Comparison of postdischarge growth in adequate for gestational age and small for gestational age very low birthweight infants.

INTRODUCTION Some small for gestational age (SGA) neonates have a higher weight gain rate than adequate for gestational age (AGA) neonates. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the postdischarge growth of a cohort of very low birthweight infants to determine the percentage of those born SGA that achieve catch-up growth and whether AGA infants maintain adequate growth. METHODS We performed a record review at the high-risk follow-up clinics of a previously paired group of infants. The infant's weight, height, and head circumference percentile at their last clinic visit were determined by using sex-adjusted curves. We also documented if the patient had presented any type of delay. RESULTS Of 216 infants that were included in the original cohort, only 116 had evidence of enrollment in the clinic. The percentage of SGA that achieved catch-up growth was 18.6% (n = 59). The percentage of adequate for gestational age that maintained adequate growth was 42.1% (n = 57). The rate of developmental delay was not different between the groups (44.0% vs 38.6%, P = .5). CONCLUSIONS We conclude that a high percentage of high-risk infants are developing postdischarge growth delay. This study demonstrates that both SGA infants as well as AGA infants present growth problems after discharge from the hospital, which emphasizes the importance of long-term followup.