Growth in knee heel length and recumbent length during the weaning period (4-7 months) in less developed countries

Abstract

Abstract. Early infancy is a highly sensitive period for the development of stunting. Growth in knee heel length and in recumbent length was followed monthly from the age of 4 to 7 months in an urban area of Brazzaville, Congo (n = 120), a rural area of Senegal (n = 110), and an urban area of La Paz, Bolivia (n = 122). Subjects were single-born, breastfed at 4 months and has a length-for-age above -2.5 z-scores (NCHS reference). Congolese infants were longer than Bolivian infants, While Senegalese infants were in Between. All were shorter than the NCHS reference at age 4 months, and faltering continued during the study period. Congolese infants had the longest lower legs, followed by the Senegalese, while Bolivians had the shortest lower legs. Compared to healthy Danish infants Congolese girls had significantly higher values, and Bolivians of both sexes had significantly lower values. Mean monthly increments in knee heel length decreased over the 3-month period in most cases. However mean growth was impaired during the 5-6 month interval for Senegalese boys and Congolese infants…