Screening investigations in small-for-gestational-age near-term and term infants

Abstract

SGA babies without additional maternal or neonatal characteristics have a poor yield on neonatal screening investigations. Additional characteristics may be considered while deciding whether a SGA infant needs screening investigation. What is Known: • Small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants have an increased risk of short- and long-term complications. • Whilst the causes for SGA are multifactorial, there has been a tendency to undertake screening investigations like Toxoplasma, Others, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes group of viruses (TORCH) screening and cranial ultrasounds in the neonatal period. What is New: • Comprehensive study investigating the rates of screening in near-term and term SGA population. • The yield of screening tests for near-term and term SGA infants without additional antenatal and postnatal characteristics is low.