MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY OF SMALL-FOR-GEST ATIONAL-AGE AND APPROPRIATEFOR GESTATIONAL-AGE PRETERM NEWBORNS

Differences of fetal outcome between appropriate for gestational age ( AGA) and small for gestational age (SGA) preterm newborns with birth w eight below 2500 g and gestational age ranging from 27 to 36 weeks hav e been evaluated. As described by Rohrer SGA have been divided into sy mmetrical retarded and asymmetrical retarded newborns using ponderal i ndex. Therefore distribution of ponderal index on our local population has been analysed. SGA more often had an Apgar score below 6 five min utes post partum (p=0.01) and their mothers more often announced abuse of nicotine during pregnancy. AGA have been on respiratory ventilatio n significantly longer than SGA (p=0.001) and photo therapy because of hyperbilirubinaemia more often had to be performed on AGA (p=0.02). A GA have spent a longer time at the neonatal intensive care unit than S GA (p=0.0006). No differences could be found in mortality between AGA and SGA. Preterms with low ponderal index had no different outcome tha n SGA with normal ponderal index.