Extrauterine Growth Restriction in Low Birth Weight Infants

Abstract

Extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) affects a significant number of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants and has the potential to impact neurodevelopmental outcome as well as other aspects of long-term health. More aggressive nutritional approaches have reduced the incidence of postnatal growth failure but many questions remain about the expected rate of growth for very preterm infants, the best ways to measure growth velocity, and the optimal approaches to supporting growth. This article examines some of the outstanding issues regarding postnatal growth failure and summarizes current practice recommendations.