Weight Growth Velocity and Postnatal Growth Failure in Infants 501 to 1500 Grams: 2000-2013

Association Between the 7-Day Moving Average for Nutrition and Growth in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

BACKGROUND

Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants remain at risk for postnatal growth restriction. Clinicians may have difficulty identifying growth patterns resulting from nutrition interventions, impeding prompt management changes intended to increase growth velocity. This study aimed to quantify the association between growth and nutrition intake through 7-day moving averages (SDMAs).

METHODS

The first 6 weeks of daily nutrition intake and growth measurements were collected from VLBW infants admitted to a level 4 neonatal intensive care unit (2011-2014). The association between SDMA for energy and macronutrients and subsequent 7-day growth velocities for weight, length, and head circumference were determined using mixed effects linear regression. Analyses were adjusted for fluid intake, infant characteristics, and comorbid conditions.

RESULTS

Detailed enteral and parenteral caloric provisions were ascertained for 115 infants (n = 4643 patient-days). Each 10-kcal/kg/d increase over 7 days was independently associated with increased weight (1.7 g/kg/d), length (0.4 mm/wk), and head circumference (0.9 mm/wk; P < .001, for weight and head circumference; P = .041 for length). Each 1 g/kg/d macronutrient increase was also associated with increased weight (protein, P = .027; fat and carbohydrates, P < .001), increased length (fat, P = .032), and increased head circumference (fat and carbohydrates, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The SDMA identifies clinically meaningful associations among total energy, macronutrient dosing, and growth in VLBW infants. Whether SDMA is a clinically useful tool for providing clinicians with prompt feedback to improve growth warrants further attention.

Do anthropometric measures accurately reflect body composition in preterm infants?

BACKGROUND

Recent literature suggests that neonatal adiposity is predictive of later metabolic health, while neonatal lean mass is predictive of later cognitive function amongst preterm infants. Anthropometric indices that accurately reflect neonatal body composition could improve clinical care and aid future research, but their validity has not been systematically tested in preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the weight/length indices that best reflect neonatal body composition in preterm infants.

METHODS

Weight and length were measured, and body composition (fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM) and percent body fat (%BF)) was assessed using air-displacement plethysmography within 72 h of birth in 218 preterm infants. The best weight/length proxy for FFM, FM and %BF were those with the highest proportion variance explained (R² ) and lowest root mean square error (RMSE) in linear regression models.

RESULTS

Among all of the weight/length indices tested, weight/length² was the best proxy for %BF, but nonetheless exhibited very low variance explained (R²  = 0.27) and high prediction error (RMSE = 3.5% fat). Body weight unadjusted for length was strongly associated with FFM (R²  = 0.97).

CONCLUSIONS

No weight/length index accurately reflected %BF. Weight/length indices are not appropriate for assessment of relative adiposity in preterm infants near birth. What's known on this subject: Compared with term infants, preterm infants have increased fat mass and diminished fat-free mass upon hospital discharge. Early adiposity predicts later metabolic health, while early lean mass is predictive of later neurodevelopmental outcomes. Optimal anthropometric proxies for preterm body composition at birth are not established.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

Weight is an adequate surrogate for lean mass at birth in preterm infants. There are no weight/length indices that accurately reflect neonatal adiposity at birth.

Nutritional Practices and Growth in Premature Infants After Surgical Necrotizing Enterocolitis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to describe the nutritional provisions received by infants with surgical necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and the associated effects on short-term growth.

METHODS

Through the Children's Hospitals Neonatal Database, we identified infants born ≤32 weeks' gestation with surgical NEC from 5 regional neonatal intensive care units for 4 years. Excluded infants had isolated intestinal perforation and died <14 days postoperatively. Infants were stratified by their median parenteral protein dose (low [LP] or high [HP] protein) for the first postoperative week. The primary outcome was postoperative weight growth velocity. Growth (weight, length, and head circumference [HC]) was measured and the effects related to protein dose were estimated using multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

There were 103 infants included; the median parenteral protein dose received was 3.27 g · kg · day (LP: 2.80 g · kg · day; HP: 3.87 g · kg · day). Postoperative weight (11.5 ± 6.5 g · kg · day) and linear growth (0.9 ± 0.2 cm/wk) were similar regardless of dose (P > 0.3 between groups for weight and length). Unadjusted and independent associations were identified with HC changes and HP dose (β = 0.1 cm/wk, P = 0.03) after adjusting for gestational age, the presence of severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, short bowel syndrome, blood stream infection, severe intraventricular hemorrhage, small for gestational age, and calorie intake. Eventual nonsurvivors received 18% less protein and 14% fewer calories over the first postoperative month.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative protein doses in infants with surgical NEC appear related to increases in HC. The influence of postoperative nutritional support on risk of adverse outcomes deserves further attention.

