Comparison of Growth Parameters in Five Year-Old Children with and Without History of Low Birth Weight

Nowadays Low birth weight(LBW or birth weight<2500g) is one of the most serious problems among children around the world. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the growth parameters(weight, height, head circumference and BMI) of LBW children at the age of five years with normal birth weight (NBW: birth weight: 2500- 4000 g) children. In a cross-sectional analytic study, growth parameters of five year-old children referred to Azadshahr health care center in Yazd, Iran, from December 2008 to June 2009 were evaluated. NBW and LBW children were selected as control and case groups, respectively. Means of all growth parameters were significantly lower in LBW group. Frequency of severe failure to thrive and short stature was significantly higher in LBW group. Frequency of underweight was higher in LBW group and frequency of obesity was higher in NBW one. Frequency of underweight was higher in LBW girls. Considering that growth in LBW children is slower than NBW children in the first five years of life, it is necessary to emphasize the importance of growth assessment of LBW children for early and timely diagnosis, work-up and management of growth retardation and prevention of subsequent problems.