Predictive factors of catch-up growth in term, small for gestational age infants: a two-year prospective observational study in Algeria

Objectives: Most small for gestational age (SGA) infants show catch-up growth but the minority who do not may benefit from growth-promoting treatment. We determined the prevalence of, and risk factors for, failure to show catch-up growth in term SGA infants. Methods: Prospective observational study of infants born at 37-42 weeks gestation between December 2012 and March 2014 with birth weight <10th percentile. Length, weight and head circumference were measured from birth to 2 years. Results: Of 457 (3.9 %) term infants with SGA, 446 (97.6 %) were followed up until 2years. At 24months, supine length, weight and head circumference were >=-2 standard deviation score (SDS) in 87.9, 96.4 and 97.1 % subjects, with persistent short stature in 12.1 %. In a multivariate analysis, the independent predictors of failure to show catch-up growth at 24 months were: maternal height <150 cm, difference betweenmid-parental height and birth length of >= 2.2 SDS, height at 24 months <- 2 SDS below mid- parental height SDS, history of SGA, ponderal index <3rd centile and duration of breast feeding <3 months. Conclusions: This study provides data concerning the epidemiology of SGA in Algeria and the factors associated with post-natal growth. Establishing which children remain short at 2 years has identified a cohort of patients requiring continuing follow up, with a view to instituting growth hormone therapy in selected cases. These results favour the setting up of an integrated national program to register SGA infants at birth, with re-evaluation at 2 years. (250 words).