Physical growth and development characteristics of low-birth-weight infants

Purpose. The analysis of low-birth-weight infants' physical growth and development indices (weight of body, length of body, head circumference) on standard curves for timely diagnosis and correction of their health changes. Materials and methods. The retrospective analysis of 1389 children's development case histories (form. 112) was carried out. Physical growth and development indices (weight of body, length of body, head circumference) were estimated in 41 children who were born with a body weight between 1500-2499 grams and in 17 healthy children who at birth weighted 2500 and over. Four groups were formed: the I group - 10 premature children (32.9 +/- 0.6 weeks of gestation) with body weight of 1500-1999 g (1775 +/- 48.77 g); the II group - 14 premature children (34.43 +/- 0.39 weeks of gestation) with birth weight of 2000-2499 g (2205.71 +/- 37.71 g); the III group - 17 full-term newborn (38.00 +/- 0.23 weeks of gestation) with intrauterine growth retardation with body weight of 2320.59 +/- 42.99 g; the IV comparison group - 17 healthy children (39.00 +/- 0.27 weeks of gestation) with birth weight of 3347.14 +/- 84.12 g. For physical development of premature children assessment we used Fenton growth chart for preterm infants. Physical development assessment of full-term infants was carried out according to the World Health Organization recommendations. Results. Children with intrauterine growth retardation made up a risk group for the physical disorders development (weight deficit or overweight). Dynamics of physical development indicators (monthly weight and length of body growth) in premature infants with birth weight of 1500-1999 g is similar to the ones of full-term healthy babies. The physical development of children born with a weight of more than 2000 g and children with intrauterine growth retardation was characterized by the same growth rate of body weight and length indicators within the first year of life. Conclusions. In neonatologists, pediatricians and family doctors practice for valid assessment of children physical development born preterm with low birth weight, it is necessary to use the Fenton growth chart for preterm infants up to the age of 40 weeks in some cases up to 50 weeks.