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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

Growth trajectories of preterm infants: birth to 12 years

Mary C Sullivan1, Margaret M McGrath, Katheleen Hawes

  • 1University of Rhode Island, College of Nursing, Kingston, USA. mcsullivan@uri.edu

Journal of Pediatric Health Care : Official Publication of National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates & Practitioners
|February 26, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Neonatal morbidities significantly impact preterm infant growth trajectories in height and weight up to age 12. Birth weight affects weight but not height. Early health history is crucial for assessments.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Growth and Development

Background:

  • Birth weight is a common predictor of preterm infant growth.
  • The influence of neonatal morbidities on long-term growth trajectories remains understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of birth weight and neonatal morbidities on the growth trajectories of preterm infants up to 12 years of age.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, longitudinal study involving 194 infants across five groups: full term, healthy preterm, preterm with medical illness (MPT), preterm with neurologic illness, and SGA.
  • Measurements of height, weight, and BMI were taken at six different ages.

Main Results:

  • Full-term infants were taller until age 8, with healthy preterm and MPT groups catching up later. SGA infants remained shorter at age 12.
  • MPT, preterm with neurologic illness, and SGA groups exhibited lower weight throughout the study period.
  • Neonatal morbidity significantly affected height and weight trajectories, while birth weight only influenced weight trajectories.

Conclusions:

  • Neonatal morbidity plays a critical role in shaping infant growth patterns.
  • Detailed information on neonatal morbidities is essential for comprehensive child health assessments.
Abstract

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