Higher growth, fat and fat-free masses correlate with larger cerebellar volumes in preterm infants at term

AIM

Smaller cerebellar volumes in very low-birthweight (VLBW) infants at term have been related to adverse cognitive outcomes, and this study evaluated whether these volumes were associated with a growth in body composition during hospital stays.

METHODS

We prospectively recruited 42 VLBW infants from an Italian neonatal unit between January 2013 and August 2015. Cerebellar volumes and body composition were measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and air-displacement plethysmography, respectively, at 40 weeks of gestational age and anthropometric and nutritional data were collected. We also included 20 term-born controls.

RESULTS

The mean gestational age and birthweight of the VLBW infants were 29.4 (±1.9) weeks and 1120 (±290) g. There was a positive correlation between cerebellar volumes and daily weight gain from birth to term (R² = 0.26, p = 0.001), weight (R² = 0.25, p = 0.001), length (R² = 0.16, p = 0.01), fat mass (R² = 0.15, p = 0.01) and fat-free mass at term (R² = 0.20, p = 0.003). In multiple regression analysis, daily weight gain, mechanical ventilation and postconceptional age at MRI were independently associated with cerebellar volumes. Anthropometric data and cerebellar volumes were similar between VLBW and control infants.

CONCLUSION

Higher growth, higher fat mass and fat-free mass were associated with larger cerebellar volumes in VLBW infants at term.

Diagnostic imaging features of necrotizing enterocolitis: a narrative review

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an inflammatory process, characterized by intestinal necrosis of variable extension, leading to perforation, generalized peritonitis and death. The classical pathogenetic theory focuses on mucosal damage related to a stress induced intestinal ischemia leading to mucosal injury and bacterial colonization of the wall. A more recent hypothesis emphasizes the role of immaturity of gastrointestinal and immune system, particularly of the premature, responsible of bowel wall vulnerability and suffering. NEC is the most common gastrointestinal emergency in the newborn, with a higher incidence in the preterm; improvement of neonatal resuscitation techniques enables the survival of premature of very low birth weight (VLBW) with prolongation of hospital stay for perinatal and neonatal care and a higher risk of NEC. Clinical presentation of NEC in newborn ranges from mild forms with moderate gastrointestinal tract disorder and that can heal spontaneously, to very serious forms with fulminant course characterized by perforation, peritonitis, sepsis, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and shock. Imaging modality in the diagnosis of NEC is historically represented by the plain-film abdominal radiographs which can be performed every 6 hours because of the rapid evolution that may occur in the patient's clinical condition. However ultrasound (US), in recent years, is playing an increasingly important role in the evaluation of early stages of the disease as it provides images in real time of the abdominal structures being able to assess the presence and validity of peristalsis of the bowel loops, detect the thickness of the intestinal wall and the presence of minimal amounts of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. In this paper we review the pathogenesis, clinical presentation and imaging of NEC with a particular attention to the emergent role of US in the diagnosis of the disease.

Complementary feeding at 4 versus 6 months of age for preterm infants born at less than 34 weeks of gestation: a randomised, open-label, multicentre trial

BACKGROUND

Evidence on the optimal time to initiation of complementary feeding in preterm infants is scarce. We examined the effect of initiation of complementary feeding at 4 months versus 6 months of corrected age on weight for age at 12 months corrected age in preterm infants less than 34 weeks of gestation.

METHODS

In this open-label, randomised trial, we enrolled infants born at less than 34 weeks of gestation with no major malformation from three public health facilities in India. Eligible infants were tracked from birth and randomly assigned (1:1) at 4 months corrected age to receive complementary feeding at 4 months corrected age (4 month group), or continuation of milk feeding and initiation of complementary feeding at 6 months corrected age (6 month group), using computer generated randomisation schedule of variable block size, stratified by gestation (30 weeks or less, and 31-33 weeks). Iron supplementation was provided as standard. Participants and the implementation team could not be masked to group assignment, but outcome assessors were masked. Primary outcome was weight for age Z-score at 12 months corrected age (WAZ12) based on WHO Multicentre Growth Reference Study growth standards. Analyses were by intention to treat. The trial is registered with Clinical Trials Registry of India, number CTRI/2012/11/003149.

