Small For Gestational Age Group Research Articles

Maternal vascular indices at 36 weeks' gestation in small and growth restricted fetuses.

To compare maternal vascular indices and hemodynamic parameters at 35-37 weeks' gestation, in pregnancies complicated by small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses and those with fetal growth restriction (FGR). This was a prospective observational non-intervention study in women with singleton pregnancies attending for a routine hospital visit at 35+0 to 36+6 weeks' gestation. The visit included recording of maternal demographic characteristics and medical history, vascular indices and hemodynamic parameters obtained by a non-invasive operator independent device, including pulse wave velocity, augmention index, cardiac output, stroke volume, central systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total peripheral resistance and fetal heart rate. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were excluded and the values in the SGA and FGR groups were compared between them and with unaffected pregnancies. Diagnosis of SGA was based on the birth of a baby with birthweight below the 10th percentile for gestational age. In FGR, in addition to a birthweight below the 10th percentile, at the 35-37 weeks scan Doppler studies had shown that the uterine artery or umbilical artery pulsatility index (PI) was above the 95th percentile for gestational age or the fetal middle cerebral artery PI was below the 5th percentile. In the 6,413 women included in the study there were 605 (9.4%) cases of SGA, 133 (2.1%) of FGR and 5,675 (88.5%) unaffected by SGA or FGR. Women with SGA or FGR, compared to unaffected pregnancies, had increased peripheral vascular resistance and reduced cardiac output. Central systolic and diastolic blood pressure were also increased, whereas aortic stiffness assessed by pulse wave velocity and augmentation index did not differ between affected and unaffected pregnancies. In the FGR, compared to the SGA group, central systolic and diastolic blood pressure were higher, whereas, heart rate was lower. In SGA and FGR pregnancies there are deranged maternal hemodynamic responses when these are compared to normal pregnancies. Mothers with FGR babies have higher central blood pressure compared to SGA ones, but it remains unclear whether these differences are driven by the size of the fetus or pathological fetal growth. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Maternal serum vasohibin-1 and vasohibin-2 concentrations in pregnant women diagnosed with late fetal growth restriction or small for gestational age fetus

Aims: Vasohibin 1, a member of the vasohibin family, is an inhibitor of angiogenesis, while vasohibin 2 stimulates angiogenesis. Placental expressions of vasohibins and their relationship with preeclampsia have been investigated, but their effects on intrauterine fetal growth are unknown. In this context, we aimed to investigate the concentrations of vasohibin 1 and 2 in the serum of pregnant women diagnosed with late fetal growth restriction (FGR) or small for gestational age (SGA) in the third trimester. Methods: This prospective non-interventional cohort study was conducted on 81 pregnant women, 26 of whom were diagnosed with late FGR, 28 were SGA, and 27 were healthy controls. Three groups were compared in terms of serum vasohibin 1 and 2 concentrations in the third trimester. Results: Three groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics and gestational age at blood sampling for vasohibin 1 and 2 (p < 0.05). The median vasohibin 1 concentration was determined as 1227.41 ng/mL in the late FGR group, 1311.15 ng/mL in the SGA group, and 1391.38 ng/mL in the control group (p = 0.139). The median vasohibin 2 concentration was determined as 11.24 ng/mL in the late FGR group, 11.86 ng/mL in the SGA group, and 14.34 ng/mL in the control group (p = 0.198). Conclusion: Serum vasohibin 1 and 2 concentrations were found to be similar in pregnant women diagnosed with late FGR and SGA and pregnant women with AGA fetuses. Vasohibin 1 and 2 are involved in the regulation of placental angiogenesis, but their roles in intrauterine fetal growth remain unclear.

