Extremely low birth weight and body size in early adulthood

Abstract

Aims: To determine the body size of extremely low birth weight (ELBW, birth weight 500-999 g) subjects in early adulthood. Methods: Cohort study examining the height and weight of 42 ELBW survivors free of cerebral palsy between birth and 20 years of age. Weight and height measurements were converted to Z (SD) scores. Results: At birth the subjects had weight Z scores substantially below zero (mean birth weight Z score 20.90, 95% CI 21.25 to 20.54), and had been lighter than average at ages 2, 5, and 8 years. However, by 14, and again at 20 years of age their weight Z scores were not significantly different from zero. At ages 2, 5, 8, 14, and 20 years of age their height Z scores were significantly below zero. Their height at 20 years of age was, however, consistent with their parents' height. As a group they were relatively heavy for their height and their mean body mass index (BMI) Z score was almost significantly different from zero (mean difference 0.42, 95% CI 20.02 to 0.84). Their mean BMI (kg/m 2 ) was 24.0 (SD 5.2); 14 had a BMI .25, and four had a BMI .30. Conclusions: Despite their early small size, by early adulthood the ELBW subjects had attained an average weight, and their height was consistent with their parents' height. They were, however, relatively heavy for their height.

Underweight and Obesity in Low Birth Weight Children in Early Infancy in Japan

“…Multiple logistic regression of the association between underweight at 5 years and physical characteristics at birth in low birth weight children. adults born preterm or LBW have also been shown to be shorter and lighter than their peers [9] [10] [28] [30] [31]. For example, Saigal et al [31] reported that the mean height of young adults born extremely LBW (<1.0 kg) was below their target height.…”

“…Investigators have reported retarded height and weight growth among LBW, especially in VLBW children [10] [11]. Although most LBW children experience catch-up growth by adolescence, the precise time of catch-up is highly diverse and appears to depend on their weight and gestational age at birth [6]- [9]. In fact, several studies have reported that SGA infants were more likely to remain smaller throughout childhood and adulthood than infants born at weights appropriate for gestational age (AGA) [8] [11] [28].…”

“…However, some investigators have reported delayed catch-up growth to childhood [7] [8] or adolescence [9]. In addition, Roberts et al [10] reported that height at age 2 was a good predictor of height at age 18 in extremely preterm children whose gestational age was less than 28 weeks, when mid parental heights were used as a reference.…”

Crescimento e desenvolvimento a longo prazo do prematuro extremo

“…Around 10% will exhibit weight and height below the 3rd percentile, differences are not observed in terms of sexual maturity or body composition. 13,48,49 The fact that ELW children progress with smaller stature until adolescence leads to questions about the possibility of growth hormone use, but in few studies has bone age been tested and when hormone has been used results have been inconclusive. 13,40 There is not currently enough evidence to recommend this treatment.…”

“…One important result that merits further investigation was the occurrence of overweight among 1/3 of the cohort with obesity at 10%. 49 …”