First year growth among very low birth weight infants

The aim of this study was to describe first-year growth among very low birth weight infants and the effect of growth restriction at hospital discharge on first year growth.

Anthropometric measures and background information for 118 very low birth weight infants were collected from medical records. Z-scores were calculated based on recent Norwegian growth references.

Significant catch-up growth for weight and length was observed during the first year with mean z-score change (SD) of 0.40 (1.05) and 1.01 (1.25) respectively. However, the very low birth weight infants remained lighter and shorter than full-term peers until 12 months corrected age with mean z-score of -0.93 (1.09) and -0.48 (1.06) respectively. Head circumference followed a normal growth pattern after 2 months. Infants discharged from hospital as growth restricted had increased catch-up in weight and length, but remained smaller than infants not subjected to early growth restriction and full-term peers. Multiple regression showed that weight below the 10th percentile at discharge is important for weight and length during the first year of life.

Very low birth weight infants showed catch-up growth during the first year, but their weight and length remained less than full-term peers. Growth deficiencies were more pronounced among infants subjected to early growth restriction, despite increased catch-up growth.