Objective
To compare the growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 12 to 18 months of corrected age in preterm infants (gestation 35 wks) born appropriate for gestation (AGA) with those born small for gestation (SGA).
Methodology
This cross sectional, study assessed the growth outcomes in terms of underweight, stunting, microcephaly, overweight and obesity. Development delay was defined as developmental quotient 70 on DASII.
Results
Out of 178 infants enrolled in the study 119 were AGA and 59 were SGA. The mean gestational age of the study cohort was 30.45 (2.08) weeks. More infants in the SGA group were underweight (59.3% vs. 37.8%, RR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.16–2.74), stunted (62.7% vs. 30.25%, RR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.42–3.36) and had higher incidence of motor (6.7% vs.0.8%, RR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.5–4.1) and mental development (3% vs. 0, RR: 3.1, 95% CI: 2.5–3.8) delay.
Conclusion
Preterm SGA infants are at an increased risk of underweight, stunting, motor and mental development delay when compared with preterm AGA infants in early childhood.