Growth of low birth weight preterm children

Very low birth weight premature (VLBWPT) infants demonstrate growth patterns in the early years of life which differ from those of term and large low birth weight preterm (LBWPT) peers. Optimal post natal growth of VLBWPT children is associated with more positive later health and neurodevelopmental outcomes. The neonatologist engaged in the follow of care of VLBWPT infants after discharge from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit should monitor over time the velocity of weight, length, head circumference and weight/length ratio utilizing appropriate growth references. VLBW children who demonstrate atypically low weight gain in the early years of life have a higher probability of less than optimal cognitive development over time, while those with excessive weight gain have a greater likelihood of later childhood and adult obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Nutritional planning should provide adequate calories for gradual normalization in all growth variables, while attempting to avoid atypically low or excessive weight gain. This nutritional planning should take into account the child's genetic growth potential, small for gestational age (SGA) or at gestational age (AGA), and clinical issues such as the presence of diseases like gastroesophageal (GE) reflux or chronic lung disease. Whatever nutritional approach is used, the neonatologist in follow up should track weight, length, head circumference, and weight/length ratio and adjust the nutrition plan and caloric intake to assure gradual return to normal in all growth variables while avoiding excessive weight gain.