Effects of high versus standard early protein intake on growth of extremely low birth weight infants

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Luca Maggio1, Francesco Cota, Francesca Gallini

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. luca.maggio@fastwebnet.it

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|January 6, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Early aggressive protein intake in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants improved weight and length growth outcomes at discharge. This highlights the benefits of high protein nutrition immediately after birth for ELBW infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal nutrition
  • Pediatric growth and development
  • Intensive care medicine

Background:

  • Early protein intake is crucial for limiting catabolism and promoting growth in infants.
  • Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants are at risk for growth faltering due to nutritional challenges.
  • Optimizing early nutrition is essential for improving outcomes in vulnerable neonates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of early aggressive protein intake on the growth outcomes of ELBW infants.
  • To compare growth parameters between ELBW infants receiving higher protein intake and historical controls.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of ELBW infants without major congenital anomalies or renal failure, hospitalized at 36 weeks postmenstrual age, was studied.
  • An experimental group (HP) received 20% greater early protein intake compared to a historical control group (SP).
  • Growth outcomes, including weight loss, birth weight regain, and z-scores for weight and length, were assessed.

Main Results:

  • The high protein (HP) group demonstrated significantly greater mean protein intake during the first 14 days of life (3.1 vs. 2.5 g/kg/d).
  • HP infants experienced lower postnatal weight loss and earlier regain of birth weight compared to the SP group.
  • HP infants showed a reduced fall in weight and length z-scores from birth to discharge, with no significant differences in blood urea nitrogen or bicarbonate levels.

Conclusions:

  • Early high protein intake is associated with improved weight and length growth outcomes in ELBW infants at discharge.
  • Aggressive protein supplementation immediately after birth appears beneficial for the growth of ELBW infants.
  • These findings support the implementation of enhanced protein nutrition strategies for ELBW neonates.
Abstract

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