Enhancing Interpretation of One-Time Body Composition Measurement at Near-Term Gestation in Preterm Infants: An Exploratory Study

Sreekanth Viswanathan; Kera McNelis; Zaineh Alja'nini; Stephanie Merlino; Marc Collin; Sharon Groh-Wargo

doi:10.1055/a-1925-1911

American Journal of Perinatology, Table of Contents

Am J Perinatol 2024; 41(03): 368-372
DOI: 10.1055/a-1925-1911

Short Communication

Enhancing Interpretation of One-Time Body Composition Measurement at Near-Term Gestation in Preterm Infants: An Exploratory Study

Authors

Sreekanth Viswanathan

¹Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Nemours Children's Hospital, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, Florida
Kera McNelis

²Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
Zaineh Alja'nini

³Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Mercy Kids Children's Hospital, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Springfield, Missouri
Stephanie Merlino

⁴Department of Pediatrics, MetroHealth Medical Center affiliated with Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
Marc Collin

⁴Department of Pediatrics, MetroHealth Medical Center affiliated with Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
Sharon Groh-Wargo

⁴Department of Pediatrics, MetroHealth Medical Center affiliated with Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio

Abstract

In preterm infants, longitudinal growth patterns have a stronger association with clinical outcomes than cross-sectional metrics. For qualitative growth, a one-time body composition measurement at near term is common, and here we explore the potential use of a novel estimated longitudinal body composition metric (adjusted fat-free mass deficit) using birth anthropometrics.

Key Points

Longitudinal growth patterns are better linked with clinical outcomes in preterm infants.
Body composition is increasingly used to assess the quality of postnatal growth in preterm infants.
Single body composition at term adjusted using birth weight may be better predictive for outcomes.

Keywords

body composition - preterm infants - postnatal growth

Full Text

References

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