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

Abstract

IntroductionThe 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 <1,500 g from birth to age 14 years. MethodsWe 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. ResultsThirty-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 (1,000–1,500 g) and 35% of extremely low birth weight <1,500 g children had short stature P = 0.001). 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. ConclusionThe 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.