[Catch-up growth and associated factors in very low birth weight infants]

Abstract

Introduction: The characteristics of catch-up growth in very low birth weight infants (VLBW) have not been clearly established. The aim of this study was to analyse the height catch-up and some associated factors in a cohort of VLBW (birth weight<1,500g) from birth to age 14 years.

Methods: We obtained retrospective data on weight and height at birth and ages one, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 years in a cohort of 170 VLBW. We compared these anthropometric values with those documented in a control group.

Results: Thirty-seven children (21.8%) were born with an extremely low birth weight and 32 (18.8%) extremely preterm. At 10 years of age, 7% of VLBW (1,000-1,500g) and 35% of extremely low birth weight (<1,500g) children had short stature (P=.001). Almost all VLBW children who had a normal height at ages 2, 4 and 10 years had exhibited adequate weight catch-up in previous evaluations. We found that extremely low birth weight and extremely preterm were independent predictors for inadequate height catch-up.

Conclusion: The growth pattern of VLBW children has specific characteristics. The catch-up in weight seems to be an important factor for catch-up in height, and therefore a thorough nutritional follow-up is recommended in these children.

Keywords: Catch-up growth; Crecimiento recuperador; Growth pattern; Intrauterine growth restriction; Patrón de crecimiento; Preterm infant; Recién nacido de muy bajo peso; Recién nacido prematuro; Retraso de crecimiento intrauterino; Very low birth weight infant.