1194 Vlbw Infants Born Small for Dates: Incidence, Risk Factors and Outcome

Abstract

Background: The influence of being small for gestational age (SGA) on outcome of premature infants is controversial. Aims: To compare early, two-year and five-year growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes of very low birthweight (VLBW) SGA infants with those appropriate for gestational age (AGA). Methods: A retrospective, case-control study matched for gestational age was performed. Early outcome data were retrieved from medical records. Long term follow-up consisted of clinical examination and formal psychological assessments using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID) or Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI). Results: For the period 2003-2006, 33 SGA infants were matched with 66 AGA infants. SGA infants were associated with maternal hypertensive disorder, perinatal foetal distress, lower 1-minute apgar scores and higher CRIB and CRIB II scores. SGA infants had higher rates of pulmonary haemorrhage, hypoglycaemia and thrombocytopaenia. There was no difference in mean BSID scores at 2 years, or mean full scale IQ scores at 5 years, although SGA infants tended to have higher verbal IQ scores and lower performance IQ scores. There was no difference in the incidence of neurodevelopmental impairment in both groups. Weight and head circumference at 2 years were significantly smaller for the SGA infants, however, at 5 years there were no growth differences observed between the 2 groups. Conclusions: There was no difference in early major morbidity and long term growth and neurodevelopmental outcome between SGA and AGA VLBW infants.