The Clinical Features Based on Different Weight Percentile in Appropriate for Gestational Age Preterm Infants

Kim, Kyoung Ha; Jung, Yu Jin

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To determine whether different weight percentiles influence the clinical characteristics and growth in appropriate for gestational age preterm infants.
METHODS
We collected data retrospectively on preterm infants (n=176; gestational age <35 weeks; birth weight <2,500 g) admitted to neonatal intensive care unit from March 2009 to August 2010. Infants were divided according to birth and weight loss percentile during the admission period.
RESULTS
A total of 161 infants were included in the study. Study data showed that the birth percentiles of 135 (84%) infants decreased at discharge and the rest 26 (16%) remained the same. Female infants were discharged at a significantly lower weight percentile than male. Infants with high birth weight percentile had a reduced weight percentile at discharge. For the infants with decreased weight percentile at discharge the length of birth weight recovery was longer and the maximal weight loss was greater (P<0.05). And considering their weights at discharge, these infants also showed a statistically higher percentage of extrauterine growth restriction.
CONCLUSION
Even though infant's weight is appropriate for gestational age, premature infants possibly fail to keep up with their birth weight percentile and show extrauterine growth restriction at discharge. Therefore, we should make more efforts to prevent postnatal growth failure for the appropriate growth.