Circumference Growth Research Articles

Improved nutrition for extremely preterm infants – A population based observational study

Extremely preterm (EPT) infants are at high risk for malnutrition due to immaturity and medical complications and they often accumulate nutritional deficits and experience growth faltering during treatment at neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Enhanced intake of energy and protein during the first weeks of life improves weight gain and head circumference growth. The optimal nutritional strategy for these infants' health and long-term development remains unknown. Nutritional regiments have been identified as a potential area for improvement in Swedish NICUs. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in nutritional intake over time during the first 56 postnatal days in EPT (<27 gestational weeks; n=316) infants, who were treated in NICUs during 2004-2011 in Stockholm, using a population-based study approach. Several different nutritional interventions were implemented over the 8-year period. Nutrition and growth data were obtained retrospectively from hospital records. All intakes of enteral and parenteral nutrients were retrieved daily during the first 28 postnatal days and on days 35, 42, 49 and 56. Energy intake (median) increased from 77kcal/kg/d during the 2004-2005 period to 98kcal/kg/d during the 2010-2011 period on days 4-6. Median protein intake increased from 2.4g/kg/d during 2004-2005 to 3.6g/kg/d during 2010-2011. Energy and protein intake during postnatal days 0-6 increased continuously over the 8 years and protein intake increased during all 56 postnatal days. Full enteral feeds were reached earlier and the proportion of enteral feeds during the first week was higher during 2008-2009 compared to all other years. A significant improvement in growth was primarily noted by comparing the 2004-2005 period to subsequent years. Neonatal nutrition improved significantly in Stockholm from 2004 to 2011. Above all, parenteral nutrition was initiated more promptly during the first week and was provided at higher quantities. However, many of the EPT infants born during the later years still did not reach the recommended macronutrient intake levels. A significant weight gain improvement was observed between 2004-2005 and 2006-2011.

A reference range of fetal abdominal circumference growth velocity between 20 and 36weeks' gestation.

To create a single equation and reference range for abdominal circumference growth velocity (ACGV) between 20 and 36weeks in singleton pregnancies. Observational study of pregnant women having routine scans for abdominal circumference (AC) at 20 and 36weeks' gestation. Exclusion criteria were multiple pregnancy, abnormal karyotype, major fetal abnormalities, and absent data on first-trimester dating. Scan image quality and AC measurement reliability were assessed according to INTERGROWTH-21st criteria. Regression models for the AC mean and standard deviation were fitted separately at 20 and 36weeks, and z scores were calculated. Abdominal circumference growth velocity was defined as the z score difference between 20 and 36weeks divided by the interval in days and multiplied by 100. The study population included 3334 fetuses. The equation for ACGV is (((AC36 -53.090-1.081*GA36 )/(0.057638*GA36 +0.622741))-((AC20 +68.349-1.571*GA20 )/(0.06265*GA20 -2.55361)))*100/(GA36 -GA20 ), where AC is expressed in millimeters and GA is gestational age in days. The 3rd, 5th, 10th, 50th, 90th, 95th, and 97th centiles are -1.8997, -1.6785, -1.3091, -0.0069, 1.3255, 1.7279, 1.9973, respectively. We have defined ACGV between 20 and 36weeks, and we have established its reference range. Further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical significance of growth patterns in the tail ends of this distribution.

EP14.11: The normal range of fetal abdominal circumference velocity between 20 and 36 weeks of gestation

