The associations of preterm birth and low birth weight with childhood growth curves between birth and 12 years: a SITAR-based longitudinal analysis

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BACKGROUND: Children born preterm grow differently from those born at term. AIM: To compare growth in length/height, weight, and BMI of preterm- and term-born children, grouped by birth weight (BW) and gestational age (GA). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Longitudinal data of 950 children (birth to 12 years) were collected retrospectively. Growth trajectories were modelled using SITAR (Superimposition by Translation and Rotation) by sex, with three groups each for GA and BW. RESULTS: thinner. Moreover, faster growth rates were associated with lower BW. CONCLUSION: Both BW and GA significantly impacted growth, but low BW more so than early preterm birth. This underscores the need for targeted interventions for low BW children to address potential long-term growth challenges.