[Influence of birth weight on pubertal development of fourteen years old children].
Intrauterine growth restriction may have a life-long impact on growth and general health status. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of birth weight on height, BMI and pubertal stage in fourteen years old children. The study was carried out in 437 children (230 girls and 207 boys) in the mean age of 14.2+/-1.1 years. Data of parental height, mothers' age of menarche and family socioeconomic status were obtained through the inquiry. A significant correlation between the birth weight and height of 14 years old girls and boys was found, but there was no correlation of birth weight with their BMI. Age of the first menses in girls correlated with mothers' menarche only - neither birth weight nor socioeconomic factors influenced it significantly. Birth weight did not correlate with pubertal stage attained by the children examined, however in girls with low birth weight, as opposed to the girls with birth weight >2500 g, there was no acceleration of menarche. The results of the study indicate that birth weight may influence height but it has no influence on weight and pubertal staging in 14 years old children.
Nordyńska-Sobczak
M
M
Małecka-Tendera
E
E
Klimek
K
K
Lewin-Kowalik
J
J