Management of infants with intra-uterine growth restriction.

ABSTRACT

Intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) and prematurity are the two causes for delivery of low birth weight infants. In India, IUGR contributes to almost two-thirds of infants in this category. Poor nutritional status and frequent pregnancies are common pre-disposing conditions in addition to obstetric and medical problems during pregnancy. Growth restriction may be symmetrical or asymmetrical depending on the time of insult during pregnancy. The pathological insult in an asymmetrical IUGR occurs during the later part of the pregnancy and has a brain-sparing effect. Common morbidities are more frequent in <3rd percentile group as compared to 3rd-10th percentile group. Guidelines for management of IUGR neonates in these two groups have provided in the protocols.