Prevalence and factors associated with extrauterine growth restriction in premature infants

Abstract

Background Extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) is common in preterm infants and has been shown to affect their neurodevelopment. Significant variability exists in the criteria used to define EUGR and a standard definition has not yet been established. Several factors associated with EUGR have been identified, yet EUGR remains a problem in preterm infants. There is still much to be explored regarding risk factors associated with EUGR. Objective To determine the prevalence and factors associated with EUGR in preterm infants. Methods This cross-sectional study included randomly selected premature infants (48 hours (PR 2.23; 95%CI: 1.21 to 4.09; P=0.014) and length of stay/LOS >14 days (PR 8.11; 95%CI: 4.13 to 15.9; P=0.000). Multivariate analysis revealed birth weight 14 days (aPR 4.93; 95%CI: 2.15 to 11.31; P=0.000) maintained positive significant associations with EUGR. Conclusion The prevalence of EUGR in preterm infants is 47%. Birth weight 14 days are associated with EUGR in preterm infants.

Keywords

• associated factors
• eugr
• preterm
• prevalence