Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026
Breast Milk Enhances Growth of Enteroids: An Ex Vivo Model of Cell Proliferation
Published on: February 15, 2018
Growth in extremely low birth weight infants up to three years
Isabelle M Jordan1, Annie Robert, Julie Francart
1Neonatal Department, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, Lyon, France. isabelle.jordan@chu-lyon.fr
Insights
Extremely low birth weight infants show significant catch-up growth by 36 months corrected age. Birth measurements and oxygen therapy predict long-term growth outcomes in ELBW infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Pediatric Growth and Development
- Perinatal Medicine
Background:
- Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants (<1,000 g) face challenges in postnatal growth.
- Understanding growth trajectories and influencing factors is crucial for optimizing outcomes.
- Previous studies highlight the importance of early anthropometrics and perinatal events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate postnatal growth of ELBW infants up to 36 months corrected age (CA).
- To identify predictors of growth, including birth anthropometrics, sex, fetal growth status (SGA/AGA), and perinatal events.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal assessment of weight, height, and head circumference in 159 ELBW infants.
- Standardization of growth data using Z-scores against established growth curves.
- Application of uni- and multivariate statistical analyses to determine growth determinants.
Main Results:
- Z-scores for weight, height, and head circumference decreased from birth to term, with a more pronounced decline in appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants compared to small for gestational age (SGA) infants.
- Catch-up growth was observed between term and 36 months CA, with SGA infants showing better height growth than AGA infants.
- Birth anthropometric parameters positively influenced growth at term and 36 months CA. Oxygen therapy after 36 weeks post-conceptional age negatively impacted growth at 36 months CA.
Conclusions:
- ELBW infants exhibit significant catch-up growth between birth and 36 months CA, particularly those born SGA.
- Birth anthropometric parameters and the need for oxygen therapy at 36 weeks post-conceptional age are key predictors of growth at 36 months CA.
Objective:
To evaluate postnatal growth of extremely low birth weight infants (ELBW, <1,000 g) until 36 months of corrected age (CA), and to relate growth outcome to anthropometric parameters at birth, sex, fetal growth status (small or appropriate for gestational age--SGA/AGA), period of admission and major perinatal events.
Study Design/Method:
Weight (Wt), height (Ht) and head circumference (HC) were assessed in 159 ELBW infants. Data were standardized with Z-scores following Usher and McLean and Sempe growth curves. Uni- and multivariate statistical analysis were performed.
Results:
The mean birth weight was 851.2+/-116.5 g. Z-scores decreased from birth to term, at a deeper rate for AGA than for SGA infants (p<0.005 for Ht, Wt, and HC). Between term and 36 months, growth was better in SGA compared with AGA infants (p=0.003 for Ht). Multivariate analysis showed that anthropometric parameters at birth were positive determinants for Wt, Ht and HC at term, and also for Wt and Ht at 36 months CA (Z-scores). Oxygen therapy after 36 weeks of post-conceptional age was a negative determinant influencing growth at 36 months CA (Z-scores).
Conclusions:
Significant catch-up growth took place between birth and 36 months, which was greater for SGA than for AGA infants. Anthropometric parameters at birth and oxygen therapy at 36 weeks post-conceptional age are the main predictive factors for growth at 36 months CA.
More Related Videos
05:04A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect
Published on: September 22, 2023
09:36Effect of Hyaluronic Acid 35 kDa on an In Vitro Model of Preterm Small Intestinal Injury and Healing Using Enteroid-Derived Monolayers
Published on: July 28, 2022