FINDINGS

Between March 20, 2013, and April 24, 2015, 403 infants were randomly assigned: 206 to receive complementary feeding from 4 months and 197 to receive complementary feeding from 6 months. 22 infants in the 4 month group (four deaths, two withdrawals, 16 lost to follow-up) and eight infants in the 6 month group (two deaths, six lost to follow-up) were excluded from analysis of primary outcome. There was no difference in WAZ12 between two groups: -1·6 (SD 1·2) in the 4 month group versus -1·6 (SD 1·3) in the 6 month group (mean difference 0·005, 95% CI -0·24 to 0·25; p=0·965). There were more hospital admissions in the 4 month group compared with the 6 month group: 2·5 episodes per 100 infant-months in the 4 month group versus 1·4 episodes per 100 infant-months in the 6 month group (incidence rate ratio 1·8, 95% CI 1·0-3·1, p=0·03). 34 (18%) of 188 infants in the 4 month group required hospital admission, compared with 18 (9%) of 192 infants in the 6 month group.

INTERPRETATION

Although there was no evidence of effect for the primary endpoint of WAZ12, the higher rate of hospital admission in the 4 month group suggests a recommendation to initiate complementary feeding at 6 months over 4 months of corrected age in infants less than 34 weeks of gestation.

FUNDING

Indian Council of Medical Research supported the study until Nov 14, 2015. Subsequently, Shuchita Gupta's salary was supported for 2 months by an institute fellowship from All India Institute Of Medical Sciences, and a grant by Wellcome Trust thereafter.

Anthropometric trends from 1997 to 2012 in infants born at ⩽28 weeks' gestation or less

OBJECTIVE

Postnatal growth failure is common after preterm birth, in particular for infants born at ⩽28 weeks' gestation, but it is unknown if growth-to-term equivalent age has improved over the years as neonatal intensive care in general, and infant nutrition in particular, have improved. The objective of the study was to evaluate anthropometric trends at NICU discharge for infants born at ⩽28 weeks' gestation using a large national database.

STUDY DESIGN

Analysis of growth in weight, length, head circumference and body mass index (kg m²) in 23 005 infants born in 1997 to 2012 who survived to neonatal intensive care unit discharge at ⩽41 weeks' postmenstrual age.

RESULTS

Discharge weight, length, head circumference and body mass index were converted to Z-scores using a reference database, and growth trends over the 16 years were summarized. Discharge results also were summarized for common neonatal morbidities, including chronic lung disease. Gestational age at birth and postmenstrual age at discharge were similar across the 16 years. Discharge weight, length and head circumference Z-scores were all below the median, but head circumference Z-scores consistently were closer to the median than were weight and length. In 1997 compared with 2012, the weight Z-score improved from -1.5 to -0.6; the length Z-score increased the least, from -1.68 to just -1.16; the head circumference Z-score improved from -0.68 to -0.30; and the body mass index Z-score increased from -0.66 to 0.19. Percent small-for-gestational age at birth was stable across the years at 8.4 to 9.3%, and the frequency of postnatal growth failure at discharge improved from 55.4% in 1997 to 19.6% in 2012.

CONCLUSIONS

Growth-to-discharge progressively improved from 1997 to 2012, but Z-scores remained below the reference median for weight, length and head circumference. Length Z-scores were consistently significantly less than for weight, and body mass index Z-scores have been above the reference median since 2002. Prospective studies are needed to quantify anthropometric trends in relation to body composition and to current nutritional strategies.

Neurodevelopmental outcomes and nutritional strategies in very low birth weight infants

The developing brain of the very low birth weight (VLBW) infant is highly sensitive to effects of the nutritional milieu during the neonatal hospitalization and after discharge. Strategies to optimize nutritional care play an important role in reducing long-term neurodevelopmental morbidities in this population. Currently available interventions to ensure that the unique nutrient requirements of the VLBW infant are met include various dietary fortification strategies and parenteral nutrition. In this article, we review evidence regarding nutritional strategies and their beneficial effects on neurodevelopment in VLBW infants. We also highlight gaps in current knowledge and areas of current investigation that hold promise for improving nutritional care and long-term outcomes.

