Preterm children aged 0–2 years show lower growth rates and IGF-1 levels compared to full-term peers
This cohort study examined preterm children aged 0–2 years and compared them to full-term children. The primary outcomes included growth rates of length, weight, and head circumference, as well as expression levels of serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3. Follow-up duration was 0–2 years.
Growth rates of length and weight were significantly lower than those in full-term children, with a p-value less than 0.05. The growth rate of head circumference was also significantly lower than that in full-term children, with a p-value less than 0.05. Expression levels of serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were significantly lower than those in full-term children, with a p-value less than 0.05.
No specific adverse events, serious adverse events, discontinuations, or tolerability data were reported in the study. The study limitations were not reported. Funding or conflicts of interest were not reported. The practice relevance is that these findings establish scientific parameter models for promoting growth and development of preterm children. The evidence is observational and does not establish causality.