Enhancing Interpretation of One-Time Body Composition Measurement at Near-Term Gestation in Preterm Infants: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

In preterm infants, longitudinal growth patterns have stronger association with clinical outcomes than cross-sectional metrics. For qualitative growth, a one-time body composition measurement at near term is common, and here we explore the potential use of a novel estimated longitudinal body composition metric (adjusted fat-free mass deficit) using birth anthropometrics