Counting the Weighs: Growth Velocity Tables for Preterm Infants

Abstract

Consistent methods are needed to calculate and report postnatal growth of the preterm infant. Growth charts are valuable resources to visually monitor growth trends over time. This article includes growth velocity tables, with numerical data, intended to complement existing resources and provide clinicians with a quantitative method to assess and report weekly changes in growth. Tables were constructed using the 50th percentile dataset for the Fenton 2013 Growth Charts to estimate fetal growth rates. This dataset is based on preterm infant birth measures rather than postnatal growth; therefore, the intended use of these resources is to promote a consistent method for reporting how a preterm infant is growing. Consistent methods to calculate and report current growth can contribute more reliable data for research and further insight to postnatal growth associated with the best possible health outcomes for future preterm infants.

Applying the recommended indicators for the diagnosis of preterm and neonatal malnutrition: Answers to frequently asked questions

“…Other stated goals in the literature include the goals of 15-20 g/kg/day for infants <2000 g and 25-35 g/day for infants >2000 g. 5 The growth velocity for the neonatal malnutrition indicators did not recommend use of these goals, as they can underestimate the amount of weight gain needed to maintain a stable weight-for-age trajectory. 8 Keller et al 9 published weight gain and length gain velocity tables, which were constructed using the 50th percentile data set from the Fenton 2013 Growth Charts. These values could be used as growth goals for this population.…”