A Longitudinal Study of Physical Development of Low Birth Weight Infant

Abstract

This is a longitudinal study of Physical development of low birth weight infants who were born in the jurisdiction of Nihommatsu Health Center, Fukushima Prefecture during 1965-1967. A total of 174 children were measured by weight and height. For the first year, the weights of these infants were follow up month by month frombirth. From one year after birth, heights and weights of the subjects were measured once every half year till the fifth year. For the sake of contrast, a control group of mature infants who were born almost at the same time was selected. Moreover, the socio-economic backgrounds of these groups were matched. In accordance with these height and weight values, a Kaup-index and a Rohrer index were caluculated. 1) The average weight of the infant in this study group were inferior to the control group within the first year from birth. 2) The percentage rate of average weight increase for the infants by month in this study group were remarkably superior to the control group. In both sexes, the increasing rate was largest in the lightest groups during the first year from birth. 3) The standard deviation and coefficient of variation with regard to weight and to the weight increase rate were larger than the control group. 4) At fifth year, the weight and height of low birth weight infants were approching those of the control group. Especially, the height of 2.0-2.lkg group and 2.1-2.2kg group among the females was superior to the control group. 5) From one to five years old the increasing rate of weight and height of low birthweight infants was larger than the control group in both sexes. 6) Kaup-index in the low birth weight group was lower than the control group in both sexes regardless of the weight subgroup. 7) Rohrer index of the low birth weight infant group was superior to that of mature group at 1.5 years in the both sexes. It suggested the importance of health education during the first year from birth.