BMJ paediatrics open
Correlation between physical growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes in full-term small for gestational age infants within the first 2 years of life
By Lyu Y, Hu Y, Zheng Z and 2 others.
Abstract
Objective
Small for gestational age (SGA) infants face neurodevelopmental risks, yet early catch-up growth’s link to later outcomes remains unclear. This study explored associations between catch-up growth (weight, length, head circumference) and neurodevelopment in full-term SGA infants during the first 2 years and developed a prediction model.
Methods
This prospective cohort study enrolled full-term SGA and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants from a single centre, yielding 91 SGA and 115 AGA after exclusion. All were followed to 24 months with regular anthropometry. Catch-up was defined as ΔZ ≥0.67 from birth to each time point. Neurodevelopment was assessed by Gesell Developmental Schedules at 24 months. Multivariate linear regression with false discovery rate (FDR) correction and logistic regression for prediction modelling were performed.