Impact of Early Nutritional Intake on Preterm Brain: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association between early nutritional intake and brain development assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

STUDY DESIGN

A cohort of neonates born at ≤30 weeks gestational age underwent MRI at term equivalent age. Brain maturation and injury were assessed using the Kidokoro score. Two groups were defined by severity of the scores. The associations between macronutrients intake during the first 2 weeks of life, clinical factors, and imaging scores were analyzed using logistic regression.

RESULTS

MRI scores from group 1 patients (n = 27) were normal to mildly abnormal (0-5). Group 2 (n = 15) had more abnormal scores (6-12). The median gestational ages (IQR) were 27.4 (1.9) weeks in group 1 and 27.0 (2.9) weeks in group 2, with birth weights of 900 (318) g (group 1) and 844 (293) g (group 2). In group 2, energy, lipid, and carbohydrate intake were significantly lower than in group 1. Group 2 also showed higher rates of sepsis and clinical risk scores than group 1. After adjustments in bivariate models, higher energy and lipid intake remained significantly associated with improved scores on MRI. This association was stronger for the gray matter component of the score.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher energy and lipid intake during the first 2 weeks after birth was associated with a lower incidence of brain lesions and dysmaturation at term equivalent age in preterm neonates.

Optimizing nutrition of the preterm infant

The goal of nutrition of the preterm infant is to meet the growth rate of the healthy fetus of the same gestational age and to produce the same body composition of the healthy fetus in terms of organ growth, tissue components, and cell number and structure. Nutritional quantity and quality are fundamental for normal growth and development of preterm infants, including neurodevelopmental outcomes. Failure to provide the necessary amounts of all of the essential nutrients has produced not only growth failure, but also increased morbidity and less than optimal neurodevelopment. Growth velocities during the NICU hospitalization period for preterm infants exert a significant effect on neurodevelopmental and anthropometric outcomes. Despite the obvious need for optimal nutrition, growth failure is almost universal among preterm infants. There is every reason, therefore, to optimize nutrition of the preterm infant, in terms of total energy and protein, but also in terms of individual components such as amino acids, specific carbohydrates and lipids, and even oxygen. This review presents scientific rationale for nutrient requirements and practical guidelines and approaches to intravenous and enteral feeding for preterm infants. Intravenous feeding, including amino acids, should be started right after birth at rates that are appropriate for the gestational age of the infant. Enteral feeding should be started as soon as possible after birth, using mother's colostrum and milk as first choices. Enteral feeding should begin with trophic amounts and advanced as rapidly as tolerated, decreasing IV nutrition accordingly, while maintaining nutrient intakes at recommended rates. Feeding protocols are valuable for improving nutrition and related outcomes. Further research is needed to determine the optimal nutrition and rate of growth in preterm infants that will achieve optimal neurocognitive benefits while minimizing the longer-term risk of chronic diseases.

Fetal and Postnatal Head Circumference Growth: Synergetic Factors for Neurodevelopmental Outcome at 2 Years of Age for Preterm Infants

Preterm infants present higher risk of non-optimal neurodevelopmental outcome. Fetal and postnatal growth, in particular head circumference (HC), is associated with neurodevelopmental outcome.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to calculate the relationship between HC at birth, HC delta Z-score (between birth and hospital discharge), and non-optimal neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years of corrected age in preterm infants.

METHODS

Surviving infants born ≤34 weeks of gestation were included in the analysis. The relationship between the risk of being non-optimal at 2 years and both HC at birth and HC growth was assessed. The 2 Z-scores were considered first independently and then simultaneously to investigate their effect on the risk of non-optimality using a generalized additive model.

RESULTS

A total of 4,046 infants with both HC measures at birth and hospital discharge were included. Infants with small HC at birth (Z-score <-2 SD), or presenting suboptimal HC growth (dZ-score <-2 SD), are at higher risk of non-optimal neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years (respectively OR 1.7 [95% CI 1.4-2] and OR 1.4 [95% CI 1.2-1.8]). Interestingly, patients cumulating small HC Z-score at birth (-2 SD) and presenting catch-down growth (HC dZ-score [-2 SD]) have a significantly increased risk for neurocognitive impairment (OR >2) while adjusting for gestational age, twin status, sex, and socioeconomic information.

