Full term Small for date infants are predisposed to –
**Core Concept**
Small for gestational age (SGA) infants, also known as small for date (SFD) infants, are born with a birth weight below the 10th percentile for their gestational age. This condition is often due to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), which can result from various maternal, placental, or fetal factors.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
SGA infants are at an increased risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) due to surfactant deficiency. Surfactant is a lipoprotein complex produced by type II pneumocytes in the lungs that reduces surface tension, facilitating lung expansion and gas exchange. SGA infants often have a lower surfactant production, making them more susceptible to RDS, especially if they are born prematurely or have a history of maternal diabetes or hypertension.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** While SGA infants are at risk for various complications, there is no strong association between SGA and congenital heart disease (CHD). CHD is more commonly linked to genetic factors or maternal conditions such as diabetes.
**Option B:** SGA infants are not specifically predisposed to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by decreased bone density and increased risk of fractures, often associated with aging, hormonal imbalances, or certain medical conditions.
**Option C:** There is no direct correlation between SGA and an increased risk of congenital anomalies. Congenital anomalies are birth defects that occur during fetal development, often due to genetic or environmental factors.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
SGA infants are at a higher risk of long-term neurodevelopmental delays, including cognitive and motor skill impairments, if they experience intrauterine growth restriction due to placental insufficiency.
**Correct Answer: C.**