Extrauterine growth restriction: a review of the literature.

Extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) is a common condition in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants (< or = 1,500 g). Most affected infants have a birth weight that is average for gestational age, but by the time of hospital discharge have a weight that is less than the tenth percentile for corrected gestational age. EUGR is the most frequent morbidity among VLBW survivors at their time of discharge from the hospital. Studies to elucidate the causes of EUGR have been inconclusive. Recent research has found an association between EUGR, developmental outcomes, and long-term morbidity. Low birth weight has also been associated with chronic diseases later in life. These findings emphasize the critical nature of understanding the phenomenon of EUGR and ways it can be prevented.