Potential for Optimization of Growth Hormone Treatment in Children with Growth Hormone Deficiency, Small for Gestational Age, and Turner Syndrome in Germany: Data from the PATRO® Children Study

Introduction: Growth hormone (GH) treatment in children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD), short children born small for gestational age (SGA), and Turner syndrome (TS) is well established. However, a variety of parameters are still under discussion to achieve optimal growth results and efficiency of GH use in real-world treatment. Methods: German GH-treatment naïve patients of the PATRO Children database were grouped according to their start of treatment into groups of 3 years from 2007 to 2018. Time trends in age, gender, GH dose, height standard deviation score (SDS), first-year growth response, and Index of Responsiveness (IoR) were investigated in children with GHD, short children born SGA, and TS starting GH treatment in the German patient population of the PATRO Children database from 2007 to 2018 to determine specific parameters for GH treatment optimization. Results: All patient groups started GH treatment at a relatively high chronological age (2007–2009: GHD 8.33 ± 3.19, SGA 7.32 ± 2.52, TS 8.65 ± 4.39) with a slight but not significant trend towards younger therapy start up to 2016–2018 (GHD 8.04 ± 3.36, SGA 6.67 ± 2.65, TS 7.85 ± 3.38). In the GHD and SGA groups, female patients were underrepresented compared to male patients (GHD 32.3%, SGA 43.6%) with no significant change over the 4 time periods. Patients with GHD started GH treatment at a low dose (0.026 mg/kg/day). In SGA and TS patients, GH therapy was started below the registered dose recommendation (30.0 μg/kg/day and 33.7 μg/kg/day, respectively). In the first year of treatment, the mean GH dose was increased moderately (GHD: 30.7, SGA: 35.7, TS: 40.8 μg/kg/day). There was no significant change of GH dosing over time from 2007 to 2018. The IoR was comparable between time-groups for all 3 diagnoses. Discussion: This study shows potential for improvement of GH treatment results in GHD, SGA, and TS patients in terms of early dose adjustment and younger age at the start of treatment. This is in accordance with important parameters used in prediction models.

Factors influencing the occurrence of small for gestational age at different degrees

To investigate the factors influencing the occurrence of small for gestational age (SGA) at different degrees and provide a basis for early identification of severe SGA cases. Neonatal and maternal prenatal information were retrospectively collected from January 2018 to December 2022 at Peking University People's Hospital. The neonates were divided into three groups: severe SGA group (birth weight below the 3rd percentile for gestational age and sex), mild SGA group (birth weight ≥3rd percentile and <10th percentile), and non-SGA group (birth weight ≥10th percentile). An ordered multinomial logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors influencing the occurrence of SGA at different degrees. A total of 14 821 neonates were included, including 258 cases (1.74%) in the severe SGA group, 902 cases (6.09%) in the mild SGA group, and 13 661 cases (92.17%) in the non-SGA group. The proportions of preterm births and stillbirths were higher in the severe SGA group compared to the mild SGA and non-SGA groups (P<0.0125). The proportion of neonatal asphyxia was higher in both the severe SGA and mild SGA groups compared to the non-SGA group (P<0.0125). Ordered multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that maternal pre-pregnancy underweight (OR=1.838), maternal pre-pregnancy obesity (OR=3.024), in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (OR=2.649), preeclampsia (OR=1.743), connective tissue disease during pregnancy (OR=1.795), nuchal cord (OR=1.213), oligohydramnios (OR=1.848), and intrauterine growth restriction (OR=27.691) were all associated with a higher risk of severe SGA (P<0.05). Maternal parity as a multipara (OR=0.457) was associated with a lower likelihood of severe SGA (P<0.05). Maternal pre-pregnancy underweight, maternal pre-pregnancy obesity, in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer, preeclampsia, connective tissue disease during pregnancy, oligohydramnios, nuchal cord, and intrauterine growth restriction are closely related to the occurrence of more severe SGA. Maternal parity as a multipara acts as a protective factor against the occurrence of severe SGA.

Evaluation of neonatal outcomes according to the specific absorption rate values of phones used during pregnancy.

The aim was to compare neonatal outcomes according to cell phone specific absorption rate (SAR) levels and daily time spent on cell phones by pregnant women. Women who gave birth at Konya City Hospital between September 2020 and February 2021 were included in this retrospective study. Gestational ages, birth weight, birth length, head circumference, sex, 5-minute APGAR scores, neonate postpartum resuscitation requirement, delivery type, the model of phone used by the pregnant women, and the average time spent on the phone during a day were recorded. To determine the relation between the SAR values of the phones used and delivering a small for gestational age (SGA) baby, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed. In total 1495 pregnant women were included. The rate of delivering a SGA fetus was significantly higher in women who used phones with higher SAR values (p=0.001). The cut-off value for the SAR level was 1.23 W/kg with 69.3% sensitivity and 73.0% specificity (area under the curve: 0.685; 95% confidence interval: 0.643-0.726). No correlation was found between time spent on the phone and SGA birth rate. Although both phone SAR values and time spent on the phone were higher in the symmetrical SGA group compared to the asymmetrical SGA group, the difference was not significant (p>0.05). Although the women who had preterm delivery had higher phone SAR values and had spent more time on the phone compared to those who had term deliveries, the difference was again not significant (p>0.05). As the SAR values of cell phones used during pregnancy increased, there was a trend towards delivering a SGA baby.

