Neonatal outcomes of small for gestational age preterm infants in Canada

Am J Perinatol. 2012 Feb;29(2):87-94. doi: 10.1055/s-0031-1295647. Epub 2011 Nov 30.

Abstract

To compare the effect of small for gestational age (SGA) on mortality, major morbidity and resource utilization among singleton very preterm infants (<33 weeks gestation) admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) across Canada. Infants admitted to participating NICUs from 2003 to 2008 were divided into SGA (defined as birth weight <10th percentile for gestational age and sex) and non-small gestational age (non-SGA) groups. The risk-adjusted effects of SGA on neonatal outcomes and resource utilization were examined using multivariable analyses. SGA infants (n = 1249 from a cohort of 11,909) had a higher odds of mortality (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.93-3.14), necrotizing enterocolitis (AOR 1.57; 95% CI, 1.22-2.03), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (AOR 1.78; 95% CI, 1.48-2.13), and severe retinopathy of prematurity (AOR 2.34; 95% CI, 1.71-3.19). These infants also had lower odds of survival free of major morbidity (AOR 0.50; 95% CI, 0.43-0.58) and respiratory distress syndrome (AOR 0.79; 95% CI, 0.68-0.93). In addition, SGA infants had a more prolonged stay in the NICU, and longer use of ventilation continuous positive airway pressure, and supplemental oxygen (p < 0.01 for all). SGA infants had a higher risk of mortality, major morbidities, and higher resource utilization compared with non-SGA infants.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Apgar Score
  • Canada / epidemiology
  • Confidence Intervals
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature*
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / mortality*
  • Infant, Small for Gestational Age*
  • Intensive Care Units, Neonatal
  • Length of Stay / statistics & numerical data*
  • Lung Diseases / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Odds Ratio
  • Premature Birth / mortality
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / epidemiology
  • Risk Assessment