Body Composition Changes from Infancy to 4 Years and Associations with Early Childhood Cognition in Preterm and Full-Term Children
A new study on the Neonatology Journal shows the relationship netween body composition at birth and in early childhood with risk for cognitive deficits.
This scientific paper aim is to test the hypothesis that cognitive function, particularly memory and executive function, are associated with fat-free body mass accretion in preterm and not full-term infants.
Study staff measured anthropometrics (weight, length or height, and head circumference) and body composition via air displacement plethysmography at all visits. Air displacement plethysmography was completed using the PEA POD at visits 1 (after NICU discharge, near term postmenstrual age for preterm infants) and 2 (at 3–4 months, preterm CA) and the BOD POD with Pediatric Option at visit 3 (“preschool visit,” was at 4 years)
This is a prospective, observational study in an appropriate for gestational age cohort of 71 patients (20 preterm and 51 full-term) from infancy through preschool age. The study findings show that "body composition gains during different time periods are associated with varying areas of cognitive function".
The article details are the following:
- Title: "Body Composition Changes from Infancy to 4 Years and Associations with Early Childhood Cognition in Preterm and Full-Term Children"
- Authors: Scheurer JM, Zhang L, Plummer EA, Hultgren SA, Demerath EW, Ramel SE
- Published in: Neonatology. 2018 Jun 13;114(2):169-176.
The full study can be purchased at the following link: click here