The relationship between birth weight and obstructive sleep apnea in children

Objective:To study the relationship between children's birth weight and obstructive sleep apnea（OSA）. Methods:The sleep data and birth information of children who underwent polysomnography in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery of Henan Children's Hospital from October 2020 to July 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The data of OSA detection rate, OSA severity, sleep structure and respiratory parameters in different birth weight groups were analyzed. Results:A total of 2 778 children met the inclusion criteria, including 1 833 males and 945 females. According to birth weight, the selected children were divided into three groups: 122 small for gestational age（SGA） group, 2 313 appropriate for gestational age（AGA）, and 343 large for gestational age（LGA） group. There was no significant difference in age between different groups（P=0.061）. In each group, boys are significantly more numerous than girls（P=0.001）. The difference in current body mass index（BMI） between groups was statistically significant: the current BMI was higher in the LGA group（17.51±4.01, P<0.001）. The severity of OSA was different in different birth weight groups（P=0.037）. There was a strong positive correlation between the severity of OSA and birth weight（r=0.992）. Children in the SGA group had shorter rapid eye movement（REM） sleep period（19.00[15.18, 23.33], P=0.012）, higher obstructive apnea-hypopnea index（OAHI） values（1.75[0.60, 5.13], P=0.019）, and had lower central apnea hypopnea index（CAHI） values（0.10[0.00, 0.50], P=0.020）. There were no significant differences in sleep structure and respiratory parameters between the LGA group and the AGA group. Multiple regression analysis of the factors affecting the OAHI index showed that the OAHI index of boys was higher than that of girls（95%CI 1.311-2.096, P<0.001）, and age was negatively correlated with the OAHI index（r=-0.105, 95%CI 0.856-0.946, P<0.001）, current BMI and OAHI index were positively correlated（r=0.037, 95%CI 1.010-1.065, P=0.007）. LGA was positively correlated with OAHI index（r=0.346, 95%CI 1.039-1.921, P=0.027）, and the correlation between LGA and OAHI（r=0.346） was higher than that between SGA and OAHI（r=0.340）. Conclusion:There was no significant difference in the incidence of OSA in children with different birth weight groups, but the OSA severity of LGA group was higher. Gender, age, BMI index and large for gestational age were the influencing factors for the occurrence of OSA in children, which should be paid more attention to in clinical practice.

Self-reported mental health difficulties were of limited use when screening for psychiatric diagnoses in adults born small for gestational age at term.

Being born small for gestational age (SGA) at term increases the risk of adverse health outcomes. We examined whether self-reported mental health differed between adults born SGA and non-SGA at term and could be used to screen for psychiatric diagnoses. We used the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire to gather data from 68 participants born SGA and 88 non-SGA controls at a mean age of 26.5 years. Group differences were analysed by linear regression. We calculated the area under the curve and the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values for psychiatric diagnoses. The mean total difficulties score was 1.9 (95% confidence interval 0.4-3.5) points higher for participants born SGA. They also reported more internalising and emotional problems (p < 0.05). The areas under the curve were 0.82 and 0.68 in the SGA and control groups, respectively. Among participants born SGA, the 90th percentile cut-off had a sensitivity of 0.38, a specificity of 0.93 and positive and negative predictive values of 0.75 and 0.71. The 80th percentile cut-off had higher sensitivity and lower specificity. Adults born SGA reported more mental health difficulties than non-SGA controls. The low sensitivity using the 90th percentile cut-off suggests that a lower cut-off should be considered.

Fetal chronic hypoxia does not affect urinary presepsin levels in newborns at birth.

