Growth outcome at 2 years using Fenton and Intergrowth-21st charts in infants less than 1500 g

Abstract

IntroductionThere is no consensus on which neonatal chart is best to use in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. The aim of the study was to compare the Fenton 2013 and Intergrowth-21st (IW-21) charts based on their predictive ability for somatometry at 2 years, as well as to analyze factors related to short stature at 2 years. Material and methodsCohort of children with VLBW born between 2002 and 2017. Association between neonatal somatometry (z-score by Fenton and IW-21) and risk of short stature (<−2 DS), head circumference <−2 DS and malnutrition at 2 years (BMI < −2 DS) was analyzed (WHO charts). Results513 children with a mean gestational age of 30.05 ± 2.5 weeks were included. Birth and discharge weight z-score by Fenton and IW-21 were useful for predicting risk of short stature and malnutrition at 2 years (without differences in the AUC of the ROC curves). Weight z-score at discharge was also useful for predicting head circumference < −2 DS. At 2 years, prevalence of short stature, head circumference < −2 DS, and malnutrition was 17.2, 4.1, and 6.1%, respectively. Low weight for gestational age and length of stay were identified as independent risk factors for short stature at 2 years. ConclusionsDischarge weight z-score is useful for predicting risk of short stature, malnutrition and head circumference < −2 DS at 2 years in very low birth weight children, with no statistical difference between using Fenton or IW-21 charts.