Analysis of catch-up growth in 87 premature infants within corrected age of 12 months:a retrospective single-center study

Abstract

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to explore the physical development law and the factors affecting catch-up growth of premature infants within 12 months of corrected age.MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the catch-up growth of premature infants. ResultsCatch-up growth was been seen in both reaching catch-up growth group (group 1) and non-reaching catch-up growth group (group 2). The physical development indexes catch up quickly within the 6 months of corrected age, and then slowdown. The peak of physical development indexes in group 1 appeared before the corrected age of 1 month, and that in group 2 appeared between the corrected age of 1 month and 2 months. The catch-up growth gradually deceleration after 2 months of corrected age in group 2. There was no significant difference in the developmental quotients of the five functional areas in Gesell scale between two groups in present study (P≥0.05).None of the factors included were protective or risk factors for catch-up growth.ConclusionAdequate nutrition, regular monitoring, scientific guidance, and individualized intervention programmes are necessary for catch-up growth in premature infants.Trial registration Retrospectively registered.