ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Post-natal growth curves for low birth-weight infants published in 1948 by Dancis et al are still used in many neonatal units. The aim of this study is to determine whether these curves are still valid or not. POPULATION AND METHODS: Thirty or more infants whose birthweights were 1000 +/- 125, 1250 +/- 125, 1500 +/- 125, 1750 +/- 125, 2000 +/- 125, 2250 +/- 125 and 2500 +/- 125 g were included in the study from September 1989 to September 1992. Inclusion criteria were: gestational age (GA) less than 37 weeks, absence of intra-uterine growth retardation, enteral feeding during the first post-natal week, absence of severe post-natal disease. The curves of weight were compared to those obtained by Dancis. RESULTS: The six curves established for those infants having a birthweight from 1250 +/- 125 to 2500 +/- 125 g were quite similar to Dancis' curves. The number of infants weighing 1000 +/- 125 g at birth was not sufficient to be included in the study. CONCLUSIONS: The curves established by Dancis from low birth-weight infants of all types (including intra-uterine growth retardation) are still valid to follow post-natal growth of appropriate weight for GA premature infants.
