Very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants have a high risk of postdischarge growth retardation (GR).

Continued GR might exert negative long-term effects on their health. This study examined the prevalence and the risk factors for postdischarge GR among VLBW infants in Taiwan.

Nationwide data from the Taiwan Premature Infant Follow-up Network between 2007 and 2011 were analyzed.

Infants with a gestational age (GA) < 37 weeks and birth body weight (BBW) < 1500 g were enrolled.

They were followed up after discharge at the corrected ages of 6, 12, and 24 months. Associations between postdischarge GR at the follow-ups and possible risk factors were analyzed.