CONCLUSIONS

HC at birth and HC dZ-score between birth and hospital discharge are synergistically associated to neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years of corrected age, in a population-based prospective cohort of preterm infants born ≤34 weeks of gestation.

New body composition reference charts for preterm infants

BACKGROUND

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended that nutritional management of the preterm infant should aim to achieve body composition that replicates the in utero fetus, but intrauterine body composition reference charts for preterm infants are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to create body composition reference curves for preterm infants that approximate the body composition of the in utero fetus from 30 to 36 wk of gestation.

DESIGN

A total of 223 ethnically diverse infants born at 30 + 0 to 36 + 6 wk of gestation were enrolled. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were specified so that the sample would represent healthy appropriately growing fetuses (e.g., singleton, birth weight appropriate for their gestational age, and medically stable). Cross-sectional reference values were generated for fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), and percentage body fat (PBF) by gestational age (GA), with the use of air-displacement plethysmography (ADP) and the lambda-mu-sigma method for percentile estimation.

RESULTS

GA-specific percentile values and a percentile and z score calculator for FFM, FM, and PBF are presented. These values aligned closely with ADP centile values published for term infants from 36 to 38 wk of gestation. The medians were also similar to the mean values for the reference fetus derived from chemical analysis previously.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, these are the first body composition reference charts for total FM and FFM at birth in preterm infants to assist in following AAP guidelines. Future work will test the clinical utility of body composition monitoring for improving nutritional management in this population. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02855814.

Enhanced nutrition improves growth and increases blood adiponectin concentrations in very low birth weight infants

Background

Adequate nutrient supply is essential for optimal postnatal growth in very low birth weight (VLBW, birth weight<1,500 g) infants. Early growth may influence the risk of metabolic syndrome later in life.

Objective

To evaluate growth and blood metabolic markers (adiponectin, leptin, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)) in VLBW infants participating in a randomized nutritional intervention study.

Design

Fifty VLBW infants were randomized to an enhanced nutrient supply or a standard nutrient supply. Thirty-seven infants were evaluated with growth measurements until 2 years corrected age (CA). Metabolic markers were measured at birth and 5 months CA.

Results

Weight gain and head growth were different in the two groups from birth to 2 years CA (weight gain: p_interaction=0.006; head growth: p_interaction=0.002). The intervention group improved their growth z-scores after birth, whereas the control group had a pronounced decline, followed by an increase and caught up with the intervention group after discharge. At 5 months CA, adiponectin concentrations were higher in the intervention group and correlated with weight gain before term (r=0.35) and nutrient supply (0.35≤r≤0.45). Leptin concentrations correlated with weight gain after term and IGF-1 concentrations with length growth before and after term and head growth after term (0.36≤r≤0.53).

Conclusion

Enhanced nutrient supply improved early postnatal growth and may have prevented rapid catch-up growth later in infancy. Adiponectin concentration at 5 months CA was higher in the intervention group and correlated positively with early weight gain and nutrient supply. Early nutrition and growth may affect metabolic markers in infancy.

Clinical Trial Registration (ClinicalTrials.gov) no.: NCT01103219

Cohort study of growth patterns by gestational age in preterm infants developing morbidity

OBJECTIVES

To examine differences in growth patterns in preterm infants developing major morbidities including retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) and intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH).

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study of 2521 infants born at a gestational age (GA) of 23-30 weeks from 11 level III neonatal intensive care units in USA and Canada, and 3 Swedish population-based cohorts.

OUTCOMES

Birth weight and postnatal weight gain were examined relative to birth GA and ROP, BPD, NEC and IVH development.

RESULTS

Among infants with a birth GA of 25-30 weeks, birth weight SD score and postnatal weight were lower in those developing ROP and BPD. Infants developing ROP showed lower growth rates during postnatal weeks 7-9 in the 23-24 weeks GA group, during weeks 4-6 in the 25-26 weeks GA group and during weeks 1-5 in the 27-30 weeks GA group. Infants with BPD born at 27-30 weeks GA showed lower growth rates during postnatal weeks 3-5. Infants with NEC had lower growth rates after postnatal week 6 in all GA groups, with no significant differences in birth weight SD score. IVH was not associated with prenatal or postnatal growth.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort study of extremely preterm infants, we found that the postnatal growth pattern was associated with morbidities such as ROP, BPD and NEC as well as with gestational age at birth.

