Extrauterine growth restriction in very preterm infant: etiology, diagnosis, and 2-year follow-up

Conclusion: By 2 –2.5 years of age, a “true-EUGR” of 15% can be expected and only the head circumference normalizes in SGA infants. Low birth weight, hyaline membrane disease, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and male sex were associated with “true-EUGR.”What is Known:•Fetal, neonatal, or postnatal charts have been considered to monitor the postnatal growth of preterm infants.•This selection influences the diagnosis of “extrauterine growth restriction” (EUGR) and the clinical strategies used.What is New:•Extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) in small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants can not be considered a true EUGR but a postnatal evolution of fetal growth restriction.•Preeclampsia, low gestational age, severe neonatal morbidity and male sex are independently associated with EUGR in non-SGA infants (named “true-EUGR”), which can be expected in 15% of very preterm infants by 2-2.5 years of age.
Source: European Journal of Pediatrics - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research