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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates
Published on: December 31, 2015
Is term newborn body composition being achieved postnatally in preterm infants?
Paola Roggero1, Maria Lorella Giannì, Orsola Amato
1Institute of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli e Regina Elena, University of Milan, Italy. paola.roggero@mangiagalli.it
Preterm infants have significantly higher body fat mass at term corrected age compared to full-term newborns. This difference in body composition is linked to gestational age and weight gain.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Body Composition Analysis
Background:
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends preterm infant growth and body composition mirror fetal development.
- Understanding body composition in preterm infants is crucial for optimizing growth and development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare total body fat mass between preterm infants (at term corrected age) and full-term newborns.
- To investigate factors influencing adiposity in preterm infants, including gestational age, gender, weight increase, and breastfeeding.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational study involving 110 preterm infants and 87 full-term infants.
- Body composition, including fat mass, was assessed using pediatric air displacement plethysmography.
- Measurements were taken at term corrected age for preterm infants and on day 3 for full-term infants.
Main Results:
- Preterm infants exhibited significantly higher percentage of fat mass (14.8%) compared to full-term infants (8.59%) at term corrected age (P<0.0001).
- Lower gestational age was negatively correlated with fat mass (P<0.001).
- Increased weight gain was positively associated with higher fat mass (P<0.05).
Conclusions:
- Body composition, specifically fat mass, differs significantly between preterm infants at term corrected age and full-term newborns.
- These findings highlight potential long-term implications for metabolic health in preterm populations.
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