Preterm human milk composition: a systematic literature review

There are wide variations in the macronutrient values adopted by neonatal intensive care units and industry to fortify milk in efforts to achieve recommended intakes for preterm infants. Contributing to this is the variation in macronutrient composition of preterm milk between and within mothers and the variable quality of milk analyses used to determine the macronutrient content of milk. We conducted a systematic review of the literature using articles published in English between 1959 and 2013 that reported the concentrations of one or more macronutrients or energy content in human preterm milk, sampled over a representative 24-h period. Searched medical databases included Ovid Medline, Scopus, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library. Results are presented as mean values and ranges for each macronutrient during weeks 1-8 of lactation, and preferred mean values (g/100 ml) for colostrum (week 1) and mature milk (weeks 2-8; protein: 1·27, fat: 3·46, lactose: 6·15 and carbohydrate: 7·34), using data from studies employing the highest-quality analyses. Industry-directed fortification practices using these mean values fail to meet protein targets for infants weighing <1000 g when the fortified milk is fed <170-190 ml/kg per d, and the protein:energy ratio of the fortified milk is inadequate. This study aimed to provide additional information to industry in order to guide their future formulation of breast milk fortifiers. Quality macronutrient analyses of adequately sampled preterm breast milk would improve our understanding of the level of fortification needed to meet recommended protein and energy intakes and growth targets, as well as support standardised reporting of nutritional outcomes.

Failure to Thrive Hospitalizations and Risk Factors for Readmission to Children's Hospitals

OBJECTIVES

Risk factors for failure to thrive (FTT) readmissions, including medical complexity, have not been described. We sought to characterize children hospitalized for FTT and identify risk factors associated with FTT-specific readmissions during the current era of increasing medical complexity among hospitalized children.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study used the Pediatric Health Information System database of 43 freestanding children's hospitals across the United States. The cohort included children <2 years of age with index hospitalizations for FTT between 2006 and 2010. The main outcome was FTT-specific readmission within 3 years. Using Cox proportional hazards models, we assessed the association of demographic, clinical, diagnostic, and treatment characteristics with FTT-specific readmission.

RESULTS

There were 10 499 FTT hospitalizations, with 14.1% being readmitted for FTT within 3 years and 4.8% within 30 days. Median time to readmission was 66 days (interquartile range, 19-194 days). Nearly one-half of children (40.8%) had at least 1 complex chronic condition (CCC), with 16.4% having ≥2 CCCs. After multivariable modeling, increasing age at admission, median household income in the lowest quartile (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.23 [95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.44]), and prematurity-related CCC (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.46 [95% confidence interval, 1.16-1.86]) remained significantly associated with readmission.

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly one-half of children hospitalized for FTT had a CCC, and a majority of FTT-specific readmissions occurred after the traditional 30-day window. Children with prematurity-related conditions and low median household income represent unique populations at risk for FTT readmissions.

Is targeted fortification of human breast milk an optimal nutrition strategy for preterm infants? An interventional study

Background

Fortifying human milk contributes to the prevention of postnatal growth failure in preterm infants. Because of the natural variability of human milk, targeted fortification of human milk has been advocated. However, data regarding the efficacy and safety of prolonged targeted fortification are scarce. We aimed to assess the safety of targeted fortification of human milk in preterm infants compared with standard fortification, as well as the effects on infant growth.

Methods

We conducted an interventional study during hospital stay in healthy very low birth weight preterm infants who were exclusively fed human milk. Pools of human milk collected for 24 h were analysed using mid-infrared transmission spectroscopy. Targeted fortification of human milk was performed by adding macronutrients to native human milk to obtain optimal ratios of fat (4.4 g), carbohydrates (8.8 g), and protein (3 g) per 100 ml. The intervention period lasted 4–7 weeks. Weekly weight and daily growth rates were compared with those of a standardized fortification group of very low birth weight preterm infants who received standard fortified human milk (n = 10). The osmolality as well as the metabolic and gastrointestinal tolerance were monitored. Intergroup differences were evaluated using the Mann–Whitney U-test.