Early sepsis detection and diagnosis still constitutes an open issue since the accuracy of standard-of care parameters is biased by a series of perinatal factors including hypoxia. Therefore, we aimed at investigating the effect of fetal chronic hypoxia insult on urine levels of a promising new marker of sepsis, namely presepsin (P-SEP). We conducted a prospective case-control study in 22 cases of early-intrauterine growth restriction (E-IUGR) compared with 22 small-for-gestational-age (SGA) newborns and 66 healthy controls. P-SEP urine samples were collected over the first 72 h from birth. Blood culture and C-reactive protein (CRP) blood levels were measured in E-IUGR and SGA infants. Perinatal standard monitoring parameters and main outcomes were also recorded. No significant urinary P-SEP differences (p>0.05, for all) were observed among studied groups. Moreover, no significant correlations (p>0.05, for both) between urinary P-SEP and blood CRP levels in both E-IUGR and SGA groups (R=0.08; R=0.07, respectively) were observed. The present results showing the lack of influence of fetal chronic hypoxia on urinary P-SEP levels offer additional data to hypothesize the possible use of urinary P-SEP measurement in neonates in daily clinical practice. Further multicenter prospective data are needed, including infants with early-onset sepsis.

Longitudinal study on catch-up growth in preterm infants with small for gestational age at corrected ages 0-24 months

To understand the growth and development status and differences between small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) preterm infants during corrected ages 0-24 months, and to provide a basis for early health interventions for preterm infants. A retrospective study was conducted, selecting 824 preterm infants who received regular health care at the Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center from July 2019 to July 2022, including 144 SGA and 680 AGA infants. The growth data of SGA and AGA groups at birth and corrected ages 0-24 months were analyzed and compared. The SGA group had significantly lower weight and length than the AGA group at corrected ages 0-18 months (P<0.05), while there were no significant differences between the two groups at corrected age 24 months (P>0.05). At corrected age 24 months, 85% (34/40) of SGA and 79% (74/94) of AGA preterm infants achieved catch-up growth. Stratified analysis by gestational age showed that there were significant differences in weight and length at corrected ages 0-9 months between the SGA subgroup with gestational age <34 weeks and the AGA subgroups with gestational age <34 weeks and 34 weeks (P<0.05). In addition, the weight and length of the SGA subgroup with gestational age 34 weeks showed significant differences compared to the AGA subgroups with gestational age <34 weeks and 34 weeks at corrected ages 0-18 months and corrected ages 0-12 months, respectively (P<0.05). Catch-up growth for SGA infants with gestational age <34 weeks and 34 weeks mainly occurred at corrected ages 0-12 months and corrected ages 0-18 months, respectively. SGA infants exhibit delayed early-life physical growth compared to AGA infants, but can achieve a higher proportion of catch-up growth by corrected age 24 months than AGA infants. Catch-up growth can be achieved earlier in SGA infants with a gestational age of <34 weeks compared to those with 34 weeks.

Composition of Microbiota in Transient and Mature Human Milk: Significant Changes in Large for Gestational Age Group.

The composition of the human milk (HM) microbiota and, consequently, the microorganisms that are passed on to the infant through breastfeeding, can be influenced by various factors such as the mother's health and diet, gestational age, delivery mode, lactation stage, method of infant feeding, and geographical location. The aim of the Human Milk-Gest Study was to compare the microbiota of transient (postpartum 7-15 days) and mature HM (postpartum 45-90 days) of 44 mothers, and to investigate any potential changes associated with preterm birth, mode of delivery, and birth weight in relation to gestational age. The data were classified into five study groups: normal spontaneous delivery-term (NS-T) newborns, cesarean delivery-term (CS-T) newborns, preterm (PT) newborns (with a gestational age of less than 37 weeks), small for gestational age (SGA) newborns, and large for gestational age (LGA) newborns. An analysis of differential abundance was conducted using ANCOM-BC to compare the microbial genera between transient and mature HM samples as well as between other study groups. A significant difference was detected between HM samples at different sampling times and between the study groups (p < 0.01). In transient HM samples, Ralstonia, Burkholderiaceae_uc, and Pelomonas were significantly dominant in the LGA group compared to the NS-T, CS-T, PT, and SGA groups. In mature HM samples, Burkholderiaceae_uc, Ralstonia, Pelomonas, and Klebsiella were significantly dominant in the LGA group compared to the NS-T, CS-T, and PT groups, while Ralstonia, Burkholderiaceae_uc, and Pelomonas were significantly dominant in the LGA group compared to the SGA group. Differences were also detected between the transient and mature HM samples in the CS-T, PT, SGA, and LGA groups, but no differences occurred in the NS-T groups. In conclusion, we showed that Ralstonia, Burkholderiaceae_uc, and Pelomonas were significantly dominant in the LGA group in transient HM and continued in mature HM. The body mass index (BMI) of the mothers in the LGA group was not >30 at conception, however, the maternal BMI at birth and maternal weight gain during pregnancy were higher than in the other groups. The nutritional composition of HM is specifically designed to meet infant nutritional requirements during early life. Evaluating the effects of HM microbiota on infant microbiota composition and short- and long-term health effects in larger studies would be useful.

