A full-term infant who is large for gestational age (lga) should be monitored for which risk?

Topic Resources

Infants whose weight is > the 90th percentile for gestational age are classified as large for gestational age. Macrosomia is birthweight > 4000 g in a term infant. The predominant cause is maternal diabetes. Complications include birth trauma, hypoglycemia, hyperviscosity, and hyperbilirubinemia.

Fenton growth chart for preterm boys

Fenton T, Kim J: A systematic review and meta-analysis to revise the Fenton growth chart for preterm infants. BMC Pediatrics 13:59, 2013. doi: 10.1186/1471-2431-13-59; used with permission. Available at www.biomedcentral.com.

Fenton growth chart for preterm girls

Fenton T, Kim J: A systematic review and meta-analysis to revise the Fenton growth chart for preterm infants. BMC Pediatrics 13:59, 2013. doi: 10.1186/1471-2431-13-59; used with permission. Available at www.biomedcentral.com.

Rare causes of macrosomia are Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (characterized by macrosomia, omphalocele, macroglossia, and hypoglycemia) and Sotos, Marshall, and Weaver syndromes.

  • Perinatal asphyxia

Other complications occur when weight is > 4000 g. There is a proportional increase in morbidity and mortality due to the following:

IDMs are at risk of

  • Certain congenital anomalies

Congenital anomalies are more likely in IDMs because maternal hyperglycemia at the time of organogenesis is detrimental. Specific anomalies include

  • Caudal regression syndrome

  • Small left colon syndrome

Persistently elevated insulin levels can also lead to increased deposition of glycogen and fat into cardiomyocytes. This deposition can cause transient hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, predominantly of the septum.

  • Maternal diabetes mellitus is the major cause of large-for-gestational-age infants.

  • Large size itself increases risk of birth injury (eg, clavicle or extremity long bone fracture) and perinatal asphyxia.

  • Infants of diabetic mothers also may have metabolic complications immediately after delivery, including hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, and polycythemia.

  • Infants of diabetic mothers are also at risk of respiratory distress syndrome and congenital anomalies.

  • Good control of maternal glucose levels minimizes risk of complications.

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A full-term infant who is large for gestational age (lga) should be monitored for which risk?

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A full-term infant who is large for gestational age (lga) should be monitored for which risk?

What are LGA babies at risk for?

The most common problems of LGA infants (hypoglycemia, birth injuries, and lung problems) typically resolve over a few days with no long-term consequences. As adults, LGA girls have an increased risk of having an LGA infant. All LGA infants are at risk of obesity and may have an increased risk of heart disease.

Why are LGA infants at risk for hypoglycemia?

All the extra sugar and the extra insulin that is made can lead to fast growth and deposits of fat. This means a larger baby. It also means a risk for low blood sugar right after birth. At that point, the mother's supply is no longer there, but the baby's insulin levels stay high.

What does it mean if my baby is large for gestational age?

Large for gestational age is a term used to describe babies who are born weighing more than the usual amount for the number of weeks of pregnancy.

What are potential risks for SGA and LGA neonates?

They are, however, at increased risk of the following problems:.
Perinatal asphyxia. ... .
Meconium aspiration. ... .
Low blood sugar (glucose) levels ( hypoglycemia. ... .
Excess red blood cells ( polycythemia. ... .
Difficulty regulating body temperature..