catch-up growth [L, capere + As, uf, gruowan] , an acceleration of the growth rate following a period of growth delay caused by a secondary deficiency, such as acute malnutrition or severe illness. The phenomenon, which routinely occurs in premature infants, involves rapid increase in weight, length, and head circumference and continues until the normal individual growth pattern is resumed. The severity, duration, and developmental timing at which the deficiency occurs may result in some growth inadequacy or permanent deficit, especially in such tissue as the brain.