Comparative study of pluripotency-related gene expression in Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells (UC-MSC) from IUGR, SGA and normally grown fetuses

Background and Objectives: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is worldwide a public health problem. IUGR-born individuals acquire epigenetic “thrifty-phenotype” gene adaptations, according to the “Barker hypothesis” and are more susceptible to develop metabolic related diseases. Small for Gestational Age (SGA) fetuses consist of a transitional group between IUGR and normally grown fetuses (Appropriate for Gestational Age, AGA). Currently, there is limited information in the literature whether IUGR or SGA status affects the pluripotency of the Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell (UC-MSC) with respect to gene expression at various stages of cell culture. Materials and Methods: In this study, we investigated stemness marker expression in UC-MSCs derived from twenty-one AGA, IUGR, and SGA fetuses. The relative expression of key genes involved in stemness, pluripotency, and cell proliferation, namely IGF2BP1, CMYC, GLI1, P21, NANOG, OCT4, and SOX2, was assessed in UC-MSCs at passages P0 and P1 using flow cytometry and quantitative PCR. Results: We found lower median expression levels of IGF2BP1 in IUGR group (P=0.044) and P21 in SGA group (P=0.024) at P0 compared to control group. GLI1 and OCT4 exhibited reduced expression at P1 in the IUGR group (P=0.0434 and P=0.0343 respectively) compared to AGA. NANOG median expression differed statistically between CONTROL and IUGR group in P0 (P=0.034) and P1 (P=0.0205). No significant changes were noted for SOX2 and CMYC median expression among the various groups in P0 and P1. Conclusion: The comparative analysis of stemness marker expression among UC-MSCs from these three different sources is a novel descriptive aspect of our study, adding a new perspective to the existing literature.

Assessment of Crown-Heel length, Head Circumference, and Mid-Arm Circumference for Estimation of Small for Gestational Age in Rural Area

Background: The burden of having small for gestational age (SGA) children is high in low- and middle-income countries, mainly in South Asia. Identifying these low birth weight and SGA infants and referring them to higher centers for effective intervention will help reduce neonatal mortality and morbidity. Anthropometric measurements of the neonatal population, especially birth weight measurements, constitute an important scientific research tool for studying the determinants and consequences of impaired or excessive fetal growth. Objective: To find an alternative anthropometric procedure, the present study was done to measure and compare birth weight with crown heel length (CHL), head circumference (HC), and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) as predictors of birth weight in small for gestational age (SGA). Methods: This cross-sectional, analytical study was done in the Department of Anatomy, Rangpur Medical College, Rangpur from July 2020 to June 2021 on 200 newborns of both sexes with gestational age between 37 and 42 weeks. The newborn was selected and measured within 24 hours of birth. 100 term newborns weighted &lt;2.5 kg regarded as SGA were the subjects of the study. Another 100-term newborns weighted &gt;2.5 kg regarded as AGA served as control. The birth weight, head circumference, mid-upper arm circumference, and crown heel length were measured and a comparison of all the variables was done between AGA and SGA newborns. Data was analyzed by using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 26). Result: The mean± SD of birth weight in AGA and SGA groups was 2.99 ±0.31 and 2.10±0.24 respectively; it was observed that the mean± SD of crown heel length, head circumference, and mid-upper arm circumference and Ponderal index in AGA group was significantly higher than SGA group; however the MAC/HC ratio was almost similar between AGA and SGA groups. All the above variables were significantly correlated with birth weight in both AGA and SGA groups. Conclusion: Some simple and inexpensive measurements of newborns especially the head circumference of SGA newborns are as effective as birth weight measurement; crown heel length, and mid-upper arm circumference could also be used to predict birth weight in SGA newborns. J Rang Med Col. September 2023; Vol. 8, No. 2: 14-19

