Work

Body composition at 2 years of age in moderate and late preterm infants

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Moderate and late preterm infants (MLPTI, gestational age 32 0/7-36 6/7 weeks) have altered body composition compared to term-born infants, but data beyond infancy are lacking. This study aimed to assess body composition at 2 years corrected age for prematurity (CA) in MLPTI, compare it to the literature on term-born infants, and identify the association with early-life growth. METHODS: MLPTI born between 32 0/7 and 35 6/7 weeks' gestation were included. Body composition at 2 years CA was determined using deuterium-labeled water. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to analyze associations between early-life growth and body composition. RESULTS: (SD 0.8). Moreover, 1 SD increase in delta z score for weight from term-age until 3 months of age was associated with a 2.2% higher fat mass at 2 years CA (p = 0.025). This association was not observed for FMI. CONCLUSION: MLPTI have higher fat mass percentages at 2 years CA compared to the literature on term-born infants, while FMI was within range, and fat-free mass index (FFMI) was relatively low. This suggests an altered body composition with reduced fat-free mass instead of excess fat accumulation. This highlights the need for more research on body composition, feeding practices, and cautious weight gain in MLPTI.

Source: Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition

DOI: 10.1002/jpn3.70378