Anthropometry After Prematurity and Foetal Growth Restriction in Childhood and Adolescence

Area of Science:

• Pediatric endocrinology and developmental biology.
• Human growth and development studies.
• Perinatal and neonatal research.

Background:

• Limited data exists on the long-term anthropometric effects of varying degrees of prematurity and fetal growth deviations.
• Understanding these impacts is crucial for optimizing child development and health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between different degrees of prematurity and fetal growth deviations (small for gestational age [SGA] and large for gestational age [LGA]) and anthropometric outcomes in children and adolescents.
• To analyze the impact of gestational age and birth weight categories on height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and head circumference.

Main Methods:

• The Gutenberg Prematurity Study Young (GPSY) is a retrospective cohort study with prospective assessments.
• Participants (4-17 years) were categorized by gestational age and birth weight: severely SGA (<3rd percentile), moderately SGA (3rd-<10th), appropriate for gestational age (AGA; 10th-90th), moderately LGA (>90th-97th), and severely LGA (>97th).
• Multivariable regression models were used to analyze anthropometric parameters.

Main Results:

• Lower gestational age was associated with reduced height and head circumference across all ages, and lower weight in early childhood and adolescence.
• Small for gestational age (SGA) birth was consistently linked to shorter height, lower weight, lower BMI in school-aged children, and smaller head circumference.
• Large for gestational age (LGA) birth was associated with increased height at school age and higher weight in early childhood and adolescence.

Conclusions:

• Gestational age and fetal growth deviations significantly influence anthropometric trajectories throughout childhood and adolescence.
• Findings highlight the necessity for tailored growth monitoring and early interventions for preterm infants and those with fetal growth abnormalities.
• Optimizing long-term health requires addressing the specific anthropometric challenges associated with different degrees of prematurity and fetal growth deviations.