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Cross-sectional studies of physical growth in twins. Postmature and small-for-dates children
Insights
Fetal malnutrition impacts child development, with some growth differences persisting up to 3.5 years. However, many children showed significant growth mobility, with weights tending towards the average over time.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Human Growth and Development
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Fetal malnutrition can arise from various factors, including multiple births, postmaturity, and being small-for-dates.
- Understanding the long-term growth trajectories of these children is crucial for assessing developmental outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the growth patterns of children experiencing fetal malnutrition (multiple, postmature, small-for-dates) with a control group.
- To investigate anthropometric measurements (birthweight, weight, height, head circumference) at 22 months and 3.5 years.
Main Methods:
- A 10% random sample was selected from 16,955 live births in the UK in April 1970.
- Anthropometric measurements were taken at birth, 22 months, and 3.5 years for selected groups and a control group.
- Quartile ratings and weight redistribution towards the mean were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Growth differences observed at 22 months between control and postmature groups resolved by 3.5 years.
- Variations in multiple and small-for-dates groups persisted, with initial compensation ceasing by 3.5 years.
- Significant mobility in growth quartiles was noted across all groups, with a tendency for weights to move towards the mean.
Conclusions:
- While some early growth disparities related to fetal malnutrition may resolve, others persist into early childhood.
- Childhood growth demonstrates considerable plasticity, with a tendency towards normalization of weight distribution over time.
- Growth velocity influences the rate of weight redistribution, which continues even at 3.5 years.
Abstract:
From 16955 live births which occurred throughout the United Kingdom in April 1970, three groups of children who might have suffered from fetal malnutrition, i.e. the multiple, postmature and small-for-dates births were selected with a 10% random sample. Their birthweights and weights, heights and head circumference measurements were compared at the ages of 22 months and 3 1/2 years. Differences between the random and postmature groups still present at 22 months disappeared at 3 1/2 years. Variations in the other groups persisted and the compensation occurring at 22 months had apparently ceased at 3 1/2 years. The three examinations were linked and the children including those in the control group showed considerable mobility in their quartile ratings. Only a minority remained unchanged. At the same time the weights of the heavier and lighter children tended to go towards the mean. As the velocity of growth slowed the redistribution tended to lessen but was still taking place at the age of 3 1/2 years.