Affiliations: [a]
Division of Neonatology, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| [b]
Institute of Pathophysiology and Immunology, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| [c]
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| [d]
Division of Neonatology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
Correspondence:
[*]
Address for correspondence: Zahra Khan, Division of Neonatology, Children Hospital, Medical University Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 34/2. A-8036 Graz, Austria. Tel.: +43 316 385 13830; Fax: +43 316 385 13953; E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract: BACKGROUND:Preterm birth is a medical emergency and it is becoming evident that adequate nutrition starting in the first hours of life is of major importance for short and even more so for long-term health outcomes of the premature newborn. The aim was to analyze postnatal nutrient supply and growth patterns of preterm infants in response to a standardized feeding protocol during stay at neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). METHODS:A prospective cohort study was conducted at NICU, Children Hospital Graz. Infants were divided in two groups:<28 weeks (Extremely preterm infants, EPI); ≥28 weeks (very preterm infants, VPI). RESULTS:EPI compared to VPI stayed longer on parenteral nutrition and needed more time to reach full enteral nutrition, required more days on ventilation and had a higher corrected age at discharge. Moreover, fortification of enteral feeds was initiated later in EPI group (p < 0.001). As a consequence, cumulative supply of protein, fat and energy was significantly lower in EPI. However, both groups exceeded the European Society of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) recommended glucose intake in week 5. At discharge, we found significant differences in all growth parameters (weight Z scores: EPI = – 1.19 vs VPI = – 0.71, length Z scores: EPI = – 1.62 vs VPI = – 0.84; HC Z scores: EPI = – 1.19 vs VPI = – 0.46). CONCLUSIONS:Provision of aggressive parenteral nutrition during first 3 weeks of life and earlier fortification should be ensured. The use of mother milk fortifier resulted in glucose intake above the ESPGHAN recommendations in later weeks – this needs to be evaluated in future studies.
