REVIEW PAPER
Intrauterine growth restriction outcomes at the age of 2 in resource - limited settings: a systematic review
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1
Laboratory of Health Sciences and Technologies, Higher Institute of Health Sciences,
Hassan 1st University, Settat, Morocco
2
Higher Institues of Nursing and Health Technology Professions, Ministry of Health and social Protection, Rabat, Morocco
3
Laboratory of Natural Resources and Sustainable Development, Ibn Tofail University, Kénitra, Morocco
4
National Reference Center for Neonatology and Nutrition Children’s Hospital of Rabat,
Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
5
Laboratory of Innovation and Research in Educational and Training Professions,
School of Education and Training, Ibn Tofail University, Kénitra, Morocco
Submission date: 2026-04-22
Final revision date: 2026-06-30
Acceptance date: 2026-07-21
Online publication date: 2026-08-04
Corresponding author
Najat Ababsi
Laboratory of Health Sciences and Technologies, Higher Institute of Health Sciences, Hassan 1st University, Settat, Morocco; email: ababsinajat@gmail.com
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ABSTRACT
Despite significant advances in neonatal and child health, morbidity related to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)
remains concerning, particularly in developing countries where resources are limited and geographical and socioeconomic
disparities persist. This study aims to describe the clinical, nutritional, and developmental outcomes of children born with
IUGR at 2 years of age, as reported in previous studies. It identifies the main findings from the selected literature and
proposes ways to improve monitoring. A bibliographic search was conducted using PubMed, Science Direct, and Google
Scholar. A total of 15 studies were included. The systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA
checklist. Most studies have shown abnormalities related to the health of children born with IUGR at the age of 2 years,
including height and weight retardation; cognitive, mental, language, visual, respiratory, neurological, and metabolic
impairments; developmental delay in general; and affected social skills. However, two studies showed no significant
differences in height and weight or in developmental and behavioral outcomes at 2 years of age. This systematic review
highlights several strong and consistent trends, despite differences in methodology, health contexts, and populations
studied.