To create a reference chart for abdominal circumference (AC) growth velocity between 20 and 36 weeks gestation in singleton pregnancies. Observational longitudinal study of all women attending for pregnancy care at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK between May 2016 and February 2017. All women have routine scans at 20 and 36 weeks gestation. Fetuses with AC measurements performed between 19+0 and 21+6 weeks and then again between 35+0 and 36+6 were included. Exclusion criteria were multiple pregnancy, abnormal karyotype, major fetal abnormalities and absent data on first-trimester dating. The quality of AC images and reliability of measurements were assessed according to INTERGROWTH-21st criteria. Local regression models were fitted separately at the 20 and 36 week gestational windows, in order to estimate the AC mean and standard deviation (SD), and Z scores were calculated. AC growth velocity was defined as the Z score difference between 20 and 36 weeks divided by the interval in days between the two ultrasound evaluations and multiplied by 100. The study population included 3334 fetuses. Given the narrow gestational age windows, a linear model provided the best fit for median AC and SD. The equations at 20 weeks were: mean AC=-68.349+1.571*GA and SD=1.253*(-2.038+0.050*GA). The equations at 36 weeks were: mean AC=53.090+1.081*GA and SD=1.253*(0.497+0.046*GA). Mean AC growth velocity between 20 and 36 weeks was -0.0018 (±1.041). The 3rd, 5th, 10th, 50th, 90th, 95th and 97th centiles of AC growth velocity were -1.8997, -1.6785, -1.3091, -0.0069, 1.3255, 1.7279, 1.9973, respectively. We have defined AC growth velocity between 20 and 36 weeks and we have established its normal distribution. This provides reference values for longitudinal assessment of fetal growth. Further studies are needed in order to evaluate the clinical significance of growth patterns in the tail ends of this normal distribution.

EP14.35: The influence of fetal gender on the antenatal detection of small‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses

To evaluate the influence of fetal gender on the antenatal detection of small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses. This is a prospective observational cohort of women attending for pregnancy care at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK. 2062 unselected singleton pregnancies had ultrasound fetal biometry at 20 and 36 weeks; umbilical and middle cerebral artery Doppler at 36 weeks; and birthweight and gender assessed at birth. The abdominal circumference (AC) growth velocity was defined as the z-score difference between 20 and 36 weeks adjusted for the interval in days and the lowest decile derived from local data was used. Fetal SGA was defined as EFW < 10th centile; and SGA at birth was defined as birthweight < 10th centile adjusted for gender. Comparisons between categorical variables were performed using the chi-squared test. Quantitative variables were assessed for normality and comparisons were performed using the student t-test. Amongst 199 cases of fetal SGA there were more female (57.8%) than male (42.2%) fetuses (OR 1.443; p=0.017). AC growth velocity in the lowest decile was less common in girls (OR 0.390; p=0.002). There were no significant differences in CPR < 5th centile (OR 0.759; p=0.488) or EFW< 3rd centile (OR 0.64; p=0.159) between female and male fetuses. Overall detection rate of SGA at birth was 46%. The detection rate of SGA at birth for boys and girls was 41% and 51% respectively (p=0.1925); the positive predictive value of EFW < 10th centile for boys and girls was 50% and 40% respectively (p=0.1937). The use of a universal EFW centile threshold leads to over representation of female fetuses as fetal SGA. Female fetal SGA are less likely to have a clinically significant reduction of AC velocity than males and therefore may be at less risk. Antenatal adjustment for fetal gender could improve the detection of fetuses at risk.

OP06.10: The association between suboptimal fetal abdominal circumference growth velocity and adverse neonatal outcome in appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age neonates

OP06.10: The association between suboptimal fetal abdominal circumference growth velocity and adverse neonatal outcome in appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age neonates

EP14.13: The association between fetal abdominal circumference growth velocity and placental biomarkers in appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age neonates

EP14.13: The association between fetal abdominal circumference growth velocity and placental biomarkers in appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age neonates

P20.07: Abdominal circumference growth velocity and cerebroplacental ratio as predictors of perinatal outcome in small‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses

P20.07: Abdominal circumference growth velocity and cerebroplacental ratio as predictors of perinatal outcome in small‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses

Multiple-trait genomewide mapping and gene network analysis for scrotal circumference growth curves in Brahman cattle.

