Catch-up growth and neurobehavioral development of small-for-gestational-age infants

Abstract Small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants were at increased risk for various problems in later life. In this chapter, we focus on the growth and development of SGA infants from infancy to puberty, both individually and in concert. SGA infants were at increased risk for short stature in later life. The catch-up rate was reported to be 87%–98% in full-term SGA infants, and 74%–94% in preterm SGA infants. Also, SGA infants were at increased risk for developmental delay, poor cognitive function, poor academic achievement, inattention, hyperactivity, aggressive behaviour and autism spectrum disorder. Catch-up growth in height or postnatal weight gain might positively affect motor and language development, cognitive function and academic achievement. With regard to behavioral development, catch-up growth in height might positively effect on attentional problems in preterm SGA infants and aggressive behavior in term infants.