The IUGR Newborn

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is characterized by fetal growth less than normal for the population and growth potential of a given infant. IUGR can be symmetrical with low weight, length and head circumference indicative usually of a process with its origin early in pregnancy or asymmetrical with sparing of head circumference and length due to processes occurring later in gestation. The acute neonatal consequences of IUGR are perinatal asphyxia and neonatal adaptive problems. These adaptive problems that include respiratory distress due to meconium aspiration, persistent pulmonary hypertension or pulmonary hemorrhage, abnormalities of glucose regulation, temperature instability, and polycythemia are reviewed in this article. Issues specific to the IUGR preterm infant are reviewed as well including an increased incidence of chronic lung disease, necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity and postnatal growth failure.