Factors influencing extrauterine growth retardation in singleton-non-small for gestational age infants in China: A prospective multicenter study

• Published in: Pediatrics and neonatology 2022-11, Vol.63 (6), p.590-598
• Main Authors: Wang, Ya-Sen, Shen, Wei, Wu, Fan, Mao, Jian, Liu, Ling, Chang, Yan-Mei, Zhang, Rong, Ye, Xiu-Zhen, Qiu, Yin-Ping, Ma, Li, Cheng, Rui, Wu, Hui, Chen, Dong-Mei, Zheng, Zhi, Lin, Xin-Zhu, Tong, Xiao-Mei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: extrauterine growth retardation; nutrition; risk factors; singleton; small for gestational age; very preterm infants
• ISSN: 1875-9572
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pedneo.2022.04.013

The incidence of extrauterine growth retardation (EUGR) varies considerably in different countries due to the distinct definitions and inclusion criteria of individual studies. Most studies included small for gestational age (SGA) very preterm infants (VPIs), resulting in a higher incidence of EUGR. Experts have suggested the accurate definition of “EUGR” in SGA infants is not “true EUGR”. The postnatal growth curve of multiple premature births also differs from that of singletons. As far as we know, there is no study about relationship between singleton-non-SGA preterm infants and EUGR. To analyze the factors influencing EUGR among VPIs who were singleton-non-SGA in China. A prospective-multicenter study was conducted in 28 hospitals distributed through China from September 2019 to December 2020. The clinical data on singleton-non-SGA among VPIs were divided into EUGR group (n = 692) and non-EUGR group (n = 912). Compared to non-EUGR group, the mean gestational age (GA), mean birth weight (BW) and percentage of BW in Fenton curve in EUGR group were lower (P < 0.001 for all). The incidence of EUGR among distinct GA groups (classifications of GA < 28weeks, 28–28+6 weeks, 29–29+6 weeks, 30–30+6 weeks and 31–31+6 weeks) and distinct BW groups (classifications of BW