Professional paper

https://doi.org/10.57140/mj.53.4.4

The impact of early caloric intake on growth parameters in extremely preterm neonates

Tihana Nađ ; Osijek University Hospital Centre, Department of Pediatrics; University J.J.Strossmayer Osijek, Faculty of Medicine
Nora Pušeljić ; University J.J.Strossmayer Osijek, Faculty of Medicine
Krešimir Šantić ; University J.J.Strossmayer Osijek, Faculty of Medicine
Lea Arambašić ; University J.J.Strossmayer Osijek, Faculty of Medicine
Darjan Kardum ; University J.J.Strossmayer Osijek, Faculty of Medicine; Zadar General Hospital, Department of Neonatology

Abstract

Introduction: Even though adequate caloric intake is essential for the promotion of growth in extremely
premature infants, this is rarely achieved. We investigated how total caloric intake in the first week of life
and other events during the hospitalization impact head circumference and weight at 36 weeks of corrected
age in extremely preterm infants.
Patients and methods: The study sample consisted of extremely preterm infants treated at Osijek
University Hospital Centre, born between January 2018 and December 2020. Records were collected
regarding nutritional data, sex, gestational age, birth weight and head circumference, invasive respiratory
support, bacterial infection, necrotizing enterocolitis, postnatal steroids, need for supplemental oxygen at
36 weeks gestation, day of introduction of enteral nutrition, duration of parenteral nutrition, length of stay,
hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus, cystic periventricular leukomalacia and retinopathy
of prematurity.
Results: The study cohort included 30 infants. At 36 weeks gestation for weight, median Z scores were
-1.63 (IQR -2.34 to -1.15; 95% CI -2.09 to -1.52), and for head circumference were -1.32 (IQR 2.37 to -
0.81; 95% CI -1.75 to -0.91). Median energy intake on the first day of life was 33.42 kcal/kg, and 80.78
kcal/kg on day 7. Early caloric intake was not correlated with changes in Z scores for head circumference
and weight at 36 weeks of gestation. Other factors influenced changes in head circumference and weight Z
scores, namely: gestational age, respiratory support during the first week, need for additional O2 at 36
weeks, and retinopathy of prematurity requiring intervention.
Conclusion: In our cohort of premature infants at 36 weeks corrected age other factors, not primarily
total caloric intake influenced growth parameters.

Keywords

Premature Birth; Extremely Premature Infant; Energy Intake; Growth

Hrčak ID:

313414

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/313414

Publication date:

16.1.2024.

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