Care of neonates following in-utero growth restriction: A prospective cohort study exploring neonatal morbidity.

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.