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Aims: The comparison of body composition parameters between the small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) at term, 1, 3 and 5 months corrected ages in very preterm infants. Methods: This cohort study included 92 preterm infants at term age, younger than 32 weeks or <1500 g, classified in two groups: SGA and AGA. Anthropometry and body composition, estimated by air displacement plethysmography, were evaluated at the corrected ages: term and 1, 3, and 5 months. We used the lean mass/fat mass index (LM/FM) at each time point and the weight, length and head circumference SDS gain between the time points. Results: At term age, the SGA preterm infants had less lean mass (g), fat mass (g) and percent fat mass but a greater LM/FM index than AGA infants (P<0.001). At 1 month corrected age the LM/FM index and percent fat mass between the groups became similar. Lower lean mass persisted up to 3 months in the SGA group [4004 g (3256–4595) vs. 4432 g (3190–6246), P<0.001]. During the first month corrected age, the weight SDS gain was higher in SGA preterm infants when compared to AGA preterm infants. However, the SGA preterm infants remained lighter, shorter and with smaller head circumferences than the AGA preterm infants until 3 months of corrected age. Conclusions: The greater lean tissue deficits and an earlier “catch-up” in fat in the SGA group can reflect growth patterns variability since the early life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Small for gestational age preterm infants show differences in body composition when compared to those appropriate for gestational age at term, which have consequences on metabolism.Aim: To compare growth and body composition of children born small and appropriate for gestational age between 4 and 7 years.Method: A Cohort of small and appropriate for gestational age infants <32 weeks or 1500 g were followed at term and 3 months corrected ages and at 4 to 7 years. Body composition assessment by air displacement plethysmography and anthropometry were performed at all moments. Differences between the two groups were assessed using t-student and Chi-square tests.Results: Ninety-four infants were included at term (26 small and 68 appropriate for gestational age); 88 at 3 months (24 small and 64 appropriate for gestational age) and 47 between 4 and 7 years (11 small and 36 appropriate for gestational age). At term, small for gestational age infants had lower fat-free mass, fat mass, weight and length compared with those appropriate for gestational age (p < 0.001). At 3 months, fat-free mass (grams) remained lower in small for gestational age group (p < 0.001). Between 4 and 7 years, body composition and anthropometry were similar between the groups.Conclusion: Between 4 and 7 years, children born small and appropriate for gestational age had similar body composition. New long-term longitudinal studies are necessary to understand the influence of fat-free mass and fat mass in the first months of age on body composition throughout life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extremely preterm infants with weights less than the 10th percentile at discharge have a fat-free mass deficit.Aim: To analyze the relationship of weight Z-scores less than -2SD at term age with fat-free mass and fat mass at term age and at 1 and 3 months of corrected age in very preterm infants.Study Design: COHORT STUDY: Subjects: Sixty-six preterm infants born before or at 32 weeks gestation with birth weight equal or greater than the 10th percentile for age were included at term age. They were classified according to weight Z-score as either: "term (-)" (n = 18) if weight Z-scores were less -2SD or "term (+)" (n = 48) if the weight Z-scores were equal or greater than -2SD at term age.Outcome Measures: Growth and body composition by an air displacement plethysmography system and bioimpedance were assessed at term age and 1 and 3 months of corrected age.Results: Lower fat-free mass persisted up to 3 months in the "term (-)" group [4137 g (645) vs 4592 g (707), p < .01]. Fat mass was lower in the "term (-)" group at term and at 1 month but was similar at 3 months of corrected age [1295 g (774) vs 1477 g (782), p = .109]. Weight, length and head circumference Z-scores were lower in the "term (-)" group compared to those in the "term (+)" group.Conclusions: The lean tissue deficits were maintained in the "term (-)" group while the differences in body fat percentage were not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]