Catch-up growth and cognitive development in small for gestational age infants

Abstract

Small for gestational age (SGA) infants often experience poor cognitive development outcomes, particularly those who fail to achieve catch-up growth. Research has demonstrated an association between catch-up growth in SGA infants and their cognitive development outcomes. Understanding the patterns of catch-up growth in SGA infants and its relationship with cognitive outcomes is crucial for timely identification of abnormal growth trajectories and early intervention to improve their cognitive development. This article elucidates the relationship between catch-up growth and cognitive development in SGA infants from three dimensions of weight, length (height), and head circumference, in order to provide reference for postnatal physical growth in these infants and facilitate optimal catch-up growth, thereby ultimately improving their overall health and quality of life.

Keywords

small for gestational age / catch-up growth / cognitive development