Risk factors for small-for-gestational-age birth in a preterm population.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to discovery any distinct risk factors for small-for-gestational-age birth among premature infants.


METHODS
Demographic and obstetric risk factors were compared for 136 small-for-gestational-age prematures and 636 appropriate-for-gestational-age premature infants.


RESULTS
Three significant risk factors for growth retardation among premature infants were found: black maternal race (odds ratio 2.2; 95% confidence interval (1.4 to 3.5); maternal toxemia (odds ratio 3.2; 95% confidence interval 1.7 to 6.1); and either low maternal weight gain (odds ratio 4.0; 95% confidence interval 1.8 to 8.8) or missing information on maternal weight gain, which could be a marker for late or no prenatal care (odds ratio 4.9; 95% confidence interval 1.9 to 12.6). Maternal smoking rates were similar in the small- and appropriate-for-gestational-age groups (42% and 43%, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
Toxemia, weight gain, and race are likely risk factors for small-for-gestational-age birth in both preterm and term populations; within the already high-risk domain of prematurity, maternal smoking did not appear to confer added risk for small-for-gestational-age birth.
Lang
J M
JM
Epidemiology and Biostatistics Section, Boston University School of Public Health, MA 02118.
Cohen
A
A
Lieberman
E
E
D001741:Black or African American; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007236:Infant, Small for Gestational Age; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking; D015430:Weight Gain