Small for gestational age: Endocrine implications in childhood

Small for gestational age (SGA) is associated with important endocrine and metabolic consequences extending into adulthood. Although 85–90% of affected children born SGA achieve spontaneous catch-up growth by 2 years of age, 10–15% remain persistently short and may require further evaluation. Children born SGA are also at increased risk of premature adrenarche, early puberty, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, particularly following rapid postnatal weight gain. Regular monitoring of growth, pubertal development, and metabolic health, timely referral to a pediatric endocrinologist, and appropriate growth hormone therapy for persistent short stature are essential to optimize long-term growth and health outcomes.