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Growth and predictors of growth restraint in moderately preterm children aged 0 to 4 years

Inger F A Bocca-Tjeertes1, Jorien M Kerstjens, Sijmen A Reijneveld

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands. i.tjeertes@bkk.umcg.nl

Pediatrics
|October 12, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Moderately preterm-born children show slower growth and higher rates of growth restraint compared to term-born children. Key predictors include being small for gestational age and maternal factors, necessitating close monitoring.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Growth and Development
  • Neonatal and Perinatal Medicine
  • Public Health and Epidemiology

Background:

  • Preterm birth, particularly moderate preterm birth (32-35 6/7 weeks gestation), is associated with potential long-term health implications.
  • Understanding growth trajectories in this population is crucial for early identification and intervention.
  • Existing literature highlights varied growth patterns in preterm infants, but specific data on moderate preterm children up to age 4 is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the growth patterns of moderately preterm-born children up to age 4.
  • To determine the prevalence of growth restraint (height and weight) at age 4 in this cohort.
  • To identify early life predictors associated with growth restraint in moderately preterm children.

Main Methods:

  • A community-based prospective cohort study involving 1123 children born between 32 and 35 6/7 weeks gestational age.
  • Longitudinal assessments of growth parameters including height, weight, and head circumference were conducted.
  • Statistical analyses, including odds ratios and confidence intervals, were used to identify predictors of growth restraint.

Main Results:

  • Moderately preterm children exhibited significantly shorter stature and lower weight compared to term-born children throughout the first 4 years of life.
  • Prevalence of height growth restraint was 5.6% in boys and 3.8% in girls; weight growth restraint was 3.4% in boys and 5.8% in girls.
  • Being small for gestational age at birth and maternal height below -1 SD were significant predictors of height and weight growth restraint. Low maternal education predicted poor head circumference growth.

Conclusions:

  • Growth in moderately preterm-born children diverges from that of term-born children, with a notable prevalence of growth restraint.
  • Early identification of risk factors such as small for gestational age status and maternal characteristics is vital.
  • Close monitoring of growth in moderately preterm children is recommended in clinical practice, with a need for further research into prevention strategies.
Abstract

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