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Physical growth of children born small for gestational age
Acta Paediatrica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae
|January 1, 1978
Insights
Small for gestational age (SGA) children show significant growth delays in weight, height, head size, and bone development up to age 3. These growth deficits persist in early childhood.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Child Development
- Neonatology
Background:
- Small for gestational age (SGA) infants often experience altered growth trajectories.
- Early postnatal development is crucial for long-term health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the postnatal physical growth of small for gestational age (SGA) children with appropriate for gestational age (AGA) children.
- To identify growth patterns and potential developmental deficits in SGA children during the first three years of life.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study design was employed.
- Physical growth parameters including weight, stature, and head circumference were measured.
- Osseous development was assessed in 188 SGA and 225 AGA children up to age 3.
Main Results:
- Small for gestational age (SGA) children exhibited significant growth retardation compared to appropriate for gestational age (AGA) children.
- Retardation was evident in weight, stature, and head circumference.
- Delayed osseous development was also observed in the SGA cohort by age 3.
Conclusions:
- Small for gestational age (SGA) status is associated with persistent physical growth deficits in early childhood.
- Early monitoring and intervention may be necessary for SGA children to address developmental delays.
- Further research is warranted to understand the long-term implications of these growth patterns.
Abstract:
In a longitudinal study the postnatal physical growth of 188 small for gestational age and 225 appropriate for gestational age children was compared. A significant retardation in weight, stature, head circumference and osseous development of SGA children was observed even at the age of 3 years.