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Weight loss and bronchopulmonary dysplasia in very low birth weight infants

Ayala Maayan-Metzger1, Ram Mazkereth, Jacob Kuint

  • 1Department of Neonatology, The Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba, Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel. maayan@post.tau.ac.il

Fetal and Pediatric Pathology
|September 19, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Excessive weight loss in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants does not prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and may increase the risk. Controlled fluid restriction leading to milder weight loss is recommended for these vulnerable infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatalogy
  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Perinatal Medicine

Background:

  • Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a significant complication in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants.
  • Understanding factors influencing BPD development, including early postnatal weight changes, is crucial for improving outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the extent of weight loss in VLBW preterm infants.
  • To determine the correlation between weight loss, gestational age, infant size, and the incidence of BPD.

Main Methods:

  • An observational study involving 387 VLBW preterm infants (gestational age < 33 weeks) over 5 years.
  • Comparison of weight loss between appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and small for gestational age (SGA) infants.
  • Statistical analysis to identify correlations between weight loss, gestational age, z-score, sex, and BPD, with adjustments for birth weight.

Main Results:

  • Mean weight loss was significantly greater in AGA infants compared to SGA infants.
  • In AGA infants, gestational age, z-score, weight loss, and male sex correlated with BPD.
  • A 10% increase in body weight loss independently increased the risk of developing BPD by a factor of 2.7 after adjusting for gestational age and birth weight.

Conclusions:

  • Excessive postnatal weight loss does not prevent BPD in VLBW preterm infants and is associated with an increased risk.
  • Controlled fluid restriction strategies aimed at minimizing weight loss may be beneficial in reducing BPD incidence.

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