Background: Knemometry allows an accurate measurement of lower leg length (LLL). In children growth velocity is strongly related with the levels of CICP (C-terminal propeptide of type I collagen) in plasma, a useful indicator for the rate of collagen production. This prospective study compared early postnatal growth in SGA and AGA preterms (PN) by monitoring LLL and CICP.

Subjects: 43 AGA PN [mean birth weight 1270g(range: 565 - 2320g)] and 25 SGA PN [mean birth weight 984g (500-1675g)].

Interventions: Weekly measurement of LLL, body weight and nutrition. CICP(ng/ml) levels were recorded by ELISA 1,2,3, 4 and 8 weeks after birth. Table

Table 1
Full size table

Results:

Conclusions: There is no early catch-up growth in SGA PN until term. CICP levels in SGA and AGA PN are not significantly different.(*mean increase [mm/d])