Fertility traits are economically important in cattle breeding programs. Scrotal circumference (SC) measures are repeatable, easily obtained, highly heritable, and positively correlated with female fertility traits and sperm quality traits in males. A useful approach to summarize SC measures over time is using nonlinear models, which summarize specific measures of SC in a few parameters with biological interpretation. This approach facilitates the selection of bulls with larger SC and maturity index (K), that is, early maturing animals. Because SC is a sex-limited trait, identifying the underlying genomics of growth curve parameters will allow selection across both males and females. We reported the first multitrait genomewide association study (GWAS) of estimated growth curve parameters for SC data in Brahman cattle. Five widely used nonlinear models were tested to fit a total of 3,612 SC records, measured at 6, 12, 18, and 24 mo of age. The von Bertalanffy model, individually fitted for each animal, best fit this SC data. Parameter estimates SC at maturity (A) and K as well as SC at all ages were jointly analyzed in a GWAS to identify 1-Mb regions most strongly associated with each trait. Heritabilities were 0.25 for K and 0.32 for A and ranged from 0.51 to 0.72 for SC at 6 (SC6), 12 (SC12), 18 (SC18), and 24 mo of age (SC24). An overlapping window on chromosome 14 explaining around 0.8% of genetic variance for K, SC12, SC18, and SC24 was observed. The major positional candidate genes within 1 Mb upstream and downstream of this overlapping window were , , , and . Windows of 1 Mb explaining more than 0.4% of each trait on chromosomes 1, 3, 6, 7, 14, 17, 18, 24, 25, and 26 were identified. Pathways and net-work analyses were indicated through transcription factors playing a role on fertility traits: , , , , , , and . Further validation studies on larger populations or other breeds are required to validate these findings and to improve our understanding of the biology and complex genetic architecture of traits associated with scrotal growth and male fertility in cattle.

High Intensity Circuit Training and Progressive Resistance Training improve functional performance but not the Gait Profile Score

To study visual function and ocular fundus morphology in relation to growth, metabolic status, and blood pressure in moderate-to-late preterm (MLP) children at 10 years of age.Prospective cohort study.In this population-based observational study, nonsyndromic MLP children born in Gothenburg, Sweden, were examined neonatally in the years 2002-2003 concerning length, weight, head circumference, and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). At 10 years of age, 33 children (10 girls) were examined regarding previously mentioned variables, and regarding visual acuity, refraction, fundus morphology, IGF binding protein 3, leptin, adiponectin, and blood pressure. An age- and sex-matched control group consisted of 28 children (9 girls).Myopia was more commonly found in MLP children than in controls (P = .004, 95% CI 1.8 to 49.8). The MLP group had smaller optic disc area (P = .01, 95% CI −0.5 to −0.1), smaller rim area (P = .001, 95% CI −0.5 to −0.2), fewer branching points (P = .0001, 95% CI −5.7 to −2.1), and higher index of tortuosity of arteries (P = .03, 95% CI 0.002 to 0.03) and veins (P = .02, 95% CI 0.003 to 0.02). Refraction correlated with IGF-I (P = .0005, rs = 0.60 in right eye, and P = .002, rs = 0.55 in left eye) at 10 years of age. Tortuosity of arteries at assessment correlated with neonatal IGF-I levels (P = .03, rs = −0.39). Tortuosity of veins correlated with a leptin/adiponectin ratio at assessment (P = .04, rs = 0.37).The findings suggest that being born MLP is associated with myopia, smaller optic disc and rim areas, and abnormal retinal vascularization. Furthermore, metabolic status and growth factors seem to have an impact on ocular development.

