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Growth from Birth to 30 months for Infants Born with Congenital Gastrointestinal Anomalies and Disorders

Katie M Strobel1, Isabell Purdy1, Tahmineh Romero2

  • 1Division of Neonatology and Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA, Los Angeles, California.

American Journal of Perinatology
|March 14, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Neonates with gastrointestinal disorders experienced initial growth failure but demonstrated catch-up growth within 30 months. This study tracked infant growth metrics, including weight and length z-scores.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Neonatal Development
  • Clinical Pediatrics

Background:

  • Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders in neonates can significantly impact growth and development.
  • Early identification and monitoring of growth are crucial for managing these complex conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the growth patterns of neonates diagnosed with various gastrointestinal disorders.
  • To analyze anthropometric data and identify trends in growth failure and subsequent catch-up growth.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 61 neonates born between 2010-2018 with conditions such as gastroschisis, omphalocele, and Hirschsprung's disease were included.
  • Anthropometric measurements (weight, length, head circumference) were collected for the first 30 months of life.
  • Subgroup analysis was performed specifically for infants with gastroschisis.

Main Results:

  • 13% of neonates experienced severe growth failure within the first month.
  • Weight and length z-scores were significantly lower than birth weight at 1, 4, and 9 months across all infants.
  • While head circumference z-scores increased over time for all infants, gastroschisis infants showed increased z-scores for weight, length, and head circumference from birth to 15 months.

Conclusions:

  • Neonates with gastrointestinal disorders often exhibit initial growth failure.
  • These infants demonstrate a pattern of catch-up growth following the initial period of failure.
  • Long-term monitoring is essential to track recovery and development in this vulnerable population.
Abstract

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