Relationship of Glucagon-like Peptide 1 and Peptide YY with Catch-up Growth in Children Born Small for Gestational Age

Children born small for gestational age (SGA) are at a greater risk of developing insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Gastrointestinal peptides, some secreted by intestinal L cells, regulate glucose and lipid metabolism and act on the hypothalamus to regulate energy homeostasis. The aim of this study was to explore whether gastrointestinal peptides are involved in metabolic disorders in SGA, which remains unclear. The secretion of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY) were investigated in prepubertal children born SGA, the differences between catch-up growth and persistent short stature were compared, and correlation with glucose and lipid metabolism was analyzed. GLP-1, PYY, insulin-like growth factor 1, glucose, insulin, and lipid concentrations were analyzed in prepubertal children aged 4-10 years, stratified into three groups: short-SGA (SGA-s), catch-up growth SGA, and normal growth appropriate for gestational age (AGA). Fasting GLP-1 and PYY concentrations were significantly lower in the SGA group than in the AGA group (p<0.05), and the GLP-1 level in infants born SGA with catch-up growth was lower than that in the SGA-s group (p<0.05). In the SGA population, GLP-1 showed a weak negative correlation with catch-up growth (r=-0.326) and positive correlation with fasting insulin (r=0.331). Lower GLP-1 concentrations may be associated with abnormal glucose metabolism in prepubertal children born SGA with catch-up growth. This is indirect evidence that impaired intestinal L cell function may be involved in the development of metabolic complications in SGA children.

Comparison of Body Measurements and Adiposity Between Small and Appropriate for Gestational Age Term Neonates: An Observational Study

Background Small for gestational age (SGA) infants have preserved adipose tissue compared to appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants. This forms the basis of the fetal origin of adult disease. Studies show that Indian babies are ‘thin’ but ‘fat’ compared to babies born in high-income countries. Skin fold thickness (SFT) is a measure of adiposity. Objective To compare the newborn adiposity by SFT in term moderate SGA infants and term AGA infants. Methods We included 222 term newborns, 62 moderate SGA, and 160 AGA with no fetal growth restriction. Babies born to mothers with obesity, abnormal weight gain, pregnancy-related illnesses, and severe SGA were excluded. Weight, length, head circumference, and other circumferences (mid-upper-arm, abdominal, and mid-thigh) and SFT (Anterior abdomen, quadriceps or mid-thigh, triceps, and subscapular) were measured. The mean SD scores were calculated for each of the measurements. Comparisons were made using independent sample t-test. Results Weight, length, circumferences, and SFT were significantly lower ( p &lt; .001) in the SGA infants compared to AGA. Among AGA, the mean standard deviation (SD) scores of all measures ranged between 0.1 and 0.5. However, in the SGA group, the mean SD scores for SFT showed minimal deviation (–0.3 to –0.5) compared to anthropometry (–0.7 to –1.2) and circumferences (–0.5 and –0.7), demonstrating the preservation of newborn adiposity. All the SFTs showed a moderate correlation ( r = 0.4) with the newborn weight and circumferences. There was no correlation to the anthropometry of non-obese mothers. Conclusion Term SGA newborns showed preservation of adiposity compared to AGA newborns.

A retrospective study on the physical growth of twins in the first year after birth.

