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Growth and dietary status of preterm and term infants during the first two years of life
1Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Alberta.
Insights
Preterm infants show growth deficits, particularly in the first year, but tend to catch up later. Higher energy intake was noted in preterms, with feeding issues only slightly more common.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Neonatal Development
- Infant Growth
Background:
- Preterm infants often experience growth challenges compared to term infants.
- Understanding nutritional intake and feeding behaviors is crucial for optimal development in early childhood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare growth, food intake, and feeding problems in preterm versus term infants.
- To identify factors influencing energy intake and weight percentile in these groups.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study comparing sequela-free preterm and term infants.
- Assessment at 4, 8, 12, and 24 months adjusted age.
- Evaluation of growth parameters, food consumption, and feeding issues.
Main Results:
- Preterm infants exhibited frequent growth deficits, especially in the first year, with some catch-up in the second year.
- Triceps skinfold thickness was deficient in preterms during the first year; head growth and arm muscle area were normal.
- Preterm infants had higher energy intake; feeding problems were only slightly more prevalent.
- Neonatal hospital stay duration was linked to energy intake in preterms.
Conclusions:
- Selected preterm infants show catch-up growth but may have specific nutritional deficiencies.
- Energy intake and feeding patterns differ between preterm and term infants.
- Factors like birth weight, socioeconomic status, and hospital stay influence infant growth and intake.
Abstract:
This study compared growth, food intake and feeding problems in appropriate weight for gestational age sequela-free preterm and term infants at 4, 8, 12 and 24 months adjusted age. Growth deficits were frequent in the preterm infants, especially during the first year of life with a tendency to "catch up" during the second year. Normal head growth and arm muscle area were documented in this selected group of infants but triceps skinfold thicknesses were deficient, especially during the first year. Food consumption patterns and energy intake differed with higher energy intake in the preterm group. Feeding problems were only slightly more frequent in the preterm infants. The only factor associated with energy intake in the preterm infants was duration of neonatal hospital stay. Weight percentile was associated with birthweight and socioeconomic status in term infants, and birthweight, hospital stay and "fussy eater" in preterms at specific ages.