To investigate the trends and factors influencing physical growth in very preterm infants (VPI) within the first 12 months of corrected age (CA).
Approach:
Study Design: A cohort study was conducted on 223 VPI admitted between November 2020 and July 2022 at a tertiary maternity and neonatal hospital in Shanghai, China.
Data Analysis: Multiple linear regression and logistic regression models were used to identify risk factors for weight, length, and head circumference growth outcomes within 12 months CA.
Key Findings:
Maternal postnatal depression (p < 0.05), clinical hypothyroidism, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preeclampsia, and congenital heart diseases in VPI are risk factors for poor physical growth.
Girls with greater gestational age, higher birth weight, better 1-minute Apgar scores, and exclusive breastfeeding showed better growth outcomes.
Interpretation:
Targeted interventions addressing maternal mental health, pregnancy complications, and infant-specific risk factors are warranted to promote physical growth in VPI.
Limitations:
The study was conducted in a single tertiary hospital, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other settings.
The sample size, while adequate for statistical power, may not capture all variability in growth outcomes.
Conclusion:
The study highlights the importance of addressing maternal and infant factors to improve growth outcomes in very preterm infants.
