547 - Body composition in Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants at Preschool Age

Poster Number: 547
Publication Number: 547.2775

Background: Studies have indicated that preterm infants often exhibit distinct body fat distribution, lower lean body mass, and reduced bone density during early childhood. However, it remains uncertain whether these differences persist into the preschool age.

Objective: The aim of this prospective study was to compare the body composition between a group of very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm children and a control group of term children matched for sex and age.

Design/Methods: This study explored the bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition in preschool-aged children (5-6 years old), which was conducted using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Anthropometric measurements and various blood parameters, including electrolytes, Alkaline Phosphatase, and serum Vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D), were assessed. Basic demographic data during hospitalization after birth and their association with body composition at preschool age were also analyzed for the preterm group.

Results: Participants included 102 children aged 5-6 years, comprising 61 VLBW preterm and 41 term infants. There were no significant differences in height and weight Z scores between the two groups. Moreover, total lean mass index, body fat percentage, trunk and spine BMD did not differ significantly between the preterm and term groups. The preterm group exhibited a higher Alkaline Phosphatase level (213 vs 195 U/L, p=0.043), but there were no differences in Vitamin D level or the presence of Vitamin D deficiency (defined as < 20 ng/ml) and other electrolyte parameters.
When analyzing the preterm group based on factors such as stratification of gestational age and birth weight, presence of small for gestational age, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and metabolic bone disease during hospitalization, no significant impact on body composition and BMD was observed.

Conclusion(s): At preschool age, VLBW preterm infants exhibited similar body composition and bone density to their term counterparts. However, larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up studies are warranted to validate these findings.