Novel growth reference ImaGrow differed from existing charts for preterm children aged 0-2 years

Area of Science:

• Neonatalogy
• Pediatric Growth Monitoring
• Auxology

Background:

• Accurate growth charts are crucial for monitoring preterm infant development.
• Existing references may not adequately represent the growth trajectories of preterm infants, particularly those with low birth weight.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate new, accurate growth reference charts for preterm infants.
• To specifically address the needs of low- and very low-birth-weight infants.

Main Methods:

• A mixed longitudinal survey of 1781 preterm infants born before 37 weeks gestation (2000-2016).
• Utilized the LMS method for data analysis with SPSS Statistics Version 21.
• Validated the new charts with an independent cohort.

Main Results:

• Developed the ImaGrow charts tailored for low- and very low-birth-weight preterm infants.
• Identified significant differences in growth trajectories compared to Fenton+WHO charts.
• The cohort had a median gestational age of 30 weeks and a median birth weight of 1350 grams.

Conclusions:

• The ImaGrow charts represent a significant advancement in auxological assessment for preterm infants.
• These comprehensive references are based on long-term data and differ from size-at-birth or term baby charts.
• ImaGrow charts have substantial implications for improving clinical practice in preterm infant growth monitoring.