GROWTH IN WEIGHT, RECUMBENT LENGTH, AND HEAD CIRCUMFERENCE FOR PRETERM LOW-BIRTH-WEIGHT INFANTS DURING THE FIRST 3 YEARS OF LIFE USING GESTATION-ADJUSTED AGES

Data from 867 preterm low-birthweight participants in the Infant Healt h and Development Program (IHDP) were used to develop reference data f or growth status at an age and for increments from term to 36 month ge station-adjusted age (GAA). weight, length and head circumference were recorded at 4 month intervals in the first year and at 6 month interv als in the second and third years. Selected percentiles for values at an age (status values) and increments for age intervals are presented in graphs separately for VLBW infants (less than or equal to 1500 g at birth) and for LBW infants (1501-2500 g at birth). Percentiles of wei ght increments are presented beginning shortly before term for 1 month intervals to 6 month GAA, for 2 month intervals to 12 month GAA, and for 3-month intervals to 36 month GAA. Percentiles for length and head circumference increments are presented from term to 6 months for 2-mo nth intervals, and to 36 month GAA for 3 month intervals. Among LBW in fants, boys, had larger status and increment values than girls (P < 0. 05), but there were no significant sex-associated differences in VLBW infants for status or increments. The mean status values and increment s in weight and head circumference of the LBW infants were larger than those of VLBW infants, but the differences in length were not signifi cant. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.