Stem growth and phenology of three subtropical mangrove tree species

The present study aimed to investigate the relationships among stem circumference growth, phenology and abiotic variables, of three mangrove tree species of southern Brazil. Species circumference growth, measured using dendrometer bands, and phenological events were followed for 12 months. Data were correlated with day length, temperature and precipitation using a model based on the method of least squares, taking into account temporal autocorrelation of the data. During the study period, temperature influenced the fruiting of Avicennia schaueriana Stapf and Leechm. ex Moldenke, while it was strongly related to the production of leaves and flowering in Laguncularia racemosa (L.) Gaertn and Rhizophora mangle L., respectively. Monthly precipitation was related to the flowering of only R. mangle. No abiotic variable (day length, temperature and rainfall) was correlated with stem growth for the L. racemosa and R. mangle during the period. However, the highest rate of increase in stem circumference for all three species occurred during the period of highest temperature and rainfall. Our results demonstrate that the reproductive phenophases are more intense in wetter and hotter conditions. Combined with endogenous factors, these abiotic variables influence vegetative and reproductive phenophases and stem circumference growth. Stem growth rates were different for each studied species, but they all exhibited high peaks of stem growth concomitant with periods of higher temperature and precipitation. Phenological events, and how they correlate with the analysed abiotic variables, differed among the three species and stem growth showed a direct relationship with phenophases during the study period only for A. schaueriana.

Fetal and Postnatal Head Circumference Growth: Synergetic Factors for Neurodevelopmental Outcome at 2 Years of Age for Preterm Infants

: Preterm infants present higher risk of non-optimal neurodevelopmental outcome. Fetal and postnatal growth, in particular head circumference (HC), is associated with neurodevelopmental outcome. Objectives: We aimed to calculate the relationship between HC at birth, HC delta Z-score (between birth and hospital discharge), and non-optimal neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years of corrected age in preterm infants. Methods: Surviving infants born ≤34 weeks of gestation were included in the analysis. The relationship between the risk of being non-optimal at 2 years and both HC at birth and HC growth was assessed. The 2 Z-scores were considered first independently and then simultaneously to investigate their effect on the risk of non-optimality using a generalized additive model. Results: A total of 4,046 infants with both HC measures at birth and hospital discharge were included. Infants with small HC at birth (Z-score <-2 SD), or presenting suboptimal HC growth (dZ-score <-2 SD), are at higher risk of non-optimal neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years (respectively OR 1.7 [95% CI 1.4-2] and OR 1.4 [95% CI 1.2-1.8]). Interestingly, patients cumulating small HC Z-score at birth (-2 SD) and presenting catch-down growth (HC dZ-score [-2 SD]) have a significantly increased risk for neurocognitive impairment (OR >2) while adjusting for gestational age, twin status, sex, and socioeconomic information. Conclusions: HC at birth and HC dZ-score between birth and hospital discharge are synergistically associated to neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years of corrected age, in a population-based prospective cohort of preterm infants born ≤34 weeks of gestation.

Effect of postpartum modular nutrition intervention on maternal lactation and neonatal physical development

Objective To investigate the effects of postpartum modular nutrition intervention on maternal lactation and neonatal physical development. Methods Totally 240 cases from the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were selected as the research objects from May 2015 to May 2016. And they were divided into the observation group (n=120) and the control group (n=120). Parturients in the control group were given routine postpartum dietary guidance, while parturients in the observation group received postpartum modular nutrition intervention for 28 days. The incidence of delayed postpartum lactation, the breastfeeding rate, lactation yield and serum prolactin levels of 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 42 d were observed. The postpartum recovery and neonatal growth and development of two groups were recorded. Results The incidence of postpartum lactation was lower, and breastfeeding rate after 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 42 d were higher than the control group (P<0.01) ; the lactation score, serum prolactin levels of the observation group after 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 42 d were higher than the control group (P<0.01). The postpartum neonatal weight gain, increase in height, head circumference growth of the observation group after 42 d were faster than the control group (P<0.01) . Conclusions Postpartum modular nutritional intervention is effective in preventing delayed maternal lactation, improving maternal postpartum breast milk secretion, and promoting postpartum recovery and fetal growth and development. Key words: Lactation; Prolactin; Postpartum modular nutrition intervention

Preterm Infant Growth Velocity Calculations: A Systematic Review.

