Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 5, 2026

Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
07:56

Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts

Published on: January 29, 2018

17.5K

[Growth and body composition changes in late preterm infants in the first months of life]

N Liotto1, F Garbarino, E Garavaglia

  • 1Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Department of Clinical Science and Comunity Health, Fondazione IRCCS "Ca' Granda" Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Via Commenda 12, 20122 Milan, Italy. nadia.liotto@unimi.it

La Pediatria Medica E Chirurgica : Medical and Surgical Pediatrics
|November 20, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Late preterm infants show rapid fat mass gain, reaching levels similar to very low birth weight infants by 3 months corrected age. This catch-up fat may influence future chronic disease risk.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal physiology and growth
  • Pediatric nutrition and body composition

Context:

  • Late preterm infants (34-36 weeks gestation) have distinct growth trajectories compared to extremely preterm and full-term infants.
  • Understanding early body composition is crucial for assessing long-term health outcomes in preterm populations.

Purpose:

  • To compare the growth and body composition of late preterm infants with extremely preterm and full-term infants.
  • To analyze anthropometric parameters and body composition changes from birth to 3 months corrected age.

Summary:

  • Late preterm infants exhibited higher weight, length, and head circumference than very low birth weight infants but lower fat mass early on.
  • A rapid increase in fat mass was observed in late preterm infants between the fifth day of life and term corrected age, reaching levels comparable to very low birth weight infants by 3 months corrected age.
  • Preterm infants showed higher fat mass percentage in the first month corrected age compared to full-term infants, a difference that diminished by 3 months corrected age.

Impact:

  • Findings highlight the dynamic nature of body composition changes in late preterm infants.
  • The rapid fat accumulation warrants further investigation into its potential long-term health implications, including the risk of chronic diseases.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates06:27

Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates

Published on: December 31, 2015

7.8K
A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect05:04

A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect

Published on: September 22, 2023

1.3K

Related Concept Videos

Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from...
68
Signs of Puberty01:27

Signs of Puberty

Puberty is a critical phase, typically beginning between the ages of 8 and 13 in girls and 9 and 14 in boys, though timing can vary based on genetics, environmental factors, and overall health. This period is characterized by the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the attainment of reproductive potential. Endocrine changes underpin puberty, with hormonal surges of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) instigated by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)...
2.2K
Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
1.2K
Oxygen Requirements and Growth Patterns01:29

Oxygen Requirements and Growth Patterns

Microorganisms exhibit diverse oxygen requirements and growth patterns driven by their metabolic strategies and environmental adaptations. Oxygen, while essential for many organisms, can also be toxic under certain conditions, shaping how microorganisms grow and survive.Oxygen Requirements of MicroorganismsMicroorganisms are classified based on their ability to use or tolerate oxygen:● Obligate aerobes like Mycobacterium tuberculosis need oxygen for energy production, as it serves as the...
2.6K
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
73
Growth of Cartilage and Bone Tissue01:27

Growth of Cartilage and Bone Tissue

Chondrocytes form a temporary cartilaginous model by dividing and secreting a thick gel-like extracellular matrix. Once the chondrocytes undergo programmed cell death, osteoblasts enter the site of the cartilaginous model. The process of replacing the temporary cartilaginous model with bone in an ordered manner is called endochondral ossification. In endochondral ossification, not all of the cartilage is replaced by bone tissue. Some cartilage that performs a protective and supportive function...
3.9K