Early psychosocial development of small for gestational age and intrauterine growth-restricted children: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To examine evidence regarding psychosocial development from one month to four years of age in small for gestational age and intrauterine growth-restricted children. STUDY DESIGN: Studies were included if participants met criteria for small for gestational age or intrauterine growth restriction, follow-up was from age 1 month to 4 years, methods were described, and appropriate comparison groups were included. Methodological quality of included studies was assessed using quality-appraisal guidelines. RESULTS: Of 3216 studies reviewed, 24 were included. Poorer psychosocial development was described for small for gestational age children in 15 and for intrauterine growth-restricted children in 3 studies. Only 5 studies measured placental insufficiency using Doppler ultrasound. Study heterogeneity limited synthesis and interpretation. CONCLUSIONS: Although evidence suggests that small for gestational age children are at risk of poorer early childhood psychosocial outcomes, further research is required to clarify whether placental insufficiency is associated with poorer early psychosocial development.