A Comparative study on growth pattern of Low Birth Weight and Normal Birth Weight neonates

INTRODUCTION: Low birth weight (LBW, birth weight<2500g) is a significant health problem in children all around the world. There is a direct relationship between low birth weight and infant mortality rate. One of the most important measures to prevent childhood morbidity is growth monitoring. The present study was planned to compare the growth rate of LBW neonates with those weighing 2500g and more at birth (normal birth weight (NBW)) during the first two years of life. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study, which included 218 two years old infants (109 LBW, 109 NBW). Data gathering tool was a questionnaire. Data were analyzed by descriptive analytic statistical methods (the t- test and the χ2 test). RESULTS: Our findings revealed that there was a significant difference between the mean values of child weight, height and head circumference from birth until 2 years of age between the two groups (the LBW group had lower values than the NBW group). Height by age, weight by age and weight by height indices also had significant difference between the two groups until 2 years of age. Growth curves in LBW group were upslope until 2 years old. Moreover, the weight percentile of the LBW children at 2 years of age was deeper than the NBW group. DISCUSSION: In the present study, comparison of growth parameters until 2 chart years of age and growth of both groups showed a better growth velocity in the LBW group. The LBW growth curve moved upslope and was more compatible with standard percentiles throughout the growth curve. However, growth of the NBW group was not fine and more investigation is needed in this field.