Screening, investigation and follow-up of neonates with small for gestational age in a metropolitan hospital in Australia-observational retrospective study.

Abstract

Background: Infants with small for gestational age (SGA) have an increased risk of short and long-term health outcomes, with potentially modifiable risk factors. This study aims to determine the prenatal risk factors associated SGA and evaluate the clinical management of affected infants.

Methods: An observational retrospective study of medical records of infants born at Nepean Hospital and discharged with a diagnosis of SGA over 5 years (1^st January 2015 to 31^st December 2019). Data included demographic details, antenatal care, maternal risk factors and clinical management of the infants.

Results: Six hundred and seven infants had a discharge diagnosis of SGA, from 20,392 infants born. Of the 607 infants identified, 487 (80%) had SGA, 97 (16%) had asymmetrical SGA, 175 (29%) had symmetrical SGA, and 50 (8%) were incorrectly diagnosed with SGA based on growth measurements taken at birth. The most prevalent maternal risk factors were the presence of chronic disease (n=402, 66.23%), current smoking (n=159, 26.19%), social work input (n=108, 17.79%), gestational diabetes mellitus (n=96, 15.82%) and Aboriginal background (n=73, 12.03%). Prenatal genetic testing was conducted in 89.62% (n=544); 58.81% (n=357) had placental abnormalities; 36.57% (n=222) were recommended follow-up with a general practitioner (GP) and paediatrician, and 21.09% (n=128) were recommended a combination of midwifery in the home (MITH), GP, and paediatric follow-up. Two infants were recorded with no follow-up.

Conclusions: Diagnostic inaccuracies were found in infants with SGA. More intensive antenatal care for women with risk factors for SGA might improve the health of those with chronic disease; support for smoking cessation could also be offered.