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Head circumference catch-up growth among preterm very low birth weight infants: effect on neurodevelopmental outcome
Elaheh Ghods1, Alexandra Kreissl, Sophie Brandstetter
1Division of Pediatric Nutrition and Prevention, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Austria. elaheh.ghods@meduniwien.ac.at
Insights
Head circumference (HC) catch-up in preterm infants is linked to better neurocognitive development. Focusing on factors promoting HC growth may improve outcomes for these vulnerable infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal research
- Developmental pediatrics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Preterm very low birth weight (VLBW) infants face risks for neurodevelopmental challenges.
- Head circumference (HC) growth is a potential indicator of brain development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between head circumference (HC) catch-up and neurocognitive development in preterm VLBW infants.
- To identify factors influencing HC catch-up.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 179 preterm VLBW infants followed to 5.5 years.
- Assessed the relationship between HC catch-up and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- Analyzed perinatal risk factors, infant characteristics, and nutritional practices.
Main Results:
- HC catch-up occurred in 34% of infants and was positively correlated with neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- Increased birth weight, gestational age, and breast milk feeding were associated with HC catch-up.
- Higher socioeconomic status and first-born status also predicted HC catch-up.
Conclusions:
- A strong link exists between HC growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm VLBW infants.
- Interventions aimed at improving neurocognitive outcomes should consider factors promoting HC catch-up.
Aims:
The purpose of this study was to determine whether head circumference (HC) catch-up is associated with improved neurocognitive development.
Design:
A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 179 preterm very low birth weight (VLBW) (BW≤1500 g) infants. The infants were born in 2000-2002 and were followed to the age of 5.5 years. The association between HC catch-up and neurodevelopmental outcome was assessed and perinatal risk factors, infant characteristics and nutritional practices associated with HC catch-up were determined.
Results:
HC catch-up occurred in 59 (34%) infants and was positively correlated with neurodevelopmental outcome. The likelihood of HC catch-up increased with increasing birth weight and gestational age. HC catch-up occurred more often with breast milk feeding during hospitalization and with supplemental formula feeding at discharge, but decreased in prevalence with longer duration of breastfeeding after discharge. HC catch-up was more likely to occur in first-born infants and in families with high socioeconomic status. Most HC catch-up occurred between birth and three months corrected age.
Conclusion:
Among preterm-VLBW infants, there is a close relation between HC growth and neurodevelopmental outcome. Efforts to improve neurocognitive outcomes should focus on factors associated with HC catch-up.
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