Intrauterine Growth Restriction and Noncommunicable Diseases during Pediatric Ages

Abstract

Introduction: In the occurrence of chronic diseases during pediatric ages and adolescence, intrauterine growth restriction is considered a key factor.

 Objective: To determine the relationship between intrauterine growth restriction and noncommunicable diseases during pediatric ages.

Methods: A narrative review was performed with a literature search in Pubmed, SciELO, LILACS and Google Scholar in the last five years on the topic under discussion. Original articles, review articles and book chapters were examined. The keywords used were: fetal growth retardation, cardiometabolic risk factors, integrated care for prevalent childhood diseases. Articles that were not relevant or had notable methodological deficiencies were discarded.

Analysis and synthesis of the information: The definitions of "small for gestational age" and "intrauterine growth restriction" were exposed, the most updated classification was shown, the diseases that appear during infancy in these at-risk newborns were mentioned and their mechanisms were pointed out.

Conclusions: The history of intrauterine growth restriction is related to alterations of pondoestatural growth, neurodevelopment, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular conditions, endocrine, hepatic, respiratory, immune system, renal, hearing and vision disorders. These conditions surface in early stages of life such as infancy and adolescence.