Publication:

Risk factors for extrauterine growth restriction in preterm neonates: a prospective analytical cohort study

Background Objective of the study was to determine the incidence and risk factors for extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) at discharge in preterm neonates.

Methods This prospective analytical cohort study included 107 preterm neonates between 30-35 weeks of gestational age who were admitted to a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit from January 2016 to December 2016. These preterm neonates were classified into EUGR group (n=93) and non-EUGR group (n=14) based on the body weight at discharge. The risk factors for EUGR were analyzed statistically.

Results The incidence of EUGR at discharge was 87.4% in the cohort. Delay in initiation of parenteral nutrition (p=0.04), longer time to reach full enteral feeds (p=0.03), very low birth weight (p=0.01), small for gestational age (p=0.01), intrauterine growth restriction (p=0.01), necrotizing enterocolitis (p=0.03), late-onset sepsis (p=0.03) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (p=0.04) were significant risk factors for extra-uterine growth restriction at discharge in preterm neonates.

Conclusions The incidence of EUGR can be decreased by improving perinatal care, minimizing preterm deliveries, early initiation of parenteral nutrition and enteral feeding and reducing immediate postnatal complications.