This study analyzed the physical growth of small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) twins up to one year after birth. Weight, length, and head circumference data of 0-1 year-old twins were collected from the Child Health Care System from 2010 to 2019. Physical data were presented as Z-scores. Five parameters - growth level of weight, body length, head circumference, growth velocity, and body proportion (weight for length) were compared in twins. A total of 3,909 cases were collected (22.61% SGA, 77.39% AGA). 1. In both groups, WAZ (Weight for age z-score), HCZ (Head circumference for age z-score), and LAZ (Length for age z-score) increased more rapidly in the first 6 months. By one year of age, WAZ, HCZ, and LAZ had reached the normal range, but none had reached the average level of normal singleton children. 2. The mean values of WAZ, HCZ, and LAZ in the AGA group were between -1 and 0, and between -2 and - 1 in the SGA group, in the first year after birth. The SGA group lagged significantly behind the AGA group. The LAZ score of SGA and AGA was lower than the WAZ and HCZ scores. 3. The proportion of preterm AGA was the largest in twins, and the growth rate of preterm AGA was the fastest. Preterm twins had greater growth potential than term twins. However, the growth level of preterm SGA was always low. 4. The WFLZ (Weight for length z-score) in each group was approximately close to 0. The WFLZ of SGA was smaller than that of AGA twins at most time points. After 4 months of age, the WFLZ of twins had a downward trend. The WFLZ of preterm SGA approached -1 at approximately 1 year old. The physical growth of SGA and AGA in twins in the first year can reach the normal range but cannot reach the average level of normal singleton children. More attention should be paid to SGA in twins, especially preterm SGA. We should give proper nutritional guidance after 4 months of age to ensure the appropriate body proportion (weight for length) of SGA in twins. www.chictr.org.cn, CTR2000034761.

The association between umbilical cord blood fat-soluble vitamin concentrations and infant birth weight.

Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D and E, play an important role in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, and may affect infant birth weight. Evidence on the association of birthweight with fat-soluble vitamins is controversial. Therefore, this study aims is to determine the associations of birthweight with vitamin A, D, and E concentrations in cord blood. A total of 199 mother-infant pairs were enrolled in the study. According to gestational age and birth weight, the mother-infant pairs were divided into small for gestational age (SGA), appropriate for gestational age (AGA), and large for gestational age (LGA). The Vitamin A, D, and E concentrations in serum were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry. The concentrations of vitamin A in the SGA group were significantly lower than those in the AGA and LGA groups. The concentrations of vitamin E in the SGA group were significantly higher than those in the AGA and LGA groups. However, no significant differences were observed in vitamin D among the three groups. Being male (β = 0.317, p < 0.001) and birth weight (β = 0.229, p = 0.014) were positively correlated with the levels of vitamin A. Birth weight (β = -0.213, p= 0.026) was correlated with lower levels of vitamin E. No correlation was found between influencing Factors and the levels of vitamin D (p> 0.05). After adjusting for gestational age, sex, mother's age, delivery mode, pre-pregnancy BMI, and weight gain during pregnancy, the levels of cord blood vitamin A were positively correlated with birth weight (p=0.012). The infant's birth weight is associated with the levels of cord blood vitamins A and E. The dysregulation of vitamins A and E in infants may be a risk factor for fetal growth and future metabolic diseases.

Association of small-for-gestational-age status with mortality and morbidity in very preterm Chinese infants

Background Very preterm infants born small for gestational age (SGA) are at risk for short- and long-term excess mortality and morbidity resulting from immaturity and deficient intrauterine growth. However, previous findings are inconclusive, and there is a paucity of contemporary data in Chinese population. Objectives To evaluate the excess risks of mortality and morbidity independently associated with SGA birth in very preterm (before 32 weeks of gestation) Chinese infants. Materials and Methods The study population included all very preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in our hospital and our medical treatment partner hospitals during a 6-year period. The SGA group consisted of 615 SGA infants, and 1230 appropriate-for-gestation-age (AGA) infants were matched with GA and sex as controls at a ratio of 2:1. The associations between SGA birth and outcomes (in-hospital mortality and morbidity) were evaluated by using multivariate logistic regression analysis after adjustment for potential confounders. The CRIBII score was used to indicate admission illness severity, acting as a covariate in the multivariate analysis. Results The SGA group was associated with increased risks of mortality [odds ratio (OR) 2.12; 95% CI: 1.27–3.54] and BPD [OR 1.95; 95% CI: 1.58–2.41] compared to the AGA group. No significant incidences of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), severe retinopathy of prematurity (sROP), severe intraventricular hemorrhage (sIVH), and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) were observed in the SGA group. Further GA-stratified subgroup analysis showed SGA status exhibited certain patterns of effects on mortality and morbidity in different GA ranges. Conclusions SGA status is associated with excess risks of neonatal mortality and BPD in very preterm infants, but the increased risks of mortality and morbidity are not homogeneous in different GA ranges. The contemporary data can help inform perinatal care decision-making and family counseling, particularly for very preterm SGA neonates.