Clinicians assess the growth of preterm infants and compare growth velocity using a variety of methods. We determined the numerical methods used to describe weight, length, and head circumference growth velocity in preterm infants; these methods include grams/kilogram/day (g/kg/d), grams/day (g/d), centimeters/week (cm/week), and change in z scores. A search was conducted in April 2015 of the Medline database by using PubMed for studies that measured growth as a main outcome in preterm neonates between birth and hospital discharge and/or 40 weeks' postmenstrual age. English, French, German, and Spanish articles were included. The systematic review was conducted by using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses methods. Of 1543 located studies, 373 (24%) calculated growth velocity. We conducted detailed extraction of the 151 studies that reported g/kg/d weight gain velocity. A variety of methods were used. The most frequently used method to calculate weight gain velocity reported in the 1543 studies was g/kg/d (40%), followed by g/d (32%); 29% reported change in z score relative to an intrauterine or growth chart. In the g/kg/d studies, 39% began g/kg/d calculations at birth/admission, 20% at the start of the study, 10% at full feedings, and 7% after birth weight regained. The kilogram denominator was not reported for 62%. Of the studies that did report the denominators, the majority used an average of the start and end weights as the denominator (36%) followed by exponential methods (23%); less frequently used denominators included birth weight (10%) and an early weight that was not birth weight (16%). Nineteen percent (67 of 355 studies) made conclusions regarding extrauterine growth restriction or postnatal growth failure. Temporal trends in head circumference growth and length gain changed from predominantly cm/wk to predominantly z scores. The lack of standardization of methods used to calculate preterm infant growth velocity makes comparisons between studies difficult and presents an obstacle to using research results to guide clinical practice.

Evaluation Du Coût Economique De La Dégradation Des Terres Dans La Zone Agro-Ecologique Du Centre Bénin

The Agro-Ecological Zone of the Center of Benin is facing a growing degradation of agricultural land with multiple consequences at social and economic levels. This study aims to estimate the economic value of this degradation. The experimental set up is a Fisher block with corn as vegetative material. This is an arrangement of separate blocks of one factor and two levels. The first level is without fertilizer and the second with mineral fertilizer as the dose recommended by the Agricultural Management Services. Each block is a repetition and each repetition is performed by a producer on his farm. Thus, there were a total of 12 producers at a rate of 4 for highly degraded lands, 4 for those moderately degraded and 4 for low degraded lands. The evaluated agronomic parameters are related to the growth in height and circumference of the plants’ girth and the corn yield. The test shows on one hand, a drop in yield of about 50.85%, which is a monetary loss of 190,965 CFA per hectare for moderately degraded lands and about 84.41% for a monetary loss of 317,001.9 FCFA per hectare for highly degraded lands, on the other hand.

Is cerebroplacental ratio a marker of impaired fetal growth velocity and adverse pregnancy outcome?

