Head circumference catch-up growth among preterm very low birth weight infants: effect on neurodevelopmental outcome

• DOI: 10.1515/jpm.2011.049
• Publication Date: 2011-07-11T10:06:34Z
• Authors: Elaheh Ghods; Alexandra Kreissl; Sophie Brandstetter; Renate Fuiko; Kurt Widhalm
• Keywords: Neonatology; Circumference

The purpose of this study was to determine whether head circumference (HC) catch-up is associated with improved neurocognitive development.A retrospective cohort conducted in 179 preterm very low birth weight (VLBW) (BW≤1500 g) infants. infants were born 2000-2002 and followed the age 5.5 years. association between HC neurodevelopmental outcome assessed perinatal risk factors, infant characteristics nutritional practices determined.HC occurred 59 (34%) positively correlated outcome. likelihood increased increasing gestational age. more often breast milk feeding during hospitalization supplemental formula at discharge, but decreased prevalence longer duration breastfeeding after discharge. likely occur first-born families high socioeconomic status. Most three months corrected age.Among preterm-VLBW infants, there a close relation growth Efforts improve outcomes should focus on factors catch-up.