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Recapitulating Suckling-to-Weaning Transition In Vitro using Fetal Intestinal Organoids
08:15

Recapitulating Suckling-to-Weaning Transition In Vitro using Fetal Intestinal Organoids

Published on: November 15, 2019

Weaning preterm infants: an open issue

Silvia Fanaro1, Vittorio Vigi

  • 1Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Italy. fnrslv@unife.it

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|December 1, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Optimizing nutrition for preterm infants after hospital discharge is crucial for growth. Current weaning practices lack guidelines, potentially leading to malnutrition and growth deficits in these vulnerable infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatalogy
  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Survival rates for very low birth weight (VLBW) infants have increased, but neurodevelopmental and growth issues persist.
  • Postnatal growth restriction and nutrient deficits are common in VLBW infants due to in-hospital growth failure.
  • Effective nutritional intervention post-discharge is essential to prevent malnutrition and correct acquired deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the critical need for optimized nutritional strategies in VLBW infants after hospital discharge.
  • To address the current lack of clear guidelines and parental reliance in infant weaning practices.
  • To emphasize the importance of considering individual infant nutritional needs during the weaning process.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on VLBW infant nutrition and growth post-discharge.
  • Analysis of the role of nutrient-enriched formulas and their clinical value.
  • Examination of weaning practices and their impact on preterm infant nutrition.

Main Results:

  • Nutrient-enriched formulas show some benefits, but their overall clinical value is not definitively established.
  • Weaning represents a significant nutrient source for preterm infants but has received limited research attention.
  • Current weaning practices are often parent-led, lacking specific guidelines and individualized nutritional considerations.

Conclusions:

  • There is a pressing need for evidence-based guidelines for weaning preterm infants to ensure adequate nutrition and support optimal growth.
  • Individualized nutritional assessment and intervention are crucial during the transition to solid foods for VLBW infants.
  • Further research is required to understand and optimize the role of weaning in the long-term health of preterm infants.

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