Growth of preterm born children after discharge from hospital and comparison of factors that influence it

Optimal care, minimal morbidities, optimal weight gain are important factors for healthy development of prematurely born infant and better neurocognitive outcome. The aim of this research was to estimate the dynamic weight and length of premature born children during the two first corrected years of life and the factors that can influence growth. We analyzed the data of prematurely born infant of 2017 year (till 33+6gw), who were treated in Children’s Clinical University Hospital of Latvia and were included into Follow-up programme after discharge. There were 2groups: 1st-birth weight <1500g, 2nd –birth weight ≥1500g. Weight and length gain was compared to population growth charts. Birth weight (BW) mean percentile (%) was compared to weight mean % at the corrected age of 12 and 24 months. Influence of comorbidities on growth was analyzed. Statistical analyses: T-tests. In total, Study included 189 children (54.0% boys); 1st group: 89 children (47%), 2nd – 100 (51%). The weight mean % at 12mo and weight mean % at 24mo: 1st group: 52.36% and 56.02% (p=0.01); 2nd 62.37% and 67.10% (p=0.01). The height mean % at 12mo and height mean % at 24mo: 1st group: 67.78% and 48.18% (p<0.0001); 2nd 73.50% and 54.58% (p<0.0001). The BW mean % was higher, than weight mean % at 12mo in the 1st group, who had RDS, BPD, severe IVH and PDA. Psychomotor development appropriate for 24mo was: 1st group: 79.5%, 2nd-83.9%. The weight gain of prematurely born children is adequate during the first two years of life. The height dynamic is lower, but still in normal ranges. Neonatal diseases negatively influence the growth, especially whom were born with weight <1500g during 1st year of life. Most of children have normal psychomotor development.