Factors influencing the growth of preterm infants in the first two years of life

Abstract

Objective: To identify maternal and neonatal factors associated with growth outcomes in preterm infants (PT) born before 33 weeks of gestation, assessed at 24 months corrected age (CA). Methods: Prospective cohort study with PT <33 weeks’ gestation, discharged from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a university hospital between 2019 and 2021, followed at the high-risk outpatient clinic. Variables analyzed: Maternal — sociodemographic aspects, gestational morbidities, self-efficacy score (confidence that parents have in their ability to perform the tasks of parenthood); Newborn — data from birth, hospital stay and post-discharge, measures of weight, height and head circumference at birth, discharge and follow up (seven evaluations). Outcome: Z scores of anthropometric measurements and growth failure (Z score <10th percentile according to Fenton’s calculator) were predictors of growth failure. Time to achieve full enteral feeding, necrotizing enterocolitis and maternal self-efficacy were associated with anthropometric measurements at 24 months. Conclusions: The growth of PT in the first 24 months CA is influenced by the nutritional condition at birth, nutritional evolution during hospitalization and maternal self-efficacy. Optimizing nutritional practices for PT and stimulating maternal self-efficacy are possibilities for improving growth in the early years.