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Energy expenditure in the extremely low-birth weight infant
1Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA. cleitch@iupui.edu
Clinics in Perinatology
|February 26, 2000
Summary
Energy needs for extremely low-birth weight infants are not well-defined due to limited data on intake and expenditure variability. Current estimates suggest requirements likely exceed those of very low-birth weight infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal nutrition
- Pediatric metabolism
Background:
- Survival rates for extremely low-birth weight (ELBW) infants are improving.
- Accurate data on the energy requirements of ELBW infants is limited.
- Metabolizable energy intake is approximately 87% of caloric intake.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on energy requirements in ELBW infants.
- To highlight the variability and lack of established recommendations.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on energy balance and expenditure in premature infants.
- Analysis of factors influencing energy intake and expenditure.
Main Results:
- Energy expenditure increases with postnatal age in premature infants.
- Significant variability exists in energy requirements due to multiple influencing factors.
- No definitive recommendations for optimal energy requirements can be made.
Conclusions:
- Optimal energy requirements for ELBW infants remain undetermined.
- ELBW infant energy needs likely surpass those of very low-birth weight infants (105-135 kcal/kg/day).
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