:0.049) and higher fasting blood glucose value at peripubertal age, compared to our population (p:0.049).
Conclusion:
Our data confirm SGA infants at birth develop EUGR at discharge and are associated with metabolic development noted at the peripubertal age. Recording anthropometric parameters during the NICU hospital stay is crucial, as they are related to weight, BMI, and metabolic risk factors at peripubertal age.
Trial Registration:
Local Ethics Committee approved the protocol (AVEN CE N. 124/2018).
Related Concept Videos
01:10Nature and Nurture
01:07Teratogenicity
01:29Oxygen Requirements and Growth Patterns
01:17Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution
01:52Regression Toward the Mean