Small for gestational age |
Classification and external resources |
Graph showing which babies fit the definition of small. (DiseaseDB #31952)
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ICD-10 |
P05, P07 |
ICD-9 |
764, 765 |
MeSH |
D007230 |
Small for gestational age (SGA) babies are those who are smaller in size than normal for the gestational age, most commonly defined as a weight below the 10th percentile for the gestational age.[1]
Contents
- 1 Terminology
- 2 Diagnosis
- 3 Causes
- 3.1 Intrauterine growth restriction
- 4 Management
- 5 References
Terminology[edit]
Not all fetuses that are SGA are pathologically growth restricted and, in fact, may be constitutionally small. If small for gestational age babies have been the subject of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), formerly known as intrauterine growth retardation,[2] the term SGA associated with IUGR is used. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) refers to a condition in which a fetus is unable to achieve its genetically determined potential size. This functional definition seeks to identify a population of fetuses at risk for modifiable but otherwise poor outcomes. This definition intentionally excludes fetuses that are small for gestational age (SGA) but are not pathologically small[3]
A related term is Low birth weight (LBW), defined as an infant with a birth weight (that is, mass at the time of birth[4]) of less than 2500 g (5 lb 8 oz), regardless of gestational age at the time of birth. Related definitions include Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) which is less than 1500 g, and Extremely Low Birth Weight (ELBW) which is less than 1000 g.[5] Normal Weight at term delivery is 2500 g - 4200 g.
SGA is not a synonym of LBW, VLBW or ELBW. Example: 35 week gestational age delivery, 2250g weight is appropriate for gestational age but is still LBW. One third of low-birth-weight neonates - infants weighing less than 2500g - are small for gestational age.
There is a 8.1% incidence of low birth weight in developed countries, and 6–30% in developing countries. Much of this can be attributed to the health of the mother during pregnancy. One third of babies born with a low birth weight are also small for gestational age.
Maternal serum of Vitamin D (25-OH) are associated with SGA.[6]
Diagnosis[edit]
The condition is determined by birth weight and/or length.
A related condition, IUGR, is generally diagnosed by measuring the mother's uterus, with the fundal height being less than it should be for that stage of the pregnancy. If it is suspected, the mother will usually be sent for an ultrasound to confirm.
Causes[edit]
Being small for gestational age is broadly either:[3]
- Being constitutionally small, wherein the state is basically a genetic trait of the baby.
- Intrauterine growth restriction, also called "pathological SGA"
Intrauterine growth restriction[edit]
Main article: Intrauterine growth restriction
The risk factors for and etiologies of pathological SGA can be broadly divided into 3 categories-
Management[edit]
90 percent of babies born SGA catch up in growth by the age of 2. However, all SGA babies should be watched for signs of Failure-to-Thrive (FTT), hypoglycemia and other conditions common to SGA babies (see below). Hypoglycemia is common in asymmetrical SGA babies because their larger brains burn calories at a faster rate than their usually limited fat stores hold. Hypoglycemia is treated by frequent feedings and/or additions of cornstarch-based products (such as Duocal powder) to the feedings.
For the 10 percent of those that are SGA without catchup growth by the age of 2, an endocrinologist should be consulted. Some cases warrant growth hormone therapy (GHT).
There are some common conditions and disorders found in many that are SGA (and especially those that are SGA without catchup growth by age 2). They should be treated by the appropriate specialist:
- Gastroenterologist - for gastrointestinal issues such as: reflux (GERD) and/or delayed gastric emptying (DGE)
- Dietitian - to address caloric deficits. Dietitians are usually brought in for cases that include FTT. Also, according to the theory of thrifty phenotype, causes of growth restriction also trigger epigenetic responses in the fetus that are otherwise activated in times of chronic food shortage. If the offspring actually develops in an environment rich in food it may be more prone to metabolic disorders, such as obesity and type II diabetes.[7]
- Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) or Occupational Therapist (OT) - for feeding issues. OTs may also treat sensory issues
- Behaviorist - for feeding issues, a behavioral approach may also be used, but usually for older children (over 2)
- Allergist - to diagnose or rule out food allergies (not necessarily more common in those SGA than the normal population)
- Ear, Nose and Throat doctor (ENT) - to diagnose enlarged adenoids or tonsils (not necessarily more common in those SGA than the normal population)
For IUGR (during pregnancy), possible treatments include the early induction of labor, though this is only done if the condition has been diagnosed and seen as a risk to the health of the fetus.
References[edit]
- ^ Small for gestational age (SGA) at MedlinePlus. Update Date: 8/4/2009. Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick. Also reviewed by David Zieve.
- ^ "eMedicine - Intrauterine Growth Retardation : Article by Vikram S Dogra, MD". Retrieved 2007-11-28.
- ^ a b "eMedicine - Fetal Growth Restriction : Article by Michael G Ross, MD, MPH". Retrieved 2010-02-25.
- ^ Definitions from Georgia Department of Public Health. Date: 12/04/2008. Original citation: "Birthweight: Infant's weight recorded at the time of birth"
- ^ "eMedicine - Extremely Low Birth Weight Infant : Article by KN Siva Subramanian, MD". Retrieved 2007-11-28.
- ^ "Bodnar LM, Catov JM, Zmuda JM, Cooper ME, Parrott MS, Roberts JM, Marazita ML, Simhan HN. Maternal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations are associated with small-for-gestational age births in white women. J Nutr. 2010 May;140(5):999-1006.".
- ^ Barker, D. J. P., ed. (1992). Fetal and infant origins of adult disease. London: British Medical Journal. ISBN 0-7279-0743-3.
Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period / fetal disease (P, 760–779)
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Maternal factors and
complications of pregnancy,
labour and delivery |
placenta: Placenta praevia · Placental insufficiency · Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome
chorion/amnion: Chorioamnionitis
umbilical cord: Umbilical cord prolapse · Nuchal cord · Single umbilical artery
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Length of gestation
and fetal growth |
Small for gestational age/Large for gestational age · Preterm birth/Postmature birth · Intrauterine growth restriction
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Birth trauma |
scalp (Cephalhematoma, Chignon, Caput succedaneum, Subgaleal hemorrhage) · Brachial plexus lesion (Erb's palsy, Klumpke paralysis)
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By system |
Respiratory
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Intrauterine hypoxia · Infant respiratory distress syndrome · Transient tachypnea of the newborn · Meconium aspiration syndrome · pleural disease (Pneumothorax, Pneumomediastinum) · Wilson-Mikity syndrome · Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
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Cardiovascular
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Pneumopericardium · Persistent fetal circulation
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Haemorrhagic and
hematologic disease
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Vitamin K deficiency (Haemorrhagic disease of the newborn)
HDN (ABO • Anti-Kell • Rh c • Rh D • Rh E) · Hydrops fetalis · Hyperbilirubinemia (Kernicterus, Neonatal jaundice)
Velamentous cord insertion
Intraventricular hemorrhage (Germinal matrix hemorrhage)
Anemia of prematurity
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Digestive
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Ileus · Necrotizing enterocolitis · Meconium peritonitis
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Integument and
temperature regulation
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Erythema toxicum · Sclerema neonatorum
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Nervous system
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Periventricular leukomalacia
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Musculoskeletal
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Gray baby syndrome · muscle tone (Congenital hypertonia, Congenital hypotonia)
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Infectious |
Vertically transmitted infection (Congenital rubella syndrome, Neonatal herpes simplex) · Omphalitis · Neonatal sepsis (Group B streptococcal infection) · Neonatal conjunctivitis
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Other |
Perinatal mortality (Stillbirth, Infant mortality) · Neonatal withdrawal
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