Results

A total of 10 preterm infants (birth weight 1223 ± 195 g; gestational age 29.1 ± 1.03 weeks) were enrolled and 118 samples of pooled milk were analysed. On average, 1.4 ± 0.1 g of protein, 2.3 ± 0.5 g of carbohydrate, and 0.3 ± 0.1 g of fat per 100 ml were added to the milk. Osmolality values after target fortification were within recommended limits (376 ± 66 mOsml/kg). Weekly weight gain (205.5 g; 95 % CI 177–233 vs 155 g; 95 % CI 132–178; p = 0.025) and daily growth rates (15.7 g/kg/day; 95 % CI 14.5–16.9 vs 12.3 g/kg/day; 95 % CI 10.7–13.9; p = 0.005) were higher in infants receiving target fortification than in infants receiving standardized fortification. The infants receiving targeted fortified milk consumed similar volumes as infants in the standardized fortification group (148 ± 4.5 vs 146 ± 4 ml/kg/day). No signs of either gastrointestinal or metabolic intolerance were observed.

Conclusions

Target fortification appears to promote growth in very low birth weight preterm infants without any detrimental effects.

Trial registration NCT02716337

Improving growth in preterm infants during initial hospital stay: principles into practice

Despite recent innovations in nutritional care, postnatal growth failure between birth and hospital discharge remains a significant problem in preterm infants. Whether or not it is entirely preventable is unclear. What is clear is that feeding practices and growth outcomes vary widely between neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). This partly reflects lack of data in key areas but it also reflects inconsistent translation of principles into practice and limitations in the way infants are fed and growth monitored in the NICU. These issues will be reviewed, in the process underline the key roles that audit, standardised feeding protocol, individualised nutritional care and a nutritional support team play in improving outcome in these high-risk infants.

Comparing apples with apples: it is time for standardized reporting of neonatal nutrition and growth studies

The ultimate goal of neonatal nutrition care is optimal growth, neurodevelopment, and long-term health for preterm babies. International consensus is that increased energy and protein intakes in the neonatal period improve growth and neurodevelopment, but after more than 100 y of research the optimum intakes of energy and protein remain unknown. We suggest an important factor contributing to the lack of progress is the lack of a standardized approach to reporting nutritional intake data and growth in the neonatal literature. We reviewed randomized controlled trials and observational studies documented in MEDLINE and the Web of Science from 2008 to 2015 that compared approximately 3 vs. 4 g.kg(-1).d(-1) protein for preterm babies in the first month after birth. Consistency might be expected in the calculation of nutritional intake and assessment of growth outcomes in this relatively narrow scope of neonatal nutrition research. Twenty-two studies were reviewed. There was substantial variation in methods used to estimate and calculate nutritional intakes and in the approaches used in reporting these intakes and measures of infant growth. Such variability makes comparisons amongst studies difficult and meta-analysis unreliable. We propose the StRONNG Checklist-Standardized Reporting Of Neonatal Nutrition and Growth to address these issues.

Physiological adjustment to postnatal growth trajectories in healthy preterm infants

BACKGROUND

International guidelines suggest that growth of preterm infants should match intrauterine rates. However, the trajectory for extrauterine growth may deviate from the birth percentile due to an irreversible, physiological loss of extracellular fluid during postnatal adaptation to extrauterine conditions. To which "new" physiological growth trajectory preterm infants should adjust to after completed postnatal adaptation is unknown. This study analyzes the postnatal growth trajectories of healthy preterm infants using prospective criteria defining minimal support, as a model for physiological adaptation.

METHODS

International, multi-center, longitudinal, observational study at five neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Daily weights until day of life (DoL) 21 of infants with undisturbed postnatal adaptation were analyzed (gestational ages: (i) 25-29 wk, (ii) 30-34 wk).

RESULTS

981 out of 3,703 admitted infants included. Maximum weight loss was 11% (i) and 7% (ii) by DoL 5, birth weight regained by DoL 15 (i) and 13 (ii). Infants transitioned to growth trajectories parallel to Fenton chart percentiles, 0.8 z-scores below their birth percentiles. The new trajectory after completed postnatal adaptation could be predicted for DoL 21 with R(2) = 0.96.

CONCLUSION

This study provides a robust estimate for physiological growth trajectories of infants after undisturbed postnatal adaptation. In the future, the concept of a target postnatal trajectory during NICU care may be useful.

