To assess post -natal growth of preterm infants we studied 127 patients from birth to 37wks corrected age. All infants had birth weight appropriate for their gestational age and were divided into 3 groups: I = infants born between 26-29 wks, II= 30-33 wks, III = 34-37 wks.

Growth was evaluated on the basis of weekly measurements of weight, length, head circumference, triceps skinfold and arm circumference. Total body water(TBW) was measured by Bioelectrical impedance (RJL system). To estimate fat area and muscle area we used a combination of triceps skinfold and arm circumference (FRISANCHO, Am J Clin Nutr:34-2540-2545,1981).

Results were obtained at 37 wks corrected age and are shown in the table below. Variables analyzed (fat, muscle area and TBW) are expressed as a function of body weight. Nonparametric test of Kruskal-Wallis was used for statistical analysis of data (P < 0,01).

Table 1 No caption available.
Full size table

Our results showed that less mature infants had, at term, more fat and significantly less TBW than near term infants and that body weight composition of preterm infants varies accordingly to their gestational age.