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Determinants of growth parameters at 12-month corrected age among very preterm infants in China: a retrospective
Wenting Zheng1, Youjiong Wang1, Jinfeng Liu1
1Department of Neonatology and Obstetric Ward, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
Insights
Maternal depression and pregnancy complications negatively impact very preterm infants’ growth. Exclusive breastfeeding and higher birth weight promote better physical development in these vulnerable infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Pediatric Growth and Development
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Preterm birth is a significant cause of infant mortality and morbidity.
- Very preterm infants (VPI) face heightened risks for poor physical growth and developmental issues.
- Understanding growth trajectories in VPI is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate physical growth trends in very preterm infants (VPI) during the first 12 months of corrected age (CA).
- To identify risk factors associated with suboptimal physical growth in VPI.
- To explore protective factors that promote better growth outcomes in VPI.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving 223 VPI admitted between November 2020 and July 2022.
- Utilized multiple linear regression and logistic regression models.
- Analyzed weight, length, and head circumference growth within 12 months CA.
Main Results:
- Maternal postnatal depression, hypothyroidism, gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, and congenital heart disease in VPI were identified as risk factors for poor physical growth.
- Higher gestational age, birth weight, 1-minute Apgar score, and exclusive breastfeeding were associated with improved growth outcomes in VPI.
- Female VPI demonstrated better growth outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Targeted interventions are necessary to address maternal mental health and pregnancy complications.
- Addressing infant-specific risk factors like congenital heart disease is essential for promoting VPI growth.
- Promoting exclusive breastfeeding and optimizing birth parameters can support better physical development in VPI.
Background:
Preterm birth is a leading cause of infant mortality and morbidity, with very preterm infants (VPI) being particularly vulnerable to poor physical growth and developmental challenges. This study aimed to investigate the trends and factors influencing physical growth in VPI within the first 12 months of corrected age (CA).
Methods:
A cohort study was conducted on 223 VPI admitted between November 2020 and July 2022 at a tertiary maternity and neonatal hospital in Shanghai, China. Multiple linear regression and logistic regression models were used to identify risk factors for weight, length, and head circumference growth outcomes within 12 months CA.
Results:
The results showed that maternal postnatal depression (p < 0.05), the presence of clinical hypothyroidism, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preeclampsia in mothers and VPI with congenital heart diseases were risk factors for physical growth. Girls with greater gestational age and birth weight, a higher 1-minute Apgar score, and exclusive breastfeeding have better physical growth outcomes.
Conclusion:
Targeted interventions addressing maternal mental health, pregnancy complications, and infant-specific risk factors are warranted to promote physical growth in VPI.
