A neonate born at 35 weeks gestation weighs 1900 g at birth. The weight is below the 10th percentile for gestational age. Which complication is this small-for-gestational-age neonate at HIGHEST risk for compared to an appropriately grown preterm neonate of the same gestational age?

• A Respiratory distress syndrome
• B Intraventricular hemorrhage
• C Retinopathy of prematurity
• D Hypoglycemia ✓

Explanation

SGA neonates have limited hepatic glycogen stores and increased metabolic demands due to chronic intrauterine hypoxia, placing them at high risk for hypoglycemia. RDS, ROP, and IVH are more strongly related to prematurity itself rather than growth restriction. The polycythemia and metabolic adaptations in SGA infants make hypoglycemia the characteristic risk.

Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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