Early postnatal growth evaluation in full-term, preterm and small-for-dates infants.

Postnatal growth patterns of weight, length/height and head circumference in full-term (FTI), preterm (PTI) and small-for-dates (SFDI) infants, are described by using distance and velocity data together with the concept of growth per unit of body weight. The study was performed in 112 healthy Caucasian infants, of a similar socioeconomic status, in Montevideo, Uruguay. Median growth velocity (MGV) and median growth velocity per unit (MGVU) of body size are defined. The authors stress that: (a) growth velocity is related to body mass, (b) a useful evaluation of growth is made by using two consecutive measures with a certain time interval independently of birthweight and gestational age, and (c) expressing growth per day per unit relates well to daily nutritional and other requirements.