Background

Neurodevelopmental disorders are increasingly believed to originate from intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Current reviews exploring the neurodevelopmental effects of IUGR, however, are mostly based on birthweight, an inadequate proxy.

Objective

We aimed to examine the association between IUGR documented in utero, and neurodevelopmental outcomes during childhood.

Search strategy

Medline, CINAHL, PsycInfo and Scopus were searched for relevant studies published after 1970.

Selection criteria

The analysis included studies that identified IUGR in utero, with follow-up assessments between 1 month and 12 years of age.

Data collection and analysis

Data was extracted for cognitive, behavioural, language, motor, hearing, vision or sleep outcomes. Studies were summarised separately for children born at <35 and ≥35 weeks gestation.

Main results

Of 28 876 titles identified, 38 were suitable for inclusion. IUGR children born ≥35 weeks gestation scored on average 0.5 SD lower than non-IUGR children across all neurodevelopmental assessments. IUGR children born <35 weeks of gestation scored approximately 0.7 SD lower than non-IUGR children across all neurodevelopmental assessments. IUGR children with evidence of fetal circulatory redistribution (preferential perfusion of the brain) had more severe neurodevelopmental impairments than those born IUGR alone.

Conclusions

IUGR increases the risk of neurodevelopmental impairment during childhood differentially across domains. IUGR children born preterm or with evidence of fetal circulatory redistribution are more severely affected.

BJOG: Murray, E, Fernandes, M, Fazel, M, Kennedy, S H, Villar, J, Stein, A. Differential effect of intrauterine growth restriction on childhood neurodevelopment: a systematic review. BJOG 2015; 122: 1062– 1072.