Structured promotion of breastmilk expression is associated with shortened hospitalisation for very preterm infants

AIM

This study assessed neonatal outcomes following implementation of a structured, practical approach for promotion of breastmilk expression in mothers of very preterm infants.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary team developed a protocol that focussed on the enhancement of expression of human milk by mothers of very preterm infants. A pre- and poststudy intervention was subsequently performed. The group of infants enrolled in this time period was compared to a pre-intervention group from 2010. Outcomes assessed included breastmilk expression, initiation of feeding, re-attainment of birthweight, attainment of full enteral feeding, the incidence of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), sepsis and duration of hospitalisation.

RESULTS

In total, 82 infants (39,43) were included. While there was no statistically significant difference in earlier initiation of enteral feeding with EBM (median = 2 days) nor earlier achievement of fully enteral feeding (median = 12 days), birthweight was regained earlier in the postintervention cohort (mean = 10.42 days; p = 0.038) and there was a reduced length of stay (mean = 50 days; p = 0.021).

CONCLUSION

A structured, focussed, multimodal approach to enhance breastmilk production has shown potential for producing positive end outcomes, particularly, a significant reduction in duration of hospitalisation.

Preventing postnatal growth restriction in infants with birthweight less than 1300 g

AIM

To examine nutritional and growth outcomes in very preterm infants with a birthweight (BW) of ≤1300 g before and after the introduction of enhanced enteral and parenteral nutrition protocols.

METHODS

A comparison of two historical cohorts.

RESULTS

There were 153 infants in cohort 1 and 118 in cohort 2. A total of 19% were growth restricted at birth in both cohorts. Feeds advanced more quickly in cohort 2, with decreased duration of central lines and TPN; breastmilk fortification occurred sooner. Calorie and protein intakes were increased during all of the first 14 days of life. Adverse clinical outcomes were unchanged, including NEC. The proportion of infants discharged <10th percentile of expected weight, decreased from 23% to 9%. In cohort 2, the z-score for body weight decreased by 0.39, compared to an average 1.03 in cohort 1 (p < 0.001). Head circumference and body weight were also significantly improved at discharge (p < 0.01), but length was improved to a lesser degree.

CONCLUSION

Early and enhanced postnatal intravenous and enteral feeding can provide good postnatal growth among very immature infants without adverse effects. Calorie and particularly protein intake in early life could probably be further optimised.

Antropometria e composição corporal de recém-nascidos pré-termo na idade gestacional e no peso equivalente ao termo

OBJETIVO: Analisar o crescimento e a composição corporal de recém-nascidos pré-termo na idade gestacional corrigida de termo e ao alcançarem um peso entre 3,0 e 3,5 kg. MÉTODOS: Estudo longitudinal, realizado no Instituto Fernandes Figueira, Rio de Janeiro, com 39 recém-nascidos pré-termo e que apresentaram muito baixo peso ao nascer. Medidas antropométricas e água corporal total foram avaliadas no primeiro, no sétimo e no dia da recuperação do peso de nascimento, na idade gestacional corrigida do termo e em torno de três semanas de idade gestacional corrigida (correspondente ao tempo de vida para alcançar um peso entre 3,0 e 3,5 kg). O grupo de referência foi constituído por 32 recém-nascidos a termo, adequados para a idade gestacional, avaliados no segundo dia de vida. Considerou-se restrição de crescimento o escore-Z menor do que -2 para peso, comprimento e perímetro cefálico. RESULTADOS: Na idade de termo, 71,8% dos recém-nascidos pré-termo apresentaram restrição do crescimento para peso, 61,5% para comprimento e 25,6% para perímetro cefálico. Com três semanas de idade gestacional corrigida, esses recém-nascidos apresentaram a prega cutânea tricipital e a circunferência abdominal estatisticamente maiores que o grupo de referência enquanto o comprimento e a porcentagem de água corporal total foram menores. CONCLUSÃO: Os recém-nascidos pré-termo apresentaram perfil antropométrico e de água corporal diferente dos recém--nascidos a termo, sugerindo acúmulo de gordura. Houve recuperação do crescimento entre a idade de termo e três semanas de idade corrigida, sendo mais evidente esse crescimento em relação ao perímetro cefálico e peso.