Auxological and metabolic study in small for gestational age children during 2 years follow-up.
OBJECTIVE
To compare auxological and metabolic status of preterm (PT) and fullterm (FT) small for gestational age (SGA) babies from birth until age 2 years and to study the role of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) in auxological and metabolic outcome in SGA babies.


METHODS
We enrolled 44 SGA babies (22 FTs, 22 PTs) followed up six monthly. Anthropometric and metabolic measurements (fasting glucose, basal insulin level, total-cholesterol, triglycerides) were performed. HOMA-IR was selected to assess insulin sensitivity.


RESULTS
Both FTs and PTs from birth to age 6 months showed a significant increase in weight and length; the weight gain decreased from 6 to 12 months only in PTs. At 24 months, we observed catch-up growth in 90% of FTs and 87% of PTs. Insulinemia and HOMA-IR decreased from birth to 24 months, in particular between 6 and 12 months. PTs SGA with IUGR were significantly smaller than FTs SGA without IUGR (p = 0.01) and showed a lower length growth velocity. Moreover they showed also higher insulin levels and HOMA-IR at birth; these values decreased at 12 and 24 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study showed no significant difference between PTs and FTs SGA in auxological and metabolic parameters. However, prematurity with IUGR proved to be a significant factor that should be considered in the timing of auxological follow-up of SGA subjects.
Polo Perucchin
Paola
P
Paediatric Department, University of Genova, IRCCS G. Gaslini, Genoa 16147, Italy.
Traggiai
Cristina
C
Calevo
Maria Grazia
MG
Gastaldi
Roberto
R
Di Battista
Eliana
E
Amisano
Alice
A
Lorini
Renata
R
D001724:Birth Weight / Q000502:physiology; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D001837:Body Weights and Measures; D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D057238:Growth Charts; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn / Q000097:blood / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D007236:Infant, Small for Gestational Age / Q000097:blood / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism*; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D007333:Insulin Resistance / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D013997:Time Factors
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin