Growth patterns of low-birth-weight infants: 2-year longitudinal study

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S Jaruratanasirikul1, P Chanvitan, W Janjindamai

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand.

Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet Thangphaet
|July 20, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Low birthweight infants show catch-up growth, but those born small for gestational age under 1,500g remain smaller at two years. Adequate nutrition and care support good growth potential in LBW babies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neonatology
  • Growth and Development

Background:

  • Low birthweight (LBW) infants (<2,500g) often experience growth challenges.
  • Understanding growth trajectories in LBW infants is crucial for long-term health outcomes.
  • Factors influencing catch-up growth in LBW infants require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To longitudinally assess the growth of LBW infants over two years.
  • To compare growth patterns between appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and small for gestational age (SGA) LBW infants.
  • To identify factors influencing growth outcomes in LBW infants.

Main Methods:

  • A 2-year longitudinal study involving 147 LBW infants and 149 normal birthweight controls.
  • Infants categorized into 6 groups based on birthweight (<1,500g, 1,500-1,999g, 2,000-2,499g) and gestational age (AGA/SGA).
  • Weight, height, and head circumference measured at multiple time points and analyzed using standard deviation scores (SDS).

Main Results:

  • All LBW groups demonstrated catch-up growth within the first 6 months.
  • At 2 years, all infants exceeded -2 SDS, indicating overall positive growth.
  • Significantly, SGA infants born <1,500g were lighter, shorter, and had smaller head circumferences compared to controls (p<0.05).
  • No significant differences in growth were observed between other LBW groups and controls.
  • Familial income, parental education, nursing care, or parental height did not significantly differentiate LBW infants below or above -1 SDS at 2 years.

Conclusions:

  • LBW infants possess potential for substantial catch-up growth with adequate nutrition and nursing care.
  • SGA infants born <1,500g, despite catch-up growth, exhibit persistent smaller stature at 2 years.
  • Early growth monitoring and targeted interventions are essential for optimizing outcomes in vulnerable LBW populations.

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