Spanish growth studies 2008. New anthropometric standards.

Cross-sectional and longitudinal growth studies have recently been conducted in Spain. These studies have allowed neonatal anthropometry in premature and term neonates and postnatal growth in children and adolescents to be evaluated. Moreover, a longitudinal study that allows pubertal growth to be evaluated for distinct groups according to maturation has also been published. Between 1999 and 2002, birth weight and vertex-heel length were evaluated in 9,362 newborns (4,884 boys and 4,478 girls), with a gestational age of 26-42 weeks. An increase in these values compared with previous Spanish studies (1987-1992) and sexual dimorphism were observed. Between 2000 and 2004, height, weight and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated in 32,064 individuals (16,607 males, 15,457 females) aged 0-24 years. An increasing secular trend was observed compared with data obtained 20 years previously. Increases in BMI exceeded those in height for BMI values above the 50th percentile. A longitudinal growth study of 458 healthy individuals (223 boys, 235 girls) born between 1978 and 1982 yielded pubertal growth and maturity standards for each of the five pubertal maturity groups. In addition, data on skinfolds, bone mass and intellectual development from birth to adulthood were also provided. Adult height in both studies was similar to that reported by European and American studies, but was lower than that reported for German, Swedish and Dutch populations. In males, BMI was higher than in other European populations and was close to that of the US population. In females, BMI was similar to that in European populations and was lower than that in the US population.