Association between transabdominal uterine artery Doppler and small-for-gestational-age: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe association between uterine artery Doppler (UtA) measurements and small for gestational age (SGA) has not been quantitatively analyzed throughout the whole pregnancy. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to comprehensively explore the association between UtA measurements and SGA in the first, second, and third trimesters.MethodsStudies were searched from Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Weighted mean difference (WMD), odds ratio (OR), and relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used as the effect size. Heterogeneity of all effect sizes was tested and quantified using I2 statistics. Sensitivity analysis was conducted for all outcomes, and publication bias was evaluated using Begg’s test.ResultsA total of 41 studies were finally included in our meta-analysis. In the first trimester, mean PI was significantly higher in the SGA group than the non-SGA group (WMD: 0.31, 95%CI: 0.19–0.44). In the second trimester, odds of notch presence (OR: 2.54, 95%CI: 2.10–3.08), mean PI (WMD: 0.21, 95%CI: 0.12–0.30), and mean RI (WMD: 0.05, 95%CI: 0.05–0.06) were higher in the SGA group. Also, abnormal UtA measurements were associated with the increased odds of SGA (all P < 0.05). In the third trimester, PI z-score (WMD: 0.62, 95%CI: 0.33–0.91) and PI MoM (WMD: 0.08, 95%CI: 0.06–0.09) showed a significant increase in the SGA group. The odds of SGA were higher in the women with mean PI > 95% (OR: 6.03, 95%CI: 3.24–11.24).ConclusionsAbnormal UtA measurements were associated with high odds of SGA, suggesting that UtA might be an adjunctive screening method for SGA in the whole pregnancy.

The Ratio of Clavicle Length to Head Circumference: A Novel Date-Independent Clavicle Index.

We aimed to plot the growth curve of the fetal clavicle, identify gestational date-independent parameters. Using 2-dimensional ultrasonography, we obtained the clavicle lengths (CLs) from 601 normal fetuses between 12 and 40 gestational age (GA). The CL/fetal growth parameters ratio was calculated. Moreover, 27 cases of fetal growth restriction (FGR) and 9 cases of small for GA (SGA) were detected. In normal fetuses, the mean CL (mm) = -68.2 + 29.80 × ln(GA) ± Z × (1.07 + 0.02 × GA). A linear relationship was detected between CL and head circumference (HC), biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference and femoral length with R2 values of 0.973, 0.970, 0.962, and 0.972, respectively. The CL/HC ratio (mean value 0.130) showed no significant correlation with GA. Clavicle lengths in the FGR group significantly decreased compared with the SGA group (P < 0.01). This study determined a reference range of fetal CL in a Chinese population. Furthermore, the CL/HC ratio, which is independent of GA, is a novel parameter for the evaluation of the fetal clavicle.

Physical activity and associations with health-related quality of life in adults born small for gestational age at term: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundAdults born small for gestational age (SGA) have increased risk of adverse health outcomes. Physical activity (PA) is a key determinant of health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We aimed to investigate if being born SGA at term is associated with lower objectively measured and self-reported PA during adulthood. We also examined if objectively measured and self-reported PA were associated with HRQoL.MethodsAs part of the 32-year follow-up in the NTNU Low Birth Weight in a Lifetime Perspective study, SGA and non-SGA control participants wore two tri-axial accelerometers for seven days (37 SGA, 43 control), and completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) (42 SGA, 49 control) and the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) (55 SGA, 67 control). Group differences in objectively measured daily metabolic equivalent of task (MET) minutes spent sedentary (lying, sitting), on feet (standing, walking, running, cycling), on the move (walking, running, cycling) and running/cycling, and group differences in self-reported daily MET minutes spent walking and in moderate and vigorous PA were examined using linear regression. Associations with SF-36 were explored in a general linear model.ResultsMean (SD) daily MET minutes on the move were 218 (127) in the SGA group and 227 (113) in the control group. There were no group differences in objectively measured and self-reported PA or associations with HRQoL. In the SGA group, one MET minute higher objectively measured time on the move was associated with 4.0 (95% CI: 0.6–6.5, p = 0.009) points higher SF-36 physical component summary.ConclusionWe found no differences in objectively measured and self-reported PA or associations with HRQoL between term-born SGA and non-SGA control participants in adulthood.