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Am J Perinatol 2012; 29(02): 87-94
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1295647
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Neonatal Outcomes of Small for Gestational Age Preterm Infants in Canada

Xiangming Qiu
1   Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario;
*   Both authors contributed equally to be co-primary authors of this manuscript.
,
Abhay Lodha
2   Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta;
*   Both authors contributed equally to be co-primary authors of this manuscript.
,
Prakesh S. Shah
1   Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario;
,
K. Sankaran
3   University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan;
,
Mary M.K. Seshia
4   University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba; Canada.
,
Wendy Yee
2   Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta;
,
Ann Jefferies
1   Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario;
,
Shoo K. Lee
1   Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario;
,
the Canadian Neonatal Network › Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

11 February 2011

12 September 2011

Publication Date:
30 November 2011 (online)

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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.

Keywords

small for gestational age - very preterm - neonatal intensive care unit - neonatal outcomes
 

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