Prevention and management of extrauterine growth retardation in preterm infants:a best evidence summary

YIN Meijiao; YANG Xianji; HU Xiaolong; CHEN Shaojun; LI Longfeng

doi:10.12102/j.issn.2095-8668.2026.05.003

Abstract：Objective:To retrieve,evaluate,and summarize the best evidence for the prevention and management of extrauterine growth restriction(EUGR)in preterm infants worldwide,so as to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for clinical practice.Methods:Literature on the prevention and management of EUGR in preterm infants was systematically retrieved from domestic and international databases,guideline websites,and professional websites,including clinical decisions,evidence-based practice,guidelines,evidence summaries,systematic reviews,Meta-analyses,and expert consensuses retardation.The search period was from the inception to January 15,2025.Two researchers independently assessed the quality of the literature,extracted evidence,and summarized it using uniform standards.Results:A total of 19 articles were included,including 2 clinical decision-making articles,4 guideline articles,6 expert consensus articles,5 systematic reviews,and 2 evidence summaries.A total of 38 pieces of best evidence were summarized from 6 aspects:risk factor identification for EUGR in preterm infants,parenteral nutrition support,enteral nutrition support,promotion of oral feeding,developmental support care,and follow-up management.Conclusions:Current evidence shows that the summarized best evidence for the prevention and management of EUGR in preterm infants can provide evidence-based support for healthcare professionals.In clinical practice,targeted and standardized interventions should be adopted according to the specific conditions and clinical scenarios of preterm infants,so as to reduce the risk of extrauterine growth restriction(EUGR)and improve the long-term quality of life of preterm infants.