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Feeding problems in the late preterm infant

David H Adamkin1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40201, USA. david.adamkin@louisville.edu

Clinics in Perinatology
|December 7, 2006
PubMed

Insights

This review focuses on the nutritional management of late preterm infants (34-36 weeks gestation). It addresses key nutritional issues for this often-overlooked group of newborns.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal nutrition
  • Perinatal medicine
  • Pediatric gastroenterology

Background:

  • Neonatal nutrition research often prioritizes very low birth weight infants (<33 weeks gestation).
  • Nutritional management for late preterm infants (34-36 weeks gestation) receives less focus.
  • This population represents a significant portion of neonatal admissions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the specific nutritional challenges and management strategies for late preterm infants.
  • To highlight the importance of tailored nutritional support in this gestational age range.
  • To provide a comprehensive overview for clinicians managing these infants.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies focusing on neonatal nutrition.
  • Analysis of nutritional requirements and feeding practices for infants born between 34 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks gestation.
  • Synthesis of current evidence-based recommendations.

Main Results:

  • Late preterm infants have unique nutritional needs distinct from term and earlier preterm infants.
  • Specific challenges include transition to enteral feeding, growth, and micronutrient adequacy.
  • Evidence-based guidelines for optimizing nutrition in this group are presented.

Conclusions:

  • Optimized nutritional management is crucial for late preterm infants' growth and development.
  • Further research is needed to refine nutritional protocols for this specific population.
  • Addressing the nutritional gaps in late preterm infants can improve long-term outcomes.

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