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Early nutrition of very low birth weight infants

Ekhard E Ziegler1, Susan J Carlson

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52241, USA. ekhard-ziegler@uiowa.edu

The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine : the Official Journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians
|March 31, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Early nutritional support for very low birth weight (VLBW) infants is crucial for neurocognitive development. While parenteral nutrition is initially key, human milk trophic feeds aid gut maturation, though nutrient deficits persist.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatalogy
  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Historically, delayed nutritional support in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants stemmed from safety concerns.
  • This delay has been linked to impaired neurocognitive development in later life.
  • Current consensus emphasizes immediate nutritional support upon birth for VLBW infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the shift in clinical practice towards immediate nutritional support for VLBW infants.
  • To outline the current approach to nutritional management, balancing parenteral and enteral routes.
  • To underscore the ongoing challenge of nutrient deficits despite optimized feeding strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current evidence and clinical consensus on neonatal nutrition.
  • Description of the transition from parenteral nutrition to trophic feedings (human milk preferred).
  • Discussion of the role of trophic feeds in gastrointestinal maturation.

Main Results:

  • Immediate nutritional support is now standard for VLBW infants.
  • Parenteral nutrition is primary initially, with trophic feeds stimulating gut development.
  • Nutrient deficits, though reduced, remain a challenge in VLBW infant nutrition.

Conclusions:

  • Prompt initiation of nutritional support is vital for VLBW infants.
  • A combined parenteral and trophic feeding approach facilitates gut maturation and development.
  • Further research and strategies are needed to eliminate nutrient deficits in VLBW infants.

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