IUGR
Also written as: IUGR — Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Intrauterine growth restriction - condition where fetal growth is impaired, often resulting in SGA births and potential long-term growth issues.
Full Definition
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) refers to impaired fetal growth during pregnancy, resulting in a fetus that fails to achieve its genetically determined growth potential. Babies born with IUGR are often classified as small for gestational age (SGA) and may face increased risk of perinatal complications. In pediatric endocrinology, IUGR is significant because affected children may experience persistent short stature, increased risk of metabolic disorders, and altered hormonal responses throughout childhood. Some IUGR children demonstrate catch-up growth in the first few years of life, while others remain short and may benefit from growth hormone therapy. The condition can result from maternal, placental, or fetal factors and requires ongoing monitoring for growth and metabolic complications.
Usage
Usage note: Increasingly replaced by FGR (fetal growth restriction) in some contexts; ensure consistency within documents.
In Context
- "The child's history of IUGR explained his persistent short stature despite normal growth hormone levels." — Growth evaluation report
- "IUGR children require long-term monitoring for growth and metabolic complications." — Clinical guideline