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Growth trajectory of full-term small-for-gestational-age infants: a 3-year longitudinal study in China

Jianwei Zhang1, Xinyu He2, Lujia Ma1

  • 1Shaoxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China.

BMJ Paediatrics Open
|March 20, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Full-term small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants show low catch-up growth rates. This study reveals distinct weight and length trajectories for boys and girls up to three years old.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Human Growth and Development
  • Neonatology

Background:

  • Small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants face risks of impaired growth and development, even when born at term.
  • The growth patterns of full-term SGA infants are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the growth trajectory of full-term SGA infants from birth to three years of age.
  • To analyze catch-up growth rates and identify growth deviations in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal follow-up of full-term SGA infants from birth to 36 months.
  • Regular measurements of weight and length at multiple time points.
  • Latent class analysis to model growth trajectories and identify distinct patterns.

Main Results:

  • A total of 303 infants completed the 36-month follow-up.
  • Catch-up growth rates at 36 months were 43.3% for girls and 52.1% for boys.
  • Two distinct weight and length trajectories were identified for both sexes, with girls showing different weight trajectories from 12 months onwards.

Conclusions:

  • Full-term SGA infants exhibit a relatively low rate of catch-up growth.
  • Sex-specific growth trajectories for length and weight were observed in full-term SGA infants.
  • Health professionals should monitor the growth of full-term SGA infants to optimize their developmental potential.
Abstract

Keywords:
GrowthHealth services researchInfant

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