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Published on: June 29, 2013
Incidence and risk factors of postnatal growth restriction in preterm infants
1a Department of Neonatology , Diyarbakir Women Health and Children Hospital , Diyarbakir , Turkey.
Insights
Postnatal growth restriction (PNGR) affects 37% of preterm infants, with low gestational age being a key risk factor. Early identification and optimal enteral nutrition are crucial for these vulnerable infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Growth and Development
Background:
- Preterm infants frequently exhibit low birth weight, posing risks for long-term developmental deficits.
- Growth impairment in early infancy can lead to permanent adverse health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of postnatal growth restriction (PNGR) in preterm infants.
- To identify independent risk factors associated with PNGR in this population.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study was conducted involving 124 preterm infants admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit.
- Data were collected between January 2015 and June 2016.
Main Results:
- Out of 140 screened preterm infants, 46 (37%) were diagnosed with postnatal growth retardation.
- Lower gestational age was identified as an independent risk factor for developing PNGR.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians must recognize PNGR as a significant comorbidity in preterm infants.
- Optimizing enteral nutrition is essential for managing and preventing PNGR in preterm neonates.
Aim:
Preterm infants are often significantly underweight at the time of hospital discharge. Growth impairment during early infancy can have permanent detrimental effects. We aimed to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of postnatal growth restriction (PNGR) in preterm infants.
Methods:
This prospective study included 124 preterm infants in neonatal intensive care unit between January 2015 and June 2016.
Results:
Of 140 preterm infants screened, postnatal growth retardation was detected in 46 babies (37%). Low gestational age was independent risk factors for PNGR.
Conclusion:
Clinicians should be aware of the presence of this morbidity when caring for preterm infants and to provide optimal enteral nutrition.
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