Impact of intrauterine growth restriction on neurodevelopmental and growth outcomes in very low birthweight infants

The impact of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in very low birthweight preterm infants weighing ≤ 1250g was determined by comparing longitudinal growth and neurodevelopmental outcome to an adjusted age of 36 months in 52 intrauterine growth restricted children, with 55 birthweight‐matched and 56 gestational age‐matched children. None of these children had chromosomal anomalies, congenital infections, or major congenital malformations. Gestational ages of intrauterine growth restricted, birthweight‐ and gestational age‐matched infants were 30 (± 3), 26 (± 2), 29 (± 2) weeks; birthweights were 842 (± 232), 872 (± 201) and 1094 (± 142) g, respectively. Intrauterine growth restricted children had fewer complications during initial hospitalization (p < 0.05), and had lower weights and head circumferences at follow‐up (p> 0.05). No significant differences were present in major neurodevelopmental disabilities between the intrauterine growth restricted and two comparison groups. Persistence of microcephaly was associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcome.