Aetiology and classification of small for gestational age infants.
OBJECTIVE
To determine important aetiological factors in small gestational age (SGA) infants and the effectiveness of anthropometric indexes in identifying patterns of growth retardation.


METHODS
Eighty-four SGA infants and 81 controls were enrolled. Maternal biological, lifestyle and psychosocial factors were compared for the total group and the term Caucasian subset. Anthropometric indexes were also examined in relation to growth patterns.


RESULTS
Decreased maternal size, poor weight gain, previous SGA infant and smoking were significantly associated with SGA status. Poor parental education and unemployment was increased in the study group. Mothers of SGA infants, especially the term Caucasian group, had a greater prevalence of hypertension and depressive and stress symptomatology. Ponderal index failed to identify discreet patterns of disproportionate/proportionate growth retardation.


CONCLUSIONS
Biological, lifestyle and psychosocial differences remain important aetiological factors of intrauterine growth retardation. Identification of specific patterns of growth retardation by ponderal index remains controversial.
O'Callaghan
M J
MJ
Growth and Development Clinic, Mater Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Harvey
J M
JM
Tudehope
D I
DI
Gray
P H
PH
D001827:Body Height; D001835:Body Weight; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000145:classification* / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007236:Infant, Small for Gestational Age; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008425:Maternal Behavior; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011793:Queensland / Q000453:epidemiology; D012907:Smoking