The impact of small-for-gestational-age Status on the outcomes in very-Low-birth-weight (VLBW) premature infants: a prospective cohort study in Taiwan

Background The impact of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) on very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) premature infants remains inconclusive. This study aimed to assess the effects being born SGA status short-term and long-term outcomes in VLBW preterm infants. Methods We conducted a population-based, prospective cohort Taiwan between 2012 2017. Sociodemographic, neonatal, growth neurological data at 2 years corrected age were collected. A total 4243 24 through 32 completed weeks' gestation participated this study, whom 1,005 had defined as birth weight <10th percentile gestation, 3,238 did not (the non-SGA group). compared risks (neonatal mortality morbidities), (growth status, including weight, height, head circumference percentile, neurodevelopmental impairments age). Subgroup analysis was performed by stratification (GA): GA 24–26, 27–29 30–32 weeks. Results In outcomes, group an increased risk neonatal [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.66, 2.99, 2.19, respectively] all subgroups comparison with ( p < 0.05). significantly bronchopulmonary dysplasia weeks (adjusted OR 2.11 1.86, respectively). also found that there severe retinopathy prematurity 24–26 1.68 1.59, NDI throughout 1.94, 1.33, 1.35, respectively) group. groups Conclusions higher death, non- Prenatal surveillance, postnatal attention, long- term follow-up are warranted improve