[Morbidity and mortality of retarded and normal weight premature infants]

Differences of fetal outcome between appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and small for gestational age (SGA) preterm newborns with birth weight below 2500 g and gestational age ranging from 27 to 36 weeks have been evaluated. As described by Rohrer SGA have been divided into symmetrical retarded and asymmetrical retarded newborns using ponderal index. Therefore distribution of ponderal index on our local population has been analysed. SGA more often had an Apgar score below 6 five minutes post partum (p = 0.01) and their mothers more often announced abuse of nicotine during pregnancy. AGA have been on respiratory ventilation significantly longer than SGA (p = 0.001) and photo therapy because of hyperbilirubinaemia more often had to be performed on AGA (p = 0.02). AGA have spent a longer time at the neonatal intensive care unit than SGA (p = 0.0006). No differences could be found in mortality between AGA and SGA. Preterms with low ponderal index had no different outcome than SGA with normal ponderal index.