Growth of adolescents who were born at extremely low birth weight without major disability

Growth and bone mineralization in children born prematurely

“…12 However, there are reports that adolescents born prematurely are smaller compared with those who were born at term gestation. 13,14 During the neonatal period, preterm infants have bone mineralization problems such as osteopenia and rickets. [1][2][3] Evidence of poor bone mineralization, rickets and bone fractures has been reported in more than 30% of infants with birth weights less than 1000 g. 15,16 One of the major causes of bone problems is calcium and phosphorus deficiency in the postnatal period, either from an inability to tolerate adequate enteral feeding or from a deficient mineral intake when fed low calcium and phosphorus milk, such as human milk or standard term infant formula.…”

“…[18][19][20] However, another study of adolescents with a mean age of 15 years who were born at extremely low birth weight <1000 g reports significantly lower total body mineral content but not density compared with control adolescents. 13 Total bone mineral content is the measurement of the weight of hydroxapatite or calcium whereas bone density is the bone mineral content divided by the area. In the prematurely born males aged 4 to 16 years, the bone mineral content of the forearm was less than in control term males.…”

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.…”

“…A number of different studies have shown that such children exhibit slow and late growth recovery with a high risk of inadequate growth during the first years of life. [11][12][13] In 1991, Casey et al had already demonstrated differences in the growth patterns of very low weight preterms during the first 3 years of life, with an absence of catch-up in weight and head circumference, and, although catch-up had taken place with length, this was limited to the first year of life and was insufficient to attain the size expected of a child born full term. 14 …”

Improved growth and decreased morbidities in <1000 g neonates after early management changes

“…Our primary outcome measure was growth, as EUGR is associated with significantly lower Bayley Mental Development Index (MDI) and Psychomotor Index (PDI) scores at 2 years of age, 18 and impaired long-term growth potential. 19,20 We also assessed other morbidities associated with long-term complications as an indicator of whether a net benefit was achieved with these three interventions. Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) are linked to cerebral palsy and neurodevelopmental delay.…”