[Fetal growth in premature infants in Haute-Normandie].
BACKGROUND
Fetal growth standards of preterm infants are different from one study to another, especially for extremely preterm babies.


METHODS
Between 1976 and 1990, a cross-sectional study of the resulting intrauterine growth of premature newborns from Haute-Normandie (France) was conducted by collecting data of the compulsory health certificate set up in the first week after birth. In spite of exclusions, curves for obstetrical terms ranging from 28 to 36 weeks of gestational age were settled. Equivalents of 8,042 birth weights, 7,792 statures, 8,041 head circumferences and 6,737 ponderal index were used.


RESULTS
Comparing our results with those published in the literature, we observed short differences for mean or middle values: from less than 170 to more than 180 g for weight, from less than 1 to more than 2.6 cm for stature and from less than 1 to more than 1.9 cm for head circumference.


CONCLUSIONS
The selected normal lower threshold for each parameter and the varieties of fetal growth inadequacy are under discussion.
Fessard
C
C
Service de médecine néonatale, clinique de pédiatrie et de puériculture, Rouen, France.
Jan
M
M
Marret
S
S
Pellerin
M A
MA
D001724:Birth Weight; D001827:Body Height; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008297:Male