... Abstract The idea that catch-up growth or growth acceleration has adverse effects on long-term health has generated much debate. This pattern of growth is most commonly seen after birth in infants of low birthweight; a global problem affecting over 20 million newborns a year. Faster postnatal...

... Abstract Low birthweight (LBW) is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as body weight less than 2,500 g at birth based on epidemiological observations that infants with a birthweight less than 2,500 g are 20 times more likely to die than ‘heavier' babies [1]. Moreover, according...

... Abstract The high low birthweight prevalence in resource-poor countries (16.5%) places a burden on overstretched resources. Labor ward must have written guidelines to triage these infants for optimal nutritional support to the special care nursery (SCN; 1,500-1,800 g and <34 weeks...

... Abstract Growth restriction among low-birthweight (LBW) infants occurs prenatally as well as postnatally. Regardless of when and how the growth restriction occurs, growth-restricted infants have the potential for catch-up growth. Catch-up growth has decidedly beneficial effects on later...

... Abstract In this paper, I review the epidemiology of low birthweight (LBW). I begin by defining LBW and emphasizing the distinction between infants who are born early (preterm) and those who are born small for their gestational age (SGA). I then review data on the global burden of preterm birth...

... Comments by Discussant The workshop audience listened to two excellent expert presentations by Dr. Kramer and Dr. Fall on low birthweight (LBW) caused by either preterm birth or intrauterine growth retardation. One important point when looking at the global figures on the prevalence...

... Abstract The need to prevent low birthweight (LBW) defined as a birthweight ≤2,500 g is presently well recognized, not only because of the immediate consequences increasing the risk of neonatal death and burden of disease but also in terms of the impact of being LBW on lifelong health and well...

... Poor pregnancy outcomes remain a significant public health problem in many parts of the world with an estimated 18 million newborns born with low birthweight (LBW; weighing <2,500 g at birth) each year in the lower income countries [ 1 ]. More than half of these infants are born in South...

..., pediatricians and globally, for public health. Worldwide, an estimated 20 million infants are born with low birthweight and a substantial proportion are small for gestational age. Many advances have been made in defining growth restriction by prenatal techniques, thus allowing the recognition of intrauterine...

... fetus. Preterm babies with very low birthweight who are SGA have higher mortality rates than their AGA counterparts and are at significant risk for reduced postnatal growth and development as well as acute and chronic morbidities such as respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia...

... Abstract Low birthweight (LBW), defined as birthweight <2,500 g, is a major global public health problem and is associated with lifelong cognitive and behavioral problems. Very LBW (VLBW) infants (<1,500 g) are at high risk of multiple macro- and micronutrient deficiencies, but most LBW...

...Comments by Discussant The presentation highlighted that micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency, are very common in low birthweight infants and extend into later life. Of particular concern is the high incidence (25-50%) of iron deficiency reported in pre-school children...

... Abstract Infants born with low birthweight (LBW) have poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes compared with their term counterparts with appropriate weight for gestational age. The perinatal period is a time of high energy and high nutrient needs, and any process, such as preterm birth, poor...

... Brain of the fetus undergoes remarkable physical and functional development. Brain weight increases from 150 to 400 g in last trimester and it again doubles in weight in the first 6 months of life. At 6 months, it reaches approximately two thirds of adult brain weight [ 1 ]. Low birthweight...

... Abstract From the mid- to late 20th century, average birthweight increased in many countries, including the United States. However, more recent data now suggest that mean birthweight has begun to decline. The most recent US data indicate that in 2008, compared with 1990, about half as many...

... Abstract Globally an estimated 20 million infants are born with low birthweight (LBW), of those over 18 million are born in developing countries. These LBW infants are at a disproportionately higher risk of mortality, morbidity, poor growth, impaired psychomotor and cognitive development...

... Abstract During the neonatal period, increased stress due to infection or illness in lowbirthweightinfants may increase the importance of adequate adrenal cortisol secretion. Suchlow-birthweight infants often have transient cortisol insufficiency during the first few daysof life, but then soon...