The cerebroplacental ratio has been proposed as amarker of failure to reach growth potential near term. Low cerebroplacental ratio, regardless of the fetal size, is independently associated with the need for operative delivery for presumed fetal compromise and with neonatal unit admission at term. The main aim of this study was to evaluate whether the cerebroplacental ratio at term is a marker of reduced fetal growth rate. The secondary aim was to investigate the relationship between a low cerebroplacental ratio at term, reduced fetal growth velocity, and adverse pregnancy outcome. This was a retrospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies in a tertiary referral center. The abdominal circumference was measured at 20-24 weeks' gestation and both abdominal circumference and fetal Dopplers recorded at or beyond 35 weeks, within 2 weeks of delivery. Abdominal circumference and birthweight values were converted into Z scores and centiles, respectively, and fetal Doppler parameters into multiples of median, adjusting for gestational age. Abdominal circumference growth velocity was quantified using the difference in the abdominal circumference Z score, comparing the scan at or beyond 35 weeks with the scan at 20-24 weeks. Both univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between low cerebroplacental ratio and the low abdominal circumference growth velocity (in the lowest decile) and to identify and adjust for potential confounders. As a sensitivity analysis, we refitted the model excluding the data on pregnancies with small-for-gestational-age neonates. The study included 7944 pregnancies. Low cerebroplacental ratio multiples of median was significantly associated with both low abdominal circumference growth velocity (adjusted odds ratio, 2.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.71-2.57, P <0.001) and small for gestational age(adjusted odds ratio, 3.60; 95% confidence interval, 3.04-4.25, P<.001). After the exclusion of pregnancies resulting in small-for-gestational-age neonates, a low cerebroplacental ratio multiples of the median remained significantly associated with both low abdominal circumference growth velocity (adjusted odds ratio, 1.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.34-2.30, P < .001) and birthweight centile (adjusted odds ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.998-0.995, P < .001). The need for operative delivery for fetal compromise was significantly associated with a low cerebroplacental ratio (adjusted odds ratio, 1.40; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-1.78, P= .006), even after adjusting for both the umbilical artery pulsatility index multiples of the median and middle cerebral artery pulsatility index multiples of median. The results were similar, even after the exclusion of pregnancies resulting in small-for-gestational-age neonates (adjusted odds ratio, 1.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.84, P= .018). Low cerebroplacental ratio multiples of the median remained significantly associated with the risk of operative delivery for presumed fetal compromise (P < .001), even after adjusting for the known antenatal and intrapartum risk factors. These associations persisted, even after the exclusion of small-for-gestational-age births. In appropriate-for-gestational-age-sized fetuses, abdominal circumference growth velocity was significantly lower in those with a low cerebroplacental ratio multiples of the median than in those with normal cerebroplacental ratio multiples of the median (P < .001). The cerebroplacental ratio is a marker of impaired fetal growth velocity and adverse pregnancy outcome, even in fetuses whose size is considered appropriate using conventional biometry.

Anthropometric trends from 1997 to 2012 in infants born at ⩽28 weeks' gestation or less.

Postnatal growth failure is common after preterm birth, in particular for infants born at ⩽28 weeks' gestation, but it is unknown if growth-to-term equivalent age has improved over the years as neonatal intensive care in general, and infant nutrition in particular, have improved. The objective of the study was to evaluate anthropometric trends at NICU discharge for infants born at ⩽28 weeks' gestation using a large national database. Analysis of growth in weight, length, head circumference and body mass index (kg m2) in 23 005 infants born in 1997 to 2012 who survived to neonatal intensive care unit discharge at ⩽41 weeks' postmenstrual age. Discharge weight, length, head circumference and body mass index were converted to Z-scores using a reference database, and growth trends over the 16 years were summarized. Discharge results also were summarized for common neonatal morbidities, including chronic lung disease. Gestational age at birth and postmenstrual age at discharge were similar across the 16 years. Discharge weight, length and head circumference Z-scores were all below the median, but head circumference Z-scores consistently were closer to the median than were weight and length. In 1997 compared with 2012, the weight Z-score improved from -1.5 to -0.6; the length Z-score increased the least, from -1.68 to just -1.16; the head circumference Z-score improved from -0.68 to -0.30; and the body mass index Z-score increased from -0.66 to 0.19. Percent small-for-gestational age at birth was stable across the years at 8.4 to 9.3%, and the frequency of postnatal growth failure at discharge improved from 55.4% in 1997 to 19.6% in 2012. Growth-to-discharge progressively improved from 1997 to 2012, but Z-scores remained below the reference median for weight, length and head circumference. Length Z-scores were consistently significantly less than for weight, and body mass index Z-scores have been above the reference median since 2002. Prospective studies are needed to quantify anthropometric trends in relation to body composition and to current nutritional strategies.

