Abstract 1491

Introduction: VLBWI have a different weight and length evolution compared with term infant growth standards. In spite of correcting for gestational age, frequently, the show insufficient growth. Herein we describe growth patterns and early clinical variables associated with poor growth at 18 moCA. Design: We studied 243 VLBWI of whom 170 had complete follow up at 0,1,2,3,4,5,8,10,12,15 and 18 moCA. Weight (W) and length (L) were compared with NCHS growth curves to obtain Z scores for W/age, L/age and W/L. Data of birth weight (BW), gestational age (GA), days with oxygen (O2), mechanical ventilation (MV), parental feeding, days to regain BW, morbidity, presence of patent ductus arterious, brain scan and early anthropometry were analyzed in relation to weight and length at 18 moCA. We used t-student, chi square and logistic regression analysis to identify variables associated with low W and L at 18 moCA.

Result: (Table) In relation to NCHS reference, W for age showed an impairment after 6 mo. Length exhibited a permanent catch up. Univariate analysis showed that short length at 18 moCA was associated with low BW, GA, SGA, O2 and MV. Low weight was associated with GA, male, SGA, O2, MV, days to gain BW and weight and length at 6 moCA. Stepwise logistic regression evidence that short length at 18 moCA was associated with weight and length at 6 moCA, male and birth length (90% concordant).

Table 1 No caption available
Full size table

Conclusion: VLBWI showed a catch up growth during the first 18 moCA. Weight catch up occurs earlier during the first 6 mo, with a high W/L that decreases afterwards. The early predictor factors identified for low W and L at 18 moCA were gender and short length and low weight at 6 months CA. These results support the importance of early nutritional intervention in this high risk group of infants.