ESPE Abstracts

Background: Growth monitoring of Appropriate for Gestational Age (AGA) preterm infants is critical for the assessment of postnatal developmental progress and health outcomes. This study aims to delineate the postnatal growth patterns of AGA preterm infants with birth weights less than 1.5 kilograms, using Z-scores for length-for-age (LAZ), weight-for-age (WAZ), weight-for-length (WLZ), and head circumference-for-age (HCZ) over the first 60 months of life.

Methods: A longitudinal observational cohort was established, comprising AGA preterm infants with thorough follow-up. Standardized growth measurements were obtained at birth and at 2, 4, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 60 months for 50 infants. Z-scores were calculated using pediatric WHO growth standards, and trends were plotted to visualize growth dynamics over time.

Results: The growth trajectories depicted progressive normalization of Z-scores across all parameters. LAZ and WAZ scores improved significantly after the first 6 months, indicating a catch-up growth in length and weight. WLZ scores revealed rapid early improvement, followed by a plateau and a slight decline, suggesting changes in body composition as infants matured. HCZ showed consistent improvement, reflecting ongoing cerebral development, particularly in the first 24 months.

Conclusion: AGA preterm infants born weighing less than 1.5 kg demonstrate significant catch-up growth in the initial years of life. The observed growth patterns underscore the importance of tailored nutritional and healthcare interventions in this vulnerable population. This study contributes to the understanding of longitudinal growth in preterm infants, providing a basis for optimizing their postnatal care and supporting better health outcomes.

Keywords: AGA preterm infants, postnatal growth, catch-up growth, Z-scores, longitudinal growth patterns.