All of the following risks are equivalent for intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) term newborns compared to appropriate for gestational age (AGA) premature newborns EXCEPT:
a) Risk of temperature instability
b) Risk of mortality
c) Risk of hypoglycemia
d) Risk of iatrogenic volume overload
e) None of the above
Answer b. Mortality in extremely premature infants is primarily due to immaturity of the respiratory system; for this reason, surfactant and antenatal steroid administration have improved overall outcomes. Because the term IUGR infant has improved maturity of the respiratory system, mortality is significantly reduced in this group. These newborns are nevertheless at risk for many of the same complications as preterm infants of a similar size, including hypothermia, hypoglycemia, and fluid overload.