Follow-up on the Development of the Brain in Small for Gestational Age Infants / 中华围产医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the influence factors both at birth and after birth to the brain development of small for gestational age(SGA) infants. Methods The cerebellar area, cerebellar circumference, vertical lengths of the vermis and maximum transverse width of the cerebellar body both in midline sagital view and coronal view as well as the width of cerebral hemisphere in coronal view were measured in SGA infants through anterior fontanels by inter cranial ultrasound, and the parameters were compared with that in AGA infants. Results The cerebellar area, cerebellar circumference, vertical length of the vermis and maximum transverse width of the cerebellar body both in midline sagittal view and coronal view correlated significantly with the gestational age and birth weight and the cerebellar area and circumference correlated best with the gestational age and birth weight of infants. The width of cerebral hemisphere were also correlated significantly with birth weight. The brain growth of SGA infant was retarded at birth. The rate of the brain growth and development of SGA was accelerated after birth. It was smilar to that of AGA group, but at the age of 12 months the brain development in SGA infants was still retarded. Conclusion The growth of brain both before and after birth were retarded. Better perinatal health care and early intervention after birth should be developed.