Neurodevelopment in children with intrauterine growth restriction: adverse effects and interventions

Abstract

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with higher rates of fetal, perinatal, and neonatal morbidity and mortality. The consequences of IUGR include short-term metabolic, hematological and thermal disturbances that lead to metabolic syndrome in children and adults. Additionally, IUGR severely affects short- and long-term fetal brain development and brain function (including motor, cognitive and executive function) and neurobehavior, especially neuropsychology. This review details the adverse effects of IUGR on fetal brain development and discusses intervention strategies.

Keywords:

• Adverse effects
• interventions
• intrauterine growth restriction
• neurodevelopment

Declaration of interest

The authors declare that they have no competing interests. This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81170577 & 81471087).