ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the growth rhythm of preterm appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants by investigating their physical catch-up growth characteristics.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty-four preterm AGA newborns (44 males and 40 females) with gestational ages between 28-36 weeks were enrolled. The weight, length and head circumference were evaluated by Z score according to the criterions of actual and corrected ages.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The preterm infants had the catch-up growth in weight, length and head circumference in the first year of life. The growth velocity within the first three months was the highest. The velocity in the weight catch-up was higher than that in the length.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The fastest growing period is the early three month of life in preterm AGA infants. The catch-up growth in weight and length is unbalanced.</p>