Early growth and development in low-birthweight infants following treatment in an intensive care nursery
Fitzhardinge, P.M.
Pediatrics 56(2): 162-172
1975
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-4005 PMID: 240147 Document Number: 85587
All 67 infants had a gestational age of 32 weeks or less on admission to the intensive care unit. They were given a 10% glucose solution intravenously and maintenance electrolytes and bicarbonate were added as necessary. Feeding was with an infant formula by nasogastric tube. On admission the infants' weight, crown/heel length and head circumference were measured. These measurements were repeated on the expected date of delivery (EDD) and again at 3, 6 and 12 months of age. While in the nursery 48% died, but follow-up studies were made on the rest for 12 months. Growth was compared with that of 24 term infants examined at the same time. At the EDD weights and lengths were appropriate for 40 weeks of gestation and were similar to those for term infants. The linear rate of growth for premature boys and girls was similar to that of the controls, but the premature girls had a lower rate of weight gain than the controls for the first 6 months, while the boys had a similar weight rate to the controls. Throughout the 12 months the general health of the premature was good, except for 2 boys who died of severe brain damage. Neurological defects occurred in 22.5% of the boys, hydrocephaly being the commonest abnormality.