Anthropometry and body composition of preemies at term age and term age weight

Objective To analyze growth and body composition of preemies at term gestational age and when they reach a weight of 3.0 to 3.5 kg. Methods This longitudinal study was conducted at Instituto Fernandes Figueira, Rio de Janeiro, and included 39 preemies with very low birth weight. Anthropometric measurements and bioelectrical impedance analysis were performed in 5 occasions: days 1 and 7 after birth; at birth weight recovery; at term-corrected gestational age; and at around three weeks of corrected gestational age (age needed to reach a weight of 3.0 to 3.5 kg). A reference group comprising 32 term newborns, appropriate for gestational age, was evaluated at day 2 after birth. Growth restriction was defined as a Z-score below -2 for weight, length, and head circumference. Results At term age, 71.8% of the preemies presented growth restriction for weight, 61.5% for length, and 25.6% for head circumference. When the preemies reached three weeks of corrected gestational age, triceps skinfold thickness and abdominal circumference were greater than those of the reference group, and length and percent of total body water were lower. Conclusion The anthropometric profile and total body water of preemies were different from those of term newborns, suggesting fat deposition. There was catch up growth between term age and three weeks of corrected gestational age, which was more evident for head circumference and weight.