Calcium and phosphorus retention in the preterm infant during total parenteral nutrition. A comparative randomised...

Area of Science:

• Neonatology
• Pediatric Nutrition
• Mineral Metabolism

Background:

• Preterm infants receiving parenteral nutrition are susceptible to demineralization.
• This condition is partly due to inadequate retention of Calcium (Ca) and Phosphorus (P).
• Optimizing mineral supply is crucial for bone health in very low birthweight infants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a novel parenteral solution designed to augment Ca and P retention.
• To compare the efficacy of a high Ca and P formulation versus a conventional one.
• To assess the impact on serum parathormone levels in very low birthweight infants.

Main Methods:

• A standardized parenteral solution with calcium gluconate and glucose-1-phosphate (Phocytan) was prepared.
• Twenty-eight very low birthweight infants were randomized into two groups: high Ca P (n=15) and low Ca P (n=13).
• Daily retention rates for Ca and P, and serum parathormone levels were measured.

Main Results:

• The high Ca P group exhibited significantly higher retention rates: 80% for Ca and 99% for P.
• The low Ca P group showed lower retention rates: 70% for Ca and 82% for P.
• Serum parathormone levels were significantly lower in infants receiving the high Ca P supplement.

Conclusions:

• Parenteral nutrition with the new high Ca P supplement significantly improves Ca and P retention in very low birthweight infants.
• This enhanced retention may serve as a preventative strategy against neonatal bone demineralization.
• The findings support the use of this specialized formulation for optimizing mineral balance in preterm neonates.