Small for Gestational Age: Causes and Consequences

by W. Kiess, S. D. Chernausek, A. Hokken-Koelega, D. Branski

Overview

frequent medical problem with long-term consequences Intrauterine growth restriction in the human, the origin of many serious medical, ethical, socioeconomic and humanitarian issues, still needs in-depth studies. The current volume presents the latest research results and offers detailed discussions on clinical care. The term small for gestational age (SGA) is defined and manifestations of prenatal growth retardation and its etiology are described. Special emphasis is placed on the role of genetic defects, in particular in the IGF/GH axis. Besides, not only the immediate consequences for SGA neonates and their clinical care are examined, but also possible sequelae in childhood. A study of utmost importance considers the neurological and intellectual consequences for SGA children. It is further revealed that fetal growth restriction can adversely affect health well into adulthood, and increase the risk for type 2 diabetes. Finally, interesting insights into the causes and consequences of low birth weight in developing countries are provided. This publication is a must for pediatricians, neonatologists, obstetricians and endocrinologists, as well as anyone interested in embryology, genetics, diabetes, clinical nutrition, molecular biology and neuroendocrinology.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783805586573
Publisher:	Karger, S. Inc.
Publication date:	10/13/2008
Series:	Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine Series
Pages:	168
Product dimensions:	7.60(w) x 10.20(h) x 0.50(d)

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Jay P. Goldsmith, MD (Tulane University School of Medicine)
Description: The 12 internationally authored chapters in this book review the latest research on the causes of being born small for gestational age (SGA) and the neurologic, intellectual, and societal consequences of intrauterine growth restriction. This book is part of a series on pediatric and adolescent medicine.
Purpose: According to the editors, it is mandatory to foster research in the area of intrauterine growth restriction for "medical, ethical, socioeconomic and humanitarian reasons." This research, especially in the area of etiology, is different from the causes of prematurity and low birth weight, which are far greater problems worldwide. For the most part, the editors have succeeded in at least beginning this discussion.
Audience: The book is intended for perinatal healthcare providers as well as those interested in embryology, genetics, clinical nutrition, molecular biology, and healthcare planners. However, the focus of the book is more oriented to the research into and sociological effects of intrauterine growth restriction, which makes it less attractive to clinicians who are looking for more practical advice.
Features: An overview of the problem, including definitions and etiologies, begins the book. Subsequent chapters review the in utero and then post-delivery management of children born small for gestational age. Several chapters explore the specific causes for this condition in depth, including genetics, diabetes, and nutritional and molecular etiologies. Several chapters also deal with long-term outcomes and the global implications of this problem. The contributors are truly international and many of the issues and some of the terminology are not commonly used in the U.S. (e.g. polyglobulia used to mean polycythemia). Unfortuntately, the important area of clinical management of SGA infants is covered in broad terms in one brief (14-page) chapter.
Assessment: This international attempt to focus some attention on the global problem of intrauterine growth restriction is strongest in the areas of etiologies and molecular research, and weakest in the areas of clinical care. Clinicians in this country would be better served by standard neonatal-perinatal textbooks for clinical care algorithms. However, for readers who have a significant interest in this area, or are doing research or healthcare planning on this topic, this book brings together a variety of international experts to begin the discussion.

Doody's Review Service