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Published on: June 29, 2013
Catch-down growth in infants born large for gestational age
Rachel K Dunn1, Michael Uhing2, Praveen S Goday3
1Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Peyton Manning Children's Hospital, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
Infants born large for gestational age (LGA) without catch-down growth face higher obesity risks. Neonatal nutrition interventions are common in the NICU for these infants, but further research is needed to optimize care.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Growth Monitoring
Background:
- Infants born large for gestational age (LGA) lacking catch-down growth are at increased risk for future obesity.
- Identifying LGA infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and understanding growth patterns are crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify term LGA infants admitted to the NICU.
- To document nutrition interventions provided to LGA infants.
- To analyze the relationship between interventions, growth patterns, and length of stay (LOS).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 47 term LGA infants with NICU LOS ≥7 days over 10 years.
- Collection of demographic data, NICU nutrition interventions, and growth pattern data.
- Analysis of catch-down growth, defined as a weight z-score decline of 1.
Main Results:
- 66% of term LGA infants demonstrated catch-down growth at discharge (≥7 days).
- 83% received NICU nutrition interventions, including nasogastric tubes (69%) and formula fortification (51%).
- Infants without catch-down growth and longer LOS (≥14 days) were more likely to receive interventions.
Conclusions:
- Nutrition interventions are frequently administered to LGA infants in the NICU.
- The study underscores the need for further clinical research to guide optimal care strategies for this high-risk population.
- Understanding growth trajectories in LGA infants is essential for predicting and potentially mitigating long-term health risks like obesity.
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