Severity of small-for-gestational-age and morbidity and mortality among very preterm neonates

Objective Evaluate the association between small for gestational age (SGA) severity and morbidity and mortality in a contemporary, population of very preterm infants. Study design This secondary analysis of a California statewide database evaluated singleton infants born during 2008-2018 at 24-32 weeks' gestation, with a birthweight <15th percentile. We analyzed neonatal outcomes in relation to weight for gestational age (WGA) and symmetry of growth restriction. Results An increase in WGA by one z-score was associated with decreased major morbidity or mortality risk (aRR 0.73, 95% CI 0.68-0.77) and other adverse outcomes. The association was maintained across gestational ages and did not differ by fetal growth restriction diagnosis. Symmetric growth restriction was not associated with neonatal outcomes after standardizing for gestational age at birth. Conclusions Increasing SGA severity had a significant impact on neonatal outcomes among very preterm infants.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the association between SGA severity and morbidity and mortality in very preterm infants. The results showed that an increase in weight was associated with decreased risk of major morbidity or mortality and other adverse outcomes. Additionally, symmetric growth restriction was not associated with neonatal outcomes.