Linear growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes

Katie M Pfister; Sara E Ramel

doi:10.1016/j.clp.2014.02.004

Linear growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes

Clin Perinatol. 2014 Jun;41(2):309-21. doi: 10.1016/j.clp.2014.02.004. Epub 2014 Apr 14.

Authors

Katie M Pfister¹, Sara E Ramel²

Affiliations

¹ Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, 2450 Riverside Avenue East Building MB 630, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA.
² Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, 2450 Riverside Avenue East Building MB 630, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA. Electronic address: sramel@umn.edu.

PMID: 24873834
DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2014.02.004

Abstract

Despite advances in care, preterm infants exhibit disproportionate growth and neurodevelopmental delay attributable to both nutritional and nonnutritional factors. These infants have prolonged linear stunting and decreased fat-free mass compared with their term counterparts. These 2 metrics index organ growth and development (including the brain) and protein accretion. Protein, along with carbohydrates, fats, and zinc, plays key roles in brain development, and deficiencies can lead to linear growth failure, abnormalities in the growth hormone axis, and developmental delay. Optimization of nutrition, including protein intake, decreasing inflammatory episodes, and enhancing the growth hormone axis will likely improve long-term outcomes.

Keywords: Fat-free mass; Inflammation; Linear growth; Neurodevelopment; Outcomes; Premature infants; Very low birth weight.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Child Development / physiology*
Developmental Disabilities / epidemiology*
Developmental Disabilities / prevention & control
Global Health
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Premature / growth & development*
Nutritional Support