Growth Patterns of Children With Short Stature in Adulthood According to Auxological Status and Maturity at Birth

Abstract

Context: Prematurity carries a risk for impaired postnatal growth and long-term growth restriction. Especially children born SGA seem vulnerable for poor growth, as a persistent short stature can be observed in app 10-15% of these children. Objective: In this study we aimed to recognize differences in growth patterns of children according to sex, maturity, and auxological status at birth facilitating earlier identification of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) children with adult short stature. Methods: The growth data of 44791 infants born between January 1, 1980, and December 30, 2012, among 2 pediatric cohorts with follow-up through December 31, 2020, were analyzed. A total of 5698 children with birth data had measurements at near final height (nfh) and at least 2 further points. Results: Preterm children (gestational age <37 weeks) had a significantly lower mean nfh SDS than term children (preterm, -0.61; term, -0.18) and a higher likelihood of nfh