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Growth patterns in the growth-retarded premature infant

E L Pilling1, C J Elder, A T Gibson

  • 1Jessop Wing, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield S10 2SF, UK.

Best Practice & Research. Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
|June 10, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Premature infants often experience postnatal growth impairment, impacting final stature. This review examines early growth patterns and their potential long-term health consequences in adulthood.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatology
  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Approximately 10% of infants are born prematurely, with many exhibiting postnatal growth impairment.
  • This growth impairment can occur regardless of birth weight for gestational age and is often variable and incomplete, especially in the most immature infants.
  • Concerns exist regarding final adult stature and potential links between abnormal early growth and adult disease susceptibility.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the patterns of postnatal growth in premature infants.
  • To assess the potential long-term implications of aberrant early growth on adult health.
  • To inform potential therapeutic interventions, such as growth hormone treatment.

Main Methods:

  • This is a review article, synthesizing existing literature on infant growth.
  • It assesses patterns of postnatal growth and long-term outcomes.
  • Evidence regarding growth hormone treatment eligibility is also considered.

Main Results:

  • Premature infants frequently display impaired postnatal growth, with catch-up growth being variable and often incomplete.
  • Long-term studies indicate potential significant effects on final adult stature.
  • Emerging evidence suggests a link between abnormal early growth and increased susceptibility to diseases in adult life.

Conclusions:

  • Postnatal growth impairment is a significant concern in premature infants, affecting final stature.
  • Early aberrant growth patterns may have profound long-term implications for adult health and disease risk.
  • Further research and consideration for interventions like growth hormone therapy are warranted.

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