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Paediatrics: Intrauterine growth retardation
IUGR refers to reduction and restriction in expected foetal growth pattern.
Intrauterine growth retardation
IUGR refers to reduction and restriction in expected foetal growth pattern. IUGR affects 3–10% of pregnancies and 20% of still-born infants are thought to have evidence of IUGR. Perinatal mortality rates are 4–8 times higher for growth-retarded infants, and morbidity is present in 50% of surviving infants.
Growth outcome
In placental causes of IUGR, ‘catch-up growth’ occurs after birth in the majority of infants during the first 1–2yrs of life, with infants regaining their genetically determined weight and height centiles. However, in approximately 15–20% of infants with IUGR, catchup growth does not occur and patients are at risk of short stature. Recent studies also implicate IUGR in adult-onset of hypertension and CHD, and in early onset obesity, polycystic ovarian disease, and type 2 diabetes. These studies suggest that IUGR has long-term effects on insulin sensitivity and on endocrine function.