Visual outcome and refractive status in first 3 years of age in preterm infants suffered from laser-treated Type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP): a 6-year retrospective review in a tertiary centre in Hong Kong

To report the visual outcome and refractive status in first 3years of age in preterm infants suffered from laser-treated Type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP): a 6-year review in Hong Kong DESIGN: Retrospective case series METHODOLOGY: Clinical records of all infants suffered from Type 1 ROP who had undergone laser therapy between 2007 and 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Basic demographic data, serial changes of refractive error, visual acuity, severity of ROP and laser were analyzed. Correlation with myopia and astigmatism progression, body weight, height, growth and gestational age were also analyzed. Among 494 babies screened, 14 Chinese babies (26 eyes) recruited with 1:1 male-to-female ratio in this study. All eyes showed gradual progression of myopia in first 3years of age but no significant change of astigmatism. Further correlation analysis showed no correlation with laser energy consumed, birth weight (p=0.14), head circumference growth (p=0.57) and body weight growth (p=0.71). However, severity of myopia was related to the post-conceptual age when receiving laser therapy (p<0.005), gestation age (p=0.02) and possibly body height growth with age (p=0.05). Myopia in early life is one of the most common ocular sequelae in Type 1 ROP survivors. Early detection of refractive error is important for prompt correction and visual rehabilitation to prevent amblyopia.

High protein intake in human/maternal milk fortification for ≤1250 gr infants: intrahospital growth and neurodevelopmental outcome at two years.

Background and aim of the study:Extrauterine growth restriction and failure to thrive remain a major problem in Extremely Low Birth Weight infants. Nutritional support in preterm babies has the objective to improve the achieve rate of growth similar to those of the fetus in utero at the equivalent gestational age. The aim of the study was to evaluate feeding tolerance, intrahospital growth, neurological outcome and anthropometric data until 24 months of corrected age (mca) from different protein intake assumed by preterm babies <1250 g during their stay in NICU.Methods:The study evaluates auxological/neurodevelopmental outcomes until 24 months of corrected age (mca) in preterm infants with different protein intake (control group-CG: 3,5g Kg–1 perday; intervention group-PSG: 4,8g Kg–1 per day).Results:PSG group showed a significant higher length growth at 9 mca (p 0,04) and hearing/language score of Griffiths Mental Development Score (GMDS) at 12 (p 0,03) and 18 mca (p<0,05) comparing with CG. PSG-ELBW preterms showed an higher intrahospital head circumference (p 0,02) and length growth rate (p 0,04), greater Performance (p 0,04) and Hearing/Language (p 0,03) scores of GMDS at 3 and 12 mca. PSG-SGA preterms showed significantly higher scores in GMDS scores at 18 and 24 mca except for the locomotor domain.Conclusions:Supplemental enteral proteins lead to benefits of reduced postnatal growth restriction and better neurological outcome in preterm infants <1000 g and in those SGA <1250 g. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Multiple-trait genomewide mapping and gene network analysis for scrotal circumference growth curves in Brahman cattle

Multiple-trait genomewide mapping and gene network analysis for scrotal circumference growth curves in Brahman cattle

Growth of Infants with Intestinal Failure or Feeding Intolerance Does Not Follow Standard Growth Curves.

Objective. Infants with intestinal failure or feeding intolerance are nutritionally compromised and are at risk for extrauterine growth restriction. The aim of the study was to evaluate growth velocities of infants with intestinal failure and feeding intolerance for the first three months of age and to determine growth percentiles at birth and at 40-week postmenstrual age (PMA). Methods. A chart review of infants followed by the Texas Children's Hospital Intestinal Rehabilitation Team was conducted from April 2012 to October 2014. Weekly weight, length, and head circumference growth velocities were calculated. Growth data were compared to Olsen growth curves to determine exact percentiles. Results. Data from infants (n = 164) revealed that average growth velocities of 3-month-old infants (weight gain, 19.97 g/d; length, 0.81 cm/week; head circumference, 0.52 cm/week) fluctuated and all were below expected norms. At discharge or death, average growth velocities had further decreased (length, 0.69 cm/week; head circumference, 0.45 cm/week) except for weight, which showed a slight increase (weight, 20.56 g/d). Weight, length, and head circumference percentiles significantly decreased from birth to 40-week PMA (P < 0.001). Conclusions. Growth of infants with intestinal failure or feeding